Formed in 2022 as a combination of Prince International Corporation, Chromaflo Technologies, and Ferro Corporation, Vibrantz Technologies is a manufacturer of specialty mineral and chemical additives serving the paints, coatings, thermoset plastics, thermoplastics, and residential and commercial construction markets.
How does leading a new entity like Vibrantz Technologies compare to your experience at more traditional, legacy industry giants?
Leading Vibrantz Technologies is similar to some of my past experiences, especially with Ingevity (a carve-out from WestRock Company) where we started from scratch, creating a new identity, strategy, culture, and values. Similarly, when we formed Vibrantz, we combined three legacy companies into one cohesive entity. Each had over 100 years of history, so we conducted culture surveys and worked to understand commonalities and differences before finalizing the merger. This process was not just about combining companies under a new name but a complete reorganization into three distinct business units.
This was more complex than my Ingevity experience, involving a transformational M&A of three companies, greatly increasing the level of difficulty and elevating the risks involved. At Vibrantz, we had to assess the competitive landscape, understand our potential, and design a plan to maximize it. While some lessons from my past experiences were applicable, the unique dynamics of merging three distinct entities demanded a fresh approach. With transformational M&A, the stakes are high, but I believe we've successfully navigated these challenges, leveraging what worked in the past while adapting to new circumstances.
How is Vibrantz driving changes in advanced materials and sustainable solutions to evolve its portfolio?
One of our key innovations is Pearls, a technology developed over a decade at our Sittard facility in the Netherlands. It is the first volumetrically dosed tinting technology for water-based paints, eliminating harmful chemicals found in traditional solvent- and water-based dispersions. A more sustainable and efficient solution with benefits such as reduced environmental impact, zero preservatives, and extended shelf life, this innovation also solves logistical challenges for industries like automotive refinishing, where long-term color stability is essential.
In September, we broke ground on our first commercial-scale Pearls facility in Sittard, set to be operational by 2026. This groundbreaking was a major milestone, with over 200 point-of-sale dispensers already in use across Europe. Enthusiasm from our early adopting European customers has been tremendous so we aim to meet this growing market pull. Once Europe is established, we plan to pivot quickly to other regions, with the U.S. as the next logical step. In the U.S., we've already begun testing with five units deployed at large paints and coatings customers. We also set up a showroom in our Ashtabula, Ohio facility to showcase the technology and engage with customers. Our comprehensive solution includes not just the Pearls product but also dispensing equipment and software to create an infinite range of colors with precision.
This year Vibrantz Technologies acquired the specialty alumina manufacturer Micro Abrasives. What was the motivation behind this, and are there plans for more M&A?
Micro Abrasives was our first acquisition as Vibrantz, complementing our Advanced Materials business. They produce lapping materials used in the production of wafers as key components for semiconductors, which aligns with our role in supplying slurries for semiconductor manufacturing. This addition strengthens our presence in the semiconductor value chain and optical lens polishing space.
Our focus remains on organic growth, as seen in innovations like Pearls, but M&A plays a strategic role. Micro Abrasives is a small, complementary acquisition that offers cost and market synergies. While future acquisitions are possible, our primary goal is to invest in sustainable technologies that drive organic growth.
Can you elaborate on Vibrantz's efforts in sustainability, particularly in recycling and energy efficiency?
Our infrared reflective pigments, or "cool colors," are a standout example. These pigments enhance energy efficiency by reflecting infrared radiation, reducing cooling needs in buildings by up to 20%. This has significant applications in roofing and building paints, especially in hotter climates. Another innovation addresses the recyclability of dark plastics. Traditional black plastics, colored with carbon black, although they may be recyclable, actually cannot be detected by infrared sorting technologies and often end up as waste. Our pigments allow these dark plastics to be sorted and recycled, making a substantial impact. Around 30-35% of all plastics are black or dark, so this technology has tremendous potential, especially as regulations around recycling grow stricter.
Historically we’ve made a product called electrolytic manganese dioxide (the cathodic material in disposable alkaline batteries) but we also make a high-purity battery-grade manganese sulfate that goes into cathodic materials for lithium-ion batteries critical for electric and hybrid vehicles. Today, we are the only western producer, producing them at our facility in Tertre, Belgium. We have had a pilot operation running in our Tampico, Mexico facility that is now coming to a close. We’re close to making a final investment decision on the first commercial-scale capacity in North America which our customers are clamoring for. It’s in such high demand that we have customers willing to prepay, reserve, and pre-fund the capital for us to build a facility. We did a lifecycle analysis on the process and the carbon footprint is an order of magnitude smaller than existing processes.
You’ve previously commented that safety is your paramount concern. How far along is Vibrantz Technologies toward its goal of being a zero-injury workplace?
Since our formation, we've invested millions in machine guarding to prevent injuries and eliminate open blades, reducing laceration incidents to nearly zero. Our total recordable injury rate has improved from 1.65 to 0.56, a 65% reduction, with one business unit, even achieving a rate of 0.24.
Every meeting, from global town halls to shift briefings, begins with a discussion on safety. While we've made great strides, we're not satisfied and continue to push for a safer workplace through both cultural and equipment improvements.
What are Vibrantz Technologies’ plans amid uncertainties and potential regulatory and market changes going into 2025?
We are proactively focused on scenario planning to prepare for potential changes, such as tariffs and new regulations. Plastic pollution is a great example of an issue that needs global agreements and international cooperation to make a real difference. That’s why the UN’s Global Compact Initiative and other plastic initiatives are so important.
There are some 14 million tons of plastic a year being introduced into our oceans and we’re finding microplastics and non-plastics in everything from the food we eat to human bodies, which is frightening. By analyzing various possibilities, we aim to develop a flexible playbook to adapt accordingly and quickly.
