Preferred Compounding buys customer rubber compounder Kleen Polymers

Kleen-PolymersCustomer rubber compounder Preferred Compounding has acquired Kleen Polymers, a custom rubber compounder based in Wadsworth, Ohio in the US that specialises in non-black elastomeric compounds.

The acquisition of Kleen expands Preferred’s mixing capability in ultra-clean colour, high-performance compounds. Terms were not announced for the deal, which came in effect on September 25, 2017.

Kleen has significant expertise in colour compounding of high-performance elastomers.

The Kleen compounding business will be integrated into Preferred’s North American operations and the plant will operate as Preferred Compounding – Kleen Polymers. Rick Marefka, principal at Kleen Polymers, will remain with the company and join the Preferred management team.

“Kleen is a high-value-added company that shares our commitment to consistent quality, technical excellence and high levels of customer service,” said Ken Bloom, Preferred president and CEO. “This acquisition is a perfect fit for us to expand our product capabilities and our ability to comprehensively serve our customers. We are excited to have Rick join our organisation and look forward to working together to bring our customers a broader offering of high-quality colour compounds.”

Preferred is the second largest custom rubber compounder in North America with mixing operations in Ohio, Georgia, Tennessee, Mexico and Wisconsin. Other recent growth initiatives include signing a lease for a second building in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and bringing online a second Farrel F-270 at its Tennessee operation in February, doubling capacity at that plant.

Preferred and Kleen supply proprietary and custom mixed rubber compounds and components for automotive, industrial, oil and gas and other markets.