ATLANTA – Huber Engineered Materials (HEM) is renaming its Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) business unit Fire Retardant Additives. The new name more accurately reflects the vast array of non-halogen fire retardant and smoke suppressant technologies, brands and products now offered for a variety of end-use applications.

“While ATH remains a key focus of our strategy, we have an even more robust portfolio of other fire retardant offerings that demonstrates our commitment to the industry and our customers,” said Jerry Bertram, Vice President and General Manager of HEM’s Industrial Minerals business. “So, we updated the name to capture the essence of the business and where it’s going for future growth.”

In 2010, HEM made a key acquisition and initiated a tolling agreement to bolster its fire retardant additive business. Huber continues to offer its customers a broad line of natural and precipitated magnesium hydroxide (MDH) grades.

With the recent acquisition of the Kemgard® flame retardant and smoke suppressant business from Sherwin-Williams and our agreement with Almatis to sell and market their specialty hydrates, the timing was right to create a name that encompasses the stronger brand and product line-up,” said Bertram.

HEM, a division of the J.M. Huber Corp., has been a supplier of fire retardant additives for over 30 years.