Founded in 1957 around sodium borohydride chemistry, Ascensus Specialties manufactures specialty chemicals and reagents that help pharmaceutical, life-science, pulp and paper, and electronics companies make their products. Its operations span three ISO-certified U.S. sites and a U.K. facility, including a near-zero-waste hydroelectric plant in Elma, Washington and a Pennsylvania plant operating for more than 80 years. Ascensus is particularly known for large-scale sodium borohydride production, along with cGMP manufacturing and custom chemistry support.
ISO-certified operations
ChemStewards®
Compliance program
ISO
Quality certification
Ascensus SpecialtiesFounded in 1957 around sodium borohydride chemistry, Ascensus Specialties has grown into a specialty chemical manufacturer serving industrial and life-science customers. Its identity is rooted in long-running American and European production, including an Elma, Washington facility powered by hydroelectricity and a Pennsylvania plant that has operated for more than 80 years. The company is particularly known for large-scale sodium borohydride production and supports customers with custom chemistry and cGMP manufacturing.EVANS CITY, PA
Optima Chemical GroupEstablished in 1991, Optima Chemical Group develops and manufactures specialty chemicals, providing custom and toll manufacturing from laboratory work through full-scale production. Its two U.S. plants support high-energy, hazardous and sensitive chemistry at scale, while the company’s own product line has grown from organometallic chemistry into more than 300 boronic acids. Optima also brings a notable safety record, including 19 years of safety, health and environmental awards and more than 60 customer audits since 2006.BELLE, WV
Island Group Enterprises LLCFor more than 45 years, Island Group Enterprises has manufactured and supplied specialty chemicals to the Armed Services while building a seven-company industrial group spanning chemicals, aerospace and defense, and technology. Its operations extend across four continents, from chemical processing in Pennsylvania to a 135,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Hyderabad that produces more than 500 metric tons of sodium azide annually. The group also makes cellulose triacetate films in Germany and develops semiconductor equipment components through Ion Technology Solutions.MINEOLA, NY
Gelest, IncFounded in 1991 by Dr. Barry Arkles, Gelest develops and manufactures specialty chemical materials that help advanced technologies take shape. From its Pennsylvania operations, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group company scales custom chemistry from laboratory samples to commercial production, with particular depth in silicone and organosilane research and in materials for microelectronics, medical devices, and life-science applications. Gelest’s quality management system is certified to ISO 9001.MORRISVILLE, PA