Founded in 2003, Boron Specialties is a privately held, woman-owned small business that began manufacturing in 2012. Based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, it is known for specialized boron chemistry and works with customers to develop and scale materials for demanding technical applications.
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
RoCoFounded in 2014, RoCo is a women-owned Pittsburgh small business known for turning ionic-liquid research into custom materials for industrial and research customers. Its scientist-led team develops tailored chemistries and supports their evaluation from laboratory quantities through scale-up, with work focused especially on energy and sustainable materials.PITTSBURGH, PA
Barium & Chemicals, IncSince 1937, Barium & Chemicals, Inc. has manufactured inorganic specialty chemicals, growing from barium peroxide production in Willoughby into a 180,000-square-foot Steubenville operation producing more than 80 compounds. The family-owned company remains under third-generation leadership and is known for custom manufacturing, precise particle sizing, and military-specification work tailored to demanding applications. Its ISO 9001:2015 quality system supports customers from its Ohio River facility.STEUBENVILLE, OH
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