Houghton International Inc. has completed its acquisition of Henkel’s North American Steel Mill business. Key product lines included in the transaction are the rolling oils, pickle oils, wet temper fluids and steel mill specific cleaners. In addition, through this acquisition, Houghton has gained vital resources in sales, technology and business development to continue to serve existing and new customers in this industry.

This acquisition marks Houghton’s latest strategic investment in specialty chemicals that enables the company to better serve its North American steel industry customer base. “This acquisition will bring together two talented teams driving innovation and providing highly specialized industry expertise for our Steel Mill customers,” said Paul DeVivo, CEO of Houghton International. “We welcome the Henkel Steel Mill employees to the Houghton family and look forward to combining our experiences and industry knowledge.”

Founded in 1865, Houghton International Inc. produces and markets specialty chemicals, oils and lubricants for the steel, metalworking, automotive, aerospace, bearing, offshore and aluminum industries, along with a variety of other markets. Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pa., USA, Houghton maintains manufacturing, distribution and research facilities throughout the world.

In late 2012, Houghton International was acquired by Hinduja group's Gulf Oil for approximately $1.1 billion.