Grace
W. R. Grace & Co. is a global specialty chemicals company producing catalysts, adsorbents, synthetic silicas, and fine chemicals, and licensing UNIPOL® polypropylene process technology to industrial customers in refining, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and coatings.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1832
- HeadquartersColumbia, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Grace does
W. R. Grace & Co. is a global specialty chemicals and engineered materials company founded in 1832 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with 1,001–5,000 employees and operations spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific through more than 21 manufacturing plant sites. The company operates four core product lines — Adsorbents, Catalysts, Fine Chemicals (CDMO), and Synthetic Silicas — anchored by proprietary technologies such as the world's first synthetic fluid cracking catalysts (1942), RANEY® nickel catalysts (1926), ultra-stable Y zeolite (1964), SYLOID® silica (1949), and the UNIPOL® Polypropylene (PP) Process Technology licensed from Dow Chemical in 2013.
Grace generates revenue through three primary mechanics: (1) direct B2B sales of specialty catalysts, adsorbents, and silicas to refining, chemical processing, plastics, coatings, and pharmaceutical customers; (2) licensing of UNIPOL® PP process technology — including UNIPOL UNIPPAC® advanced process control software, CONSISTA®/SHAC®/MAGNAPORE® catalysts, and the REFLECTN™ digital plant simulator — to a global base of 77+ operating plants and 20+ plants in design/construction, supported by the PPartner Program™ services community; and (3) contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) of custom APIs, cGMP intermediates, regulatory starting materials, and 15 generic APIs at U.S.-based South Haven, MI and Tyrone, PA facilities. The go-to-market is enterprise-led direct sales with quote-based B2B pricing and no public list pricing.
Following Standard Industries' $70-per-share take-private transaction in 2021, Grace operates as the flagship of Standard Industries' Performance Materials platform. In 2025, Grace acquired Chevron's interest in the Advanced Refining Technologies (ART) hydroprocessing catalysts joint venture, making ART a wholly-owned subsidiary and consolidating Grace's position as a global leader in hydroprocessing catalysts for refining and renewable fuels. The company is privately held and no current revenue figures are publicly disclosed.
Grace firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Grace
- Legal name
- W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
- Website
- https://grace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1832
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- W. R. Grace & Co. is a global specialty chemicals company producing catalysts, adsorbents, synthetic silicas, and fine chemicals, and licensing UNIPOL® polypropylene process technology to industrial customers in refining, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and coatings.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Grace industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Chemicals
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Resin and Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing (32521), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890), Plastic Materials, Synth Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers (2821), Plastic Material, Synth Resin/Rubber, Cellulos (No Glass) (2820)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialty Polymers & Resins (Engineered Materials) (IMAEABAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Drug Substance–Drug Product Integrated CDMO (HLAGABAG), Contract Development & Manufacturing for Generics (CDMO/CMO) (HLAIABAI), Small-Molecule Drug Product (Solid/Oral/Parenteral) CDMO (HLAGABAB)
Keywords
Where Grace is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbia
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices39 records
Markets served
Grace business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Specialty Chemicals Products: Sale of specialty chemicals including catalysts, adsorbents, synthetic silicas, and fine chemicals to industrial customers across refining, chemical processing, plastics, coatings, and pharmaceutical industries. Revenue is product-driven with repeat customer relationships.
- UNIPOL® PP Technology Licensing: Licensing of UNIPOL® Polypropylene Process Technology to producers globally. Includes process package, catalyst offerings, APC software (UNIPOL UNIPPAC®), and technical services. Generates licensing fees and ongoing royalty stream through PPartner Program™ services.
- Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO): Fine Chemical Manufacturing Services (FCMS) providing custom APIs, cGMP intermediates, RSMs, and generic APIs to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. Revenue from clinical through commercial-scale manufacturing. 15 DMFs for generic APIs.
- AI-Driven Chemical Synthesis Collaboration: Multi-year strategic agreement with Molecule.one to accelerate peptide building block synthesis using AI and automation for pharmaceutical production.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Grace product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Grace is a global specialty chemicals and materials technology company that manufactures and sells catalysts, adsorbents, synthetic silicas, and fine chemicals, and licenses its proprietary UNIPOL® polypropylene process technology to polyolefin producers worldwide. It also provides fine chemicals contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO) for pharmaceutical and biotech customers. Its products are deployed across petroleum refining, polyolefin production, paints and coatings, personal care, food and beverage, life sciences, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Product overview
Grace operates as a global specialty chemicals company organized into four core product lines (Adsorbents, Catalysts, Fine Chemicals, and Synthetic Silicas) plus a licensed technology platform (UNIPOL® Polypropylene Process Technology). The company also maintains a contract development and manufacturing organization (FCMS/CDMO) for pharmaceuticals. Key product brands include SYLOID® and DAVISIL® silicas, VYVID™ superparamagnetic silica, VYDAC® chromatography resins, CONSISTA® and MAGNAPORE® polyolefin catalysts, ActivCat® FCC catalysts, and SILSOL® drug delivery technology. The UNIPOL® PP Technology platform encompasses licensed process technology, UNIPOL UNIPPAC® process control software, REFLECTN™ digital plant simulator, CONSISTA® and SHAC® catalysts, and UNIPOL® donors. Grace's Fine Chemicals CDMO operates U.S.-based facilities in South Haven, MI and Tyrone, PA providing custom APIs, generic APIs, and regulatory starting materials.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UNIPOL UNIPPAC®: Process control software for UNIPOL® PP production plants
- CONSISTA®
- VYDAC®
- DAVISIL®
- VYVID™
- SYLOID®
- SILSOL®
- LUDOX®
- ActivCat®
- MAGNAPORE®
- PARAGON™
- REFLECTN™
- PPartner Program™
Products and services
- UNIPOL® Polypropylene Process Technology A licensed polypropylene (PP) process technology platform used by the majority of the world's polypropylene producers to manufacture homopolymers, random copolymers, and impact copolymers, including UNIPOL UNIPPAC® process control software and continuous catalyst improvements.
- UNIPOL UNIPPAC® Process Control Software Process control software sold with UNIPOL® polypropylene licenses to monitor, control, and optimize PP plant operations.
- Catalysts (FCC, Hydroprocessing, Polyolefin, RANEY) Grace's full catalysts portfolio including FCC catalysts and additives (e.g., ActivCat®, PARAGON™), hydroprocessing catalysts (ART Hydroprocessing™), polyolefin catalysts (CONSISTA®, SHAC®, MAGNAPORE®, ACP), and RANEY® skeletal nickel catalysts, sold to refiners and chemical producers.
- Synthetic Silicas Synthetic silica products including SYLOID® silica matting agents for paints and coatings, LUDOX® colloidal silica, PERKASIL® silica, SILSOL® silica for personal care active delivery, DAVISIL® and VYDAC® chromatography silicas for bioseparations, and VYVID™ superparamagnetic silica for diagnostics.
- Adsorbents (Molecular Sieves) Molecular sieve and zeolite adsorbents including SAFETYSORB® and SYLOSIV® used for drying, purification, and contaminant removal in industrial, food, and consumer applications.
- Fine Chemicals Manufacturing Services (FCMS) Pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO) covering custom APIs, generic APIs, registered starting materials (RSMs), and intermediates for the entire drug lifecycle from clinical to commercial supply, including complex chemistries and high-potency compounds.
Quantifiable outcome
- UNIPOL UNIPPAC® APC Software delivers 5-9% throughput increase, 3-6% off-grade reduction, 3% onstream time improvement, 35% monomer efficiency improvement
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use Grace
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Grace technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature17 records
Grace partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Valuates ReportsminorValuates Reports market research identifies Clariant and Grace as holding the largest market share in the global silica gel desiccant market, valued at $860 million in 2025.
- QYResearchminorQYResearch published detailed catalyst market industry report 2026-2032, projecting market growth from $29.36 billion to $38.97 billion at 4.0% CAGR, analyzing Grace as a key market player.
- Molecule.onecoreMulti-year strategic agreement to transform peptide building block synthesis using AI and automation. Molecule.one's AI platform combined with Grace's manufacturing capabilities to improve efficiency and scale in pharmaceutical production.
- Chevron U.S.A. Inc.coreGrace acquired Chevron's interest in Advanced Refining Technologies (ART), the joint venture and global leader in hydroprocessing catalysts. The acquisition supports the refining industry's energy transition, enhances operational efficiencies, and enables Grace to focus on market segments aligned with strategic goals including renewable fuels. ART becomes a wholly owned Grace subsidiary.
- Sohar University and OQminorGrace, Sohar University, and OQ inaugurated the first DCR™ Pilot Plant in Oman. The partnership supports catalyst technology development and training in the region.
- Oriental Energy Co. Ltd.coreOriental Energy selected Grace's UNIPOL® PP Process Technology; Grace expanded operating UNIPOL® PP technology capacity in China with Oriental Energy. Oriental Energy also signed a second UNIPOL® PP Technology license for PC Guangxi.
- PetroChina GuangDongcoreGrace marked another Asia polypropylene start-up milestone with PetroChina GuangDong. Partnership for UNIPOL® PP process technology in China's Guangdong province.
- BraskemcoreGrace congratulated Braskem for first year of successful operation with UNIPOL® PP technology. Brazilian polyolefin producer successfully operating UNIPOL® PP plant.
- Egyptian Polypropylene ProducercoreNew UNIPOL® Polypropylene Technology licensee in Egypt. Grace welcomed new PP technology licensee representing expansion of UNIPOL® footprint in the Middle East/Africa region.
- Indonesian Polypropylene ProducercoreNew UNIPOL® Polypropylene Technology licensee in Indonesia. Grace expanded its Southeast Asian UNIPOL® PP technology presence with new Indonesian licensee.
- China Coal Shaanxi Energy & Chemical Group Co., Ltd.coreGrace licensed second UNIPOL® Polypropylene Process Technology reactor to China Coal Shaanxi Energy & Chemical Group Co., Ltd., representing expansion of UNIPOL® PP licensing in China.
- PC GuangxicoreGrace expanded presence in China with PC Guangxi by signing second UNIPOL® PP Technology license. Oriental Energy-affiliated entity selected Grace technology for second PP plant.
- Standard Industries Challenge (AI/ML for Chemistry)minorStandard Industries Challenge puts AI and ML to work for chemistry innovation; Grace participates in this innovation ecosystem to advance chemical synthesis research.
- Nayara Energy LimitedcoreGrace expanded polypropylene operating capacity in India with Nayara Energy Limited. Startup of Nayara Energy's 450 KTA polypropylene plant in India using UNIPOL® PP process technology.
Scale indicators19 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Grace competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- PPG Industries: Global coatings manufacturer that is a key customer for Grace's SYLOID® silica matting agents. While not a direct competitor, PPG represents a major downstream channel for Grace's coatings-grade silica products.
Direct peers
- Honeywell UOP: Direct competitor in refining catalysts, particularly FCC and hydroprocessing, serving the same petroleum refining customers globally. Competes head-to-head with Grace's PARAGON™ FCC and ART Hydroprocessing™ portfolios.
- Clariant: Co-leader with Grace in the global silica gel desiccant market and a direct peer in specialty silicas, catalysts, and adsorbents for refining, coatings, and pharmaceutical applications.
- Albemarle Corporation: Specialty chemicals peer with overlapping pharmaceutical fine chemicals capabilities; Grace acquired Albemarle's Fine Chemistry Services business in 2021, indicating direct portfolio overlap in CDMO and catalysts.
- Evonik Industries: German specialty chemicals company with strong positions in silica (AEROSIL®), catalysts, and engineered materials directly competing with Grace's synthetic silicas and specialty catalyst franchises.
- Solvay (Syensqo): Specialty silica producer and broader specialty chemicals competitor with overlap in pharmaceutical excipients, performance silica, and engineered materials serving similar industrial and life sciences customers.
Broad incumbents
- Cabot Corporation: Specialty chemicals and performance materials company with overlap in silica-based products, rubber/industrial additives, and battery materials, serving similar industrial end-markets.
- Dow Chemical: Licensor of UNIPOL® Polypropylene Process Technology to Grace, and one of the world's largest polypropylene producers. Dow is both a critical IP partner and an indirect competitor in polyolefins.
- BASF: World's largest chemical company with overlapping portfolios in catalysts, specialty chemicals, and engineered materials. BASF was also Grace's former rival in polyolefin catalysts before Grace acquired its polyolefin catalyst business in 2016.
Others
- LyondellBasell: One of the world's largest polypropylene producers and a UNIPOL® PP technology licensee customer. Represents both a major licensee (customer relationship) and an indirect competitor through its own PP catalyst and process technology operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Grace social profiles
Digital presenceGrace compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance14 records
Grace financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Grace leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Grace subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Grace funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Grace M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A13 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Grace
What does Grace do?
Grace is a global specialty chemicals and materials technology company that manufactures and sells catalysts, adsorbents, synthetic silicas, and fine chemicals, and licenses its proprietary UNIPOL® polypropylene process technology to polyolefin producers worldwide. It also provides fine chemicals contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO) for pharmaceutical and biotech customers. Its products are deployed across petroleum refining, polyolefin production, paints and coatings, personal care, food and beverage, life sciences, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Is Grace a public or private company?
Grace is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Grace founded?
Grace was founded in 1832. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Grace based?
Grace is headquartered in Columbia, United States, in the North America region.
How does Grace make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Specialty Chemicals Products are the primary driver. The others are UNIPOL® PP Technology Licensing, contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO) and AI-Driven Chemical Synthesis Collaboration.
Who are Grace's main competitors?
PPG Industries is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Honeywell UOP, Clariant, Albemarle Corporation, Evonik Industries and Solvay (Syensqo). Broad incumbents are Cabot Corporation, Dow Chemical and BASF. LyondellBasell is listed as an others.
Does Grace have an API?
No public API is recorded for Grace.
What industry is Grace in?
Grace's product category is Specialty Chemicals. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEABAK, Specialty Polymers & Resins (Engineered Materials), with a secondary code of HLAGABAG, Drug Substance–Drug Product Integrated CDMO. Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2890.