Michelman, Inc
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1949
- HeadquartersCincinnati, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Michelman, Inc firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Michelman, Inc
- Legal name
- Michelman, Inc.
- Website
- https://michelman.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1949
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Michelman, Inc industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Coatings and Surface Modifiers
- NAICS
- Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)
- SIC
- Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Packaging & Can Coatings (IMAEAGAF), Wood Coatings & Finishes (IMAEAHAF)
Keywords
Where Michelman, Inc is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cincinnati
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Michelman, Inc business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Specialty Coatings and Surface Modifiers: Michelman develops, manufactures, and sells specialized water-based coatings and surface modifiers for packaging, digital printing, composites, agriculture, and industrial applications. Revenue is generated through direct product sales to converters, brand owners, and manufacturers.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Michelman, Inc product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Michelman develops, manufactures, and sells proprietary water-based coatings and surface modifiers sold to industrial converters and brand owners. Its portfolio spans HP Indigo-certified digital print primers and overprint coatings, recyclable paper and flexible-packaging barrier and heat-seal coatings, fiber sizings for composites, agricultural seed and fertilizer coatings, PFAS-free technical textile finishes, bio-based architectural additives, corrosion-protection polymers, and polish emulsions. The company operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, and Singapore, with innovation centers across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific.
Product overview
Michelman, Inc. is a global developer and manufacturer of specialized sustainable chemistry serving agricultural coatings, architectural coatings, digital printing, foodservice packaging, and advanced composites for automotive and aerospace industries. The company's product portfolio is organized into distinct product families: DigiPrime® and DigiGuard® for digital printing (including HP Indigo-specific primers and overprint coatings); Hydrosize® and Hydrosize® Carbon for fiber sizing in composites; VaporCoat®, Michem® Flex, and HydraBan® for barrier and functional coatings in flexible and rigid packaging; NatureShield® for bio-based architectural coatings; Unyte® for technical textiles; ProHere® for industrial coatings; Licomer® for polishes; and NurtureYield® for agricultural seed and fertilizer coatings. Recent product launches include Nuvita® Life 4002 and 4605 bio-based barrier coatings (April 2026), Hydrosize® 1202 fiber sizing (February 2026), and DigiPrime® Vision 9200 primer (February 2026). The company operates globally with production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DigiPrime: Digital printing primers certified for HP Indigo presses
- DigiGuard
- Hydrosize
- Hydrosize Carbon
- NurtureYield
- VaporCoat
- Michem Flex
- NatureShield
- Unyte
- Nuvita Life
- DigiPrime Vision
- JetPrime
- ProHere
- Licomer
Products and services
- DigiPrime® (digital printing primers) Water-based inline and offline digital printing primers certified for HP Indigo presses, delivering superior ink adhesion, runnability, and print quality across labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, and commercial print substrates (including recyclable materials). Target customers are HP Indigo press users — converters, label producers, and commercial printers.
- DigiGuard® (overprint coatings) Water-based and UV-curable overprint varnishes and strengtheners that increase durability and enhance the look and feel of inkjet-printed materials, providing mechanical, water, chemical, and thermal resistance in combination with DigiPrime primers. Used by label converters and HP Indigo print service providers.
- JetPrime® (inkjet primers) High-performance primers for inkjet printing that improve print quality and ink adhesion on film and paper substrates, serving inkjet press users and converters.
- Hydrosize® (fiber sizing solutions for composites) Water-based fiber sizing solutions that optimize fiber-polymer interface adhesion and enhance composite mechanical performance for glass, carbon, and natural fibers in thermoplastic, thermoset, and high-temperature resin matrices. Used by composite manufacturers serving automotive, aerospace, and industrial lightweighting.
- Hydrosize® Carbon (carbon-fiber-specific sizing) Water-based sizing solutions specifically tailored for carbon fiber composites, optimizing interfacial adhesion and providing enhanced mechanical performance and thermal stability. Sold to carbon-fiber composite manufacturers.
- VaporCoat® (recyclable paper barrier coatings) Recyclable water-based coatings that confer high barrier properties — moisture vapor barrier, water resistance, and grease resistance — to paper-based packaging and wraps. Used by paper converters and brand owners developing recyclable packaging.
- Michem® Flex (flexible packaging barrier coatings) Multi-functional barrier coatings for flexible packaging that deliver water, oil, and grease resistance with PFAS-free formulations and food contact compliance. Used by flexible packaging converters and brand owners.
- HydraBan® (paper water-resistance coatings) Water-based barrier coatings providing water resistance for paper-based packaging applications. Sold to packaging converters.
- Nuvita® Life 4002 and 4605 (bio-based barrier coatings) Bio-based, 100% bio-based-in-dry-film, microplastic-free barrier coatings (Nuvita Life 4002 heat seal coating and Nuvita Life 4605 topcoat) for fiber-based retail food packaging including pouches, sachets, flow wraps, and tea envelopes. Compliant with EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Used by packaging converters and consumer goods brand owners.
- Michem® Coat 9250 (recyclable hot cup coating) Next-generation water-based coating enabling recyclability of paper cups, with higher solids, cleaner organoleptics, and enhanced resistance to hot beverages; compatible with ultrasonic, servo, and high-speed cup-forming equipment. Used by paper cup manufacturers and foodservice packaging converters.
- NatureShield® (bio-based architectural additives) Bio-based surface modifiers containing at least 50% naturally-derived content per ASTM D6866 testing, for wood and concrete coatings providing abrasion, scratch, and water resistance. Sold to architectural and industrial coatings manufacturers.
- Unyte® (technical textile coatings) PFAS-free water-based surface treatments for technical textiles, enhancing adhesion, thermal resistance, lubricity, print receptivity, water and chemical resistance, and anti-blocking properties. Used by technical textile manufacturers in construction, medical, automotive, and protective applications.
- ProHere® (industrial / metal corrosion coatings) Waterborne polymers and surface modifiers for industrial coatings providing corrosion protection, lubricity, and appearance enhancement for metal coatings. Used by industrial coatings manufacturers in metalworking, can/coil, and maintenance applications.
- Licomer® (polish emulsions) Polymer dispersions and wax emulsions for floor, automotive, furniture, and household polishes, delivering gloss, durability, buffability, and slip resistance. Used by polish formulators in automotive care, furniture polish, and industrial/institutional floor care.
- NurtureYield® (agricultural coatings) Microplastic-free seed coating polymers and fertilizer anti-caking agents designed to improve food security while reducing environmental impact, with sub-products such as NurtureYield S 3201 delivering up to 95% dust reduction versus conventional coatings. Used by seed companies and fertilizer manufacturers.
Quantifiable outcome
- NurtureYield® seed coatings reduce dust formation by up to 95% compared to conventional coatings
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Michelman, Inc
Customer profileSegments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Michelman, Inc technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature11 records
Michelman, Inc partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- UPM Specialty MaterialscoreMulti-year collaboration to develop validated paper-based packaging concepts compliant with EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Combines UPM's fiber materials with Michelman's bio-based coatings and BOBST's coating line expertise. Two concepts developed: one for moisture/mineral oil barriers (tea bags, oatmeal, sugar stick-packs) and another for oxygen barriers (cookies, chocolate).
- BOBSTcorePartnership combining BOBST's coating line expertise with UPM's fiber materials and Michelman's bio-based coatings to develop EU-compliant paper packaging concepts. Both concepts are designed for compatibility with existing packaging lines and will be showcased at Interpack 2026.
- Connell CaldiccoreExpanded distribution solutions partner agreement covering Japan (exclusive representation) and Indian Subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) for Michelman's complete solutions portfolio and coatings/functional coatings business. Leverages Connell Caldic's extensive network and market expertise in key Asian growth markets.
- HP IndigocoreLong-standing partnership spanning nearly 20 years focused on digital printing solutions. Michelman develops primers and overprint coatings specifically certified for HP Indigo Digital Presses (6K, 8K, V12). Products developed collaboratively with HP Indigo R&D, hardware, materials, and support teams.
- Texpertise NetworkminorFeatured in Texpertise Network sustainability showcase highlighting Michelman's innovation in sustainable textile chemistry and PFAS-free Unyte® coatings.
- ReifenhäuserminorJoint presence at Interpack 2026 through partnership ecosystem coordinated by BOBST, including co-created sample demonstrations and exclusive yacht event.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Michelman, Inc competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- BASF: Global chemical major with a substantial coatings, dispersions, and additives portfolio serving packaging, automotive, and industrial markets. Overlaps Michelman's water-based coatings and surface modifiers but at vastly larger scale and broader end-market coverage.
- PPG Industries: One of the world's largest paints and coatings companies serving industrial, packaging, automotive, and architectural end markets. Directly comparable to Michelman in industrial and protective coatings, though PPG operates at far greater scale and brand recognition.
- Sherwin-Williams: Global coatings leader with industrial, packaging, and architectural segments. Comparable to Michelman in industrial and wood coatings, though Sherwin-Williams' portfolio is heavily weighted to architectural and consumer-facing paints.
Direct peers
- RPM International: Holding company for a federation of specialty coatings, sealants, and building solutions businesses (Tremco, Stonhard, Carboline). Closely comparable to Michelman as a specialty coatings manufacturer serving industrial, infrastructure, and packaging markets through multiple niche brands.
- Ashland: Specialty chemical company supplying coatings additives, rheology modifiers, and adhesives for personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets. Direct peer for Michelman's coating additives and surface modifiers business serving similar B2B converter customers.
- Lubrizol (Berkshire Hathaway): Specialty chemicals business supplying polymer additives, coatings, and surface modification technologies for industrial and consumer markets. Directly comparable to Michelman in water-based polymer dispersions and performance additives.
- H.B. Fuller: Global formulator of specialty adhesives, sealants, and coatings for packaging, hygiene, construction, and industrial applications. Closely comparable to Michelman in water-based packaging coatings and barrier solutions for converters.
- Sika AG: Swiss specialty chemicals company producing sealants, adhesives, and coatings for construction, automotive, and industrial markets. Comparable to Michelman's industrial coatings and surface modifiers portfolio, particularly in concrete and metal protection.
- Buckman Laboratories: Privately held specialty chemical manufacturer focused on performance chemistry for industrial markets including paper, packaging, and water treatment. Comparable to Michelman as a privately held, sustainability-focused specialty chemicals formulator with B2B converter customers.
- Element Solutions: Specialty chemicals company producing high-performance coatings, plating, and electronics materials serving industrial and electronics customers. Comparable to Michelman in specialty water-based and functional coatings, though more weighted toward electronics assembly.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Michelman, Inc social profiles
Digital presenceMichelman, Inc compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Michelman, Inc financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Michelman, Inc leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Michelman, Inc funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Michelman, Inc M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Michelman, Inc
What does Michelman, Inc do?
Michelman develops, manufactures, and sells proprietary water-based coatings and surface modifiers sold to industrial converters and brand owners. Its portfolio spans HP Indigo-certified digital print primers and overprint coatings, recyclable paper and flexible-packaging barrier and heat-seal coatings, fiber sizings for composites, agricultural seed and fertilizer coatings, PFAS-free technical textile finishes, bio-based architectural additives, corrosion-protection polymers, and polish emulsions. The company operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, and Singapore, with innovation centers across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific.
Is Michelman, Inc a public or private company?
Michelman, Inc is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Michelman, Inc founded?
Michelman, Inc was founded in 1949. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Michelman, Inc based?
Michelman, Inc is headquartered in Cincinnati, United States, in the North America region.
How does Michelman, Inc make money?
One revenue line is on record: specialty Coatings and Surface Modifiers.
Who are Michelman, Inc's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are BASF, PPG Industries and Sherwin-Williams. Direct peers are RPM International, Ashland, Lubrizol (Berkshire Hathaway), H.B. Fuller, Sika AG, Buckman Laboratories and Element Solutions.
Does Michelman, Inc have an API?
No public API is recorded for Michelman, Inc.
What industry is Michelman, Inc in?
Michelman, Inc's product category is Specialty Coatings and Surface Modifiers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAGAB, Industrial & Protective Coatings, with a secondary code of IMAEAGAF, Packaging & Can Coatings. Its NAICS code is 325510 and its SIC code is 2851.