COFERMIN Group

What COFERMIN Group does

COFERMIN Group is a privately held German specialty raw materials trading and distribution group headquartered in Essen, operating through seven wholly-owned business units organized as GmbH & Co. KG limited partnerships: COFERMIN Rohstoffe (minerals and specialty raw materials), COFERMIN Chemicals (industrial and food/feed chemicals), COFERMIN Chrome (chrome ore and chromium oxide), MINERALS (chamotte, alumina, specialty minerals), EEG / Essener Erzhandelsgesellschaft (iron-containing raw materials), IMagine (synthetic magnesia and friction materials, founded 2021), and COFERMIN Nutrition (food, feed, and fertilizer ingredients). The group acts as an intermediary between international raw material producers (principals) and industrial customers, offering exclusive or non-exclusive distribution, sales agency, and market development services rather than manufacturing products. Revenue is generated on a transaction-fee basis via quote-based B2B pricing with no public disclosure of rates.

The company serves refractory, foundry, metallurgy, ceramics, construction chemicals, building materials, food/feed/fertilizer, glass, friction/abrasives, welding, coatings, paper, water treatment, and related industrial sectors, with named principals and partnerships across more than 19 countries including South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Norway, Japan, China, India, Chile, Portugal, Turkey, and Egypt. Long-tenured exclusive distribution partnerships — including ARM Andalusite (since 2004), LANXESS (since 2009), TITANIA (50+ years), and Refracer (since 2000) — anchor the model, supported by certifications including IFS Broker (COFERMIN Chemicals, recertified at higher level in 2025) and GMP+. GTM is enterprise field sales organized by business unit, with relationship-led international development rather than digital channels; LinkedIn, Brevo newsletter, and content marketing provide top-of-funnel awareness.

The group is owner-managed under a Supervisory Board chaired by Stefan Pfeiffer with founder Tim Geldmacher as board member; Martin Polczyk was appointed CEO in February 2026 alongside a bench of Managing Directors heading individual subsidiaries. There is no disclosed institutional investor, no public funding, and no revenue disclosure; growth has been organic and partnership-led across more than two decades.

Name

COFERMIN Group

Legal name

COFERMIN Rohstoffe GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://cofermin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

COFERMIN Group is a privately held German specialty raw materials trading and distribution group headquartered in Essen, acting as an intermediary between international raw material producers and industrial customers across refractory, foundry, metallurgy, ceramics, construction chemicals, and food/feed sectors through seven business units.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Essen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Raw Materials Trading and Distribution: COFERMIN generates revenue through trading and distributing specialty raw materials including minerals, chemicals, and additives. The company acts as an intermediary between suppliers (principals) and industrial customers, providing market access, supply chain management, and distribution services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

COFERMIN Group is a privately-held German raw materials trading and distribution company that acts as an intermediary between international raw material producers (principals) and industrial customers. It distributes specialty and secondary raw materials, minerals, chemicals, and additives across refractory, foundry, metallurgy, ceramics, construction materials, food, feed, and fertilizer sectors through dedicated business units. The company provides market access, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain management services rather than manufacturing products itself.

Product overview

COFERMIN Group is a raw materials trading and distribution company offering a diversified portfolio across multiple business units: COFERMIN Rohstoffe (raw materials and minerals), COFERMIN Chemicals (industrial chemicals), COFERMIN Chrome (chrome products), MINERALS (mineral commodities), EEG (iron-containing raw materials), IMagine (specialty magnesia and additives), and COFERMIN Nutrition (food and feed ingredients). The company serves industrial sectors including refractory, foundry, metallurgy, ceramics, construction materials, construction chemicals, food/feed/fertilizer, glass, friction/abrasives, welding, coal washing, paint/coatings/resins, paper/textile/leather, detergents, ore processing, coolants/lubricants, galvanization, and water treatment. COFERMIN acts as intermediary between suppliers and customers, providing market access, distribution, and sourcing services rather than manufacturing products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• COFERMIN Rohstoffe: Core raw materials trading and distribution division handling minerals, specialty raw materials, refractories
• COFERMIN Chemicals
• COFERMIN Chrome
• MINERALS
• EEG
• IMagine
• COFERMIN Nutrition

Products and services

• COFERMIN Rohstoffe - Raw Materials Trading and Distribution Distribution of specialty and secondary raw materials, minerals, and additives for industrial customers in refractory, foundry, metallurgy, ceramics, and construction materials sectors.
• COFERMIN Chemicals - Industrial Chemicals Distribution Distribution of industrial chemicals, food-grade chemicals, rosin products, boric acid, and feed additives to industrial customers in DACH region and Europe.
• COFERMIN Chrome - Chrome Ore and Chromium Products Distribution of chrome ore, chrome sand, chromium oxide, and related chromite products for refractory and metallurgical industries, including marketing partnership with LANXESS for chromium oxide and SAMANCOR Chrome.
• MINERALS - Mineral Commodities Trading Distribution of mineral commodities including andalusite, chamotte, fused magnesite, alumina, silica fume, wollastonite, and other specialty minerals for refractory, foundry, ceramics, and construction applications.
• EEG - Iron-Containing Raw Materials Trading Distribution of iron-containing raw materials, ores, and metallurgical inputs for steel and non-ferrous metal production industries.
• IMagine - Specialty Magnesia and Additives

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and standard.

• GUM ChemicalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Exclusive distribution partner for GUM Chemical rosin products in DACH region since 2019. Portuguese manufacturer with distillation capacity of 360,000 t/year located in Cantanhede.
• KEMI PINE ROSINScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Exclusive distribution partner for KEMI PINE ROSINS rosin esters in DACH region since 2019. Portuguese manufacturer located in Cantanhede.
• IBAR NordestecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016Sales agent for IBAR products in Europe and CIS countries since 2016. Brazilian manufacturer of calcined and sintered magnesia for refractory, welding, and other industries.
• LANXESScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Marketing partner for LANXESS chromium oxide in niche refractory applications since 2009. One of the most important partners for LANXESS chromium oxide business, helping reach markets and niches otherwise difficult to serve.
• ARM Andalusite (Andalusite Resources)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2004Exclusive distribution partnership for Andalusite mined in Thabazimbi, South Africa, with brand name Marlusit. Since 2004, COFERMIN has developed over 200 customers in refractory industry globally and built new markets in China and India.
• ALMATISmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMarketing partner for ALMATIS premium alumina products in specific markets. German company with over 100 years of experience in aluminum oxides, global leader in development, production, and delivery.
• ELKEMmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgent for ELKEM's extended microsilica and additive portfolio for refractory applications. Norwegian company, one of world's leading providers of advanced material solutions including silicones and silicon products.
• SAMANCOR ChromemajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-term partner in marketing, sales and distribution for SAMANCOR Chrome. World's largest ferrochromium producer and significant producer of chrome ore in special qualities for global market.
• UBE Materials IndustriesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgent for UBE Materials in Europe and CIS countries since early 2000s. Japanese manufacturer producing seawater magnesia synthetically from seawater and limestone, used in refractory bricks, ceramics, dental, and cosmetics industries.
• HAFSILmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorldwide contract partner for atomized ferrosilicon 15 (FeSi 15) for over 10 years. Norwegian company. Used primarily in wet processing via Sink and Float systems for high-quality scraps and ores.
• TITANIAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 50 years of close cooperation for worldwide marketing of magnetite, won as byproduct of ilmenite production. Norwegian company. Used in coal/mineral washing, foundry auxiliaries, and fillers.
• QUIBORAXmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOR with regard to REACH for Quiborax and distribution of boric acid in Europe since 2019. Chilean company, one of world's leading producers of boric acid, producing at 1,680 meters above sea level since 1986.
• BIKITA MineralsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational agents and marketing partners for Bikita Minerals' petalite. Only current global large-scale producer of petalite, a lithium-bearing feldspar used in ceramics, glass ceramics, and glass industry.
• EcoMag LimitedstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInnovative Australian manufacturer of high-purity synthetic magnesia products. Low-energy process recovers magnesia salts from existing raw material streams with low CO2 emissions. Production in ramp-up phase after pilot.
• PolymagstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive partnership with IMagine GmbH & Co. KG for Chinese market since January 2022. Chinese partner for procurement and distribution of natural and synthetic magnesia specialties.
• FLUORSIDmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian manufacturer, one of leading producers of inorganic fluorine chemicals. Supplying aluminum fluoride for non-ferrous metallurgy and synthetic cryolite for metallurgy auxiliaries, abrasives, glass and glazes.
• FOSKOR ZIRCONIAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership since 2002 for zircon oxide for various industries including refractory, technical ceramics, and foundry.
• PENTACARBONmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupporting PENTACARBON with marketing, primarily in China and Asia-Pacific region. German manufacturer of various types of carbon black at two locations with decades of experience.
• RAIN CARBON INC (formerly RÜTGERS)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-term marketing and distribution partner for pitch products and pitch binders to Russia, Ukraine, and China. Subsidiary of Rain Carbon Inc. produces high-quality pitch products for specialty applications.
• MINE FeuerfestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImportant strategic partner providing technical support with scientific and practical experience in ceramics, refractories, steel and foundry. Jointly developed Si-/SiC mixed products from silicon wafer processing for refractory industry. Years of R&D experience in internationally active industrial and raw materials companies.
• ASFOURstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEgyptian producer of chamotte-based raw materials and refractory products. Partner for 'Low Grade Alumina' minerals for refractory industry in Europe. Main products include kaolin-based fireclay, acid fireclay, and lightweight chamotte.
• BAJA YUCCA CompanystandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGMP+ certified US manufacturer of plant extracts including Yucca Schidigera and Quillaja saponaria for animal feed to reduce NH3 emissions.
• BAKELITE SYNTHETICSstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading manufacturer of phenol, urea, and melamine resins with broad product portfolio.
• CESKE LUPKOVE ZAVODYstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-term partnership for marketing high-quality specialty chamotte in German foundries and welding powder production. Czech company.
• FERRO DUOstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman specialist in circular economy, sourcing, recovering and producing high-quality products from industrial and secondary materials. Experienced partner for raw material recycling.
• KMT PolymersstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurkish manufacturer of high-quality dispersing polymer products for superplasticizers in concrete admixture industry since 2020.
• KTS – Kärlicher Ton & SchamottewerkestandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 150 years of experience in mining and processing clay and bentonite. Reliable partner for storage and processing of silica fume raw materials from various provenances. Certified by authorities.
• QINGDAO KAISON CHEMICALSstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChinese company founded in 2001, developed from biochemical manufacturer to diversified leader in chemicals, food, feed and mining. Partnership enables internationally competitive procurement of gluconates.
• Unger Fabrikker ASstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew partner since May 2023 for high-performance additives widely used in construction industry. Norwegian company offering additives in liquid or powder form for drywall, mortars, plasters, and concrete including foaming agents, air-entraining agents, wetting and dispersing agents under UFAPORE brand.
• RefracerstandardChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCzech partner for foundry chamotte. Partnership established in 2000 with high-quality clay and two rotary kilns. Quality for this specialized application was jointly developed. Secured significant market share for both COFERMIN and Refracer.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Brenntag SE: World's largest chemical distributor, headquartered in Germany. Comparable to COFERMIN as a B2B trader of industrial chemicals and raw materials, though operating at vastly greater scale and across a much broader specialty/commodity portfolio.
• IMCD N.V. Dutch-headquartered global specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor. Comparable value-chain role as COFERMIN (intermediary between principals and industrial customers), though significantly larger and publicly listed.
• Azelis Group: Belgian global specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor. Mirrors COFERMIN's specialty distribution model across industrial chemicals and life-science/food ingredients, albeit at materially larger scale.
• IMERYS S.A. French specialty minerals producer serving refractory, ceramics, and performance minerals markets. Shares COFERMIN's refractory/industrial-minerals customer base and product categories (andalusite, fused minerals, etc.), though IMERYS is a producer rather than a pure distributor.

Direct peers

• Helm AG: Hamburg-based German specialty chemicals and raw materials distributor. Closely comparable to COFERMIN's role as an intermediary between international producers and European industrial customers, with similar product breadth in industrial chemicals.
• Biesterfeld AG: Hamburg-headquartered specialty chemicals distributor with a strong DACH and European presence. Matches COFERMIN's combination of industrial chemicals distribution, specialty/secondary raw materials focus, and mid-sized German ownership profile.
• TER Group (Häffner & Co.): German family-owned specialty chemicals and raw materials distributor serving industrial customers across Europe. Highly comparable to COFERMIN in scale, ownership structure, and mix of specialty commodity distribution.
• Lehmann&Voss&Co. (LEHVOSS Group): Hamburg-based specialty chemicals and mineral raw materials distributor. Overlaps with COFERMIN's portfolio of industrial minerals, specialty additives, and partnership-based distribution model for refractory, ceramics, and related industries.
• Caldic B.V. Dutch-headquartered specialty ingredients and chemicals distributor with European industrial focus. Highly comparable business model as a relationship-driven intermediary serving industrial customers with specialty raw materials.
• Quaron S.A.S. (now part of HEICO): European specialty chemicals distributor (formerly part of BCD Chemie) serving industrial customers across France, Benelux, and beyond. Comparable to COFERMIN in focus on specialty industrial chemicals and raw materials distribution for refractory, metallurgy, and related industries.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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• Xx.com/Cofermin_Chem

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about COFERMIN Group