What A-Gas Electronic Materials does

A-Gas Electronic Materials is a UK-based specialty chemical distributor and technical service provider serving electronics manufacturers in the UK and Ireland. Founded in 2008 as the rebranded Chestech LTD following its acquisition by the A-Gas Group, the company supplies specialist photosensitive chemicals, plating solutions, and imaging and plating technologies to semiconductor, printed circuit board (PCB), electronic industrial finishing (EIF), photovoltaic, and advanced packaging customers. Its product portfolio spans photoresists (HSQ, SPR220, SU-8), plating chemistries (acid copper, electroless copper, ENIG, electrolytic nickel, tin), surface finishes, and complementary process equipment (CVS analysers, wafer plating tools, rectifiers, pumps, filters), drawing on a supplier ecosystem of more than 18 principals including Entegris, Qnity, Sun Chemical, Metalor, Micro Resist Technology, and PAVCO.

The company monetises through one-time product sales of specialty chemicals and equipment, alongside professional services revenue from ISO-certified laboratory analytical testing (ICP-OES, UV Spectrometry, CVS, titrations, pH, Hull Cell, SEM) and managed chemical warehousing. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set via direct quotation and contract. Go-to-market is exclusively enterprise field sales, with a UK-based technical sales team providing hands-on process troubleshooting and formulation support to customers rather than transactional e-commerce distribution.

A-Gas Electronic Materials is a wholly-owned subsidiary of A-Gas International Limited (registered in England and Wales, company number 02074334), which is part of the privately held A-Gas Group founded in 1993 and operating across 15 countries and 6 continents. The subsidiary is headquartered in Rugby, Warwickshire, with warehouse and trading operations in Portishead and Portbury, Bristol. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, is registered with the Chemical Business Association's Responsible Care Programme, and received a Gold Investors in People award in December 2022.

Name

A-Gas Electronic Materials

Legal name

A-Gas International Limited

Website

https://agasem.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

A-Gas Electronic Materials is a UK-based specialty chemical distributor supplying photosensitive chemicals, plating solutions, imaging technologies, and complementary process equipment to semiconductor, PCB, electronic industrial finishing, photovoltaic, and advanced packaging manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, backed by ISO-certified laboratory services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Rugby

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Specialty Chemical Distribution: Distribution and sale of specialist photosensitive chemicals, plating solutions, and imaging and plating technologies to semiconductor, PCB, electronic industrial finishing, photovoltaic, and advanced packaging industries. Revenue is generated through product sales with technical support bundled alongside.
2. Laboratory and Technical Services: ISO-certified laboratory services including analytical testing for production line metal plating solutions, and technical consultancy. Services include hiring laboratory facilities and experts for R&D purposes.
3. Chemical Warehousing and Logistics: Competitive rates for chemical warehousing and logistics solutions offered alongside technical consultancy.
4. Equipment Supply: Supply of plating and finishing equipment including CVS analysis systems, wafer plating equipment, rectifiers, insoluble anodes, heaters, filter media, pumps and filters.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

A-Gas Electronic Materials distributes specialty photosensitive chemicals, plating solutions, and imaging and plating technologies to semiconductor, PCB, electronic industrial finishing (EIF), photovoltaic, and advanced packaging manufacturers across the UK and Ireland. The portfolio is complemented by ISO-certified laboratory analytical services for metal plating solutions and a range of plating and finishing equipment. Technical sales support, troubleshooting, and formulation advice are bundled with product supply.

Product overview

A-Gas Electronic Materials is a specialty chemical distributor and service provider for the electronics manufacturing industry. The company operates as a broad portfolio of products and services rather than a single unified platform. Its core offerings include specialist photosensitive chemicals (photoresists like HSQ, SPR220, and SU-8), plating solutions (acid copper, electroless copper, ENIG, nickel, tin, silver), imaging and plating technologies, and laboratory services. These are complemented by equipment (CVS analysis, wafer plating, rectifiers, filters, pumps) and supported by a network of supplier brands including Alufinish, Entegris, Kayaku Advanced Materials, Metalor, Micro Resist Technology, Sun Chemical, and others. The products span key industry segments: Semiconductors (including Advanced Packaging and MEMS), Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Electronic Industrial Finishing (EIF), UV Disinfection Equipment, Microfluidics/Lab on Chip, and Photovoltaic. Technical support and laboratory analysis services (ICP-OES, UV Spectrometry, CVS, titrations, pH, SEM) are integral to the offering, enabling customers to maintain process stability and quality.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Semiconductor Materials Specialist photosensitive chemicals and processes for semiconductor manufacturing, including advanced packaging and MEMS applications. Targets semiconductor manufacturers and advanced packaging specialists.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Chemicals Chemicals and processes for PCB fabrication including dry film photoresists, developers, plating chemistries, solder masks, and surface finishes such as ENIG. Targets PCB manufacturers.
• Electronic Industrial Finishing (EIF) Chemicals Advanced chemistries for electronic component and device finishing, including electrolytic nickel, silver plating, and surface treatment solutions. Targets electronic and industrial metal finishing operations.
• UV Disinfection Equipment UV-based disinfection equipment for industrial applications. Targets industrial operators requiring UV-based disinfection solutions.
• Microfluidics/Lab on Chip Materials Specialist chemicals for microfluidic and lab-on-chip applications including photoresists and polymers. Targets MEMS, microfluidics, and lab-on-chip developers.
• Laboratory Analytical Services ISO-certified laboratory analytical services including ICP-OES, UV Spectrometry, Cyclic Voltammetric Stripping (CVS), titrations, pH measurement, Hull Cell Testing, and SEM analysis for production line metal plating solutions. Targets electronics manufacturers requiring analytical and R&D support.
• Plating and Finishing Equipment Range of equipment including CVS analysis systems, wafer plating equipment, rectifiers, insoluble anodes, heaters, filter media, pumps, and filters. Targets electronics and metal finishing manufacturers.
• Photovoltaic Materials Specialist chemicals and processes for photovoltaic and solar cell manufacturing. Targets solar/photovoltaic cell manufacturers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Certified to ISO 9001 (since February 1998), ISO 14001 Environmental Standard (since September 2011), and ISO 45001 Health and Safety Accreditation (since August 2013)
• +3 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered standard and core.

• AlufinishstandardTechnology or IntegrationAlufinish has been engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of products for the surface treatment of metals for over 50 years. With five decades of experience, Alufinish also ensures it is compliant with legal regulations and requirements for environmental protection. A-Gas EM supplies Alufinish products as part of its specialist chemical portfolio.
• Cipel Distribution SAstandardTechnology or IntegrationCipel Distribution SA provides a wide range of products and equipment for the electronic industry. Alongside their partners, Cipel constantly evolve their products to meet their customers' requirements. A-Gas EM distributes Cipel products in the UK and Ireland.
• D J MicroLaminatesstandardTechnology or IntegrationD J Microlaminates develops and markets innovative dry film resist materials for a variety of MEMS, plating molds, multilayer microfluidics structures, medical devices, wafer-level packaging processes and displays. A-Gas EM supplies these products in the UK market.
• EntegrisstandardTechnology or IntegrationEntegris is a global company working with leading manufacturers to enable ongoing advancement in technology. Entegris' highly skilled team members, facilities and resources are right where customers need them, helping to solve the most advanced technological challenges. A-Gas EM is a distributor of Entegris products.
• EternalstandardTechnology or IntegrationEternal, established in 1964, provides quality service to customers with a constant focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. Sustainable development is the business philosophy of Eternal Group, committed to complying with regulations and implementing policies while pursuing safe production and development of green products.
• ElgastandardTechnology or IntegrationFounded in 1973, Elga specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of products for the dry film industry, chemical milling and special applications, including auxiliary products like degreasing and anti-foaming agents. Elga focuses on technological development and progression.
• Foster Chemicals GmbHstandardTechnology or IntegrationFoster Chemicals GmbH offers a wide range of products for the treatment of surfaces, with strengths in the development of products according to customer specifications encompassing both technological and economic aspects.
• Hendor PEstandardTechnology or IntegrationHendor PE stands for high quality and durable relationships. They manufacture products designed to have a long lifetime, taking their environmental impact into account. They deliver customised or standard solutions and guarantee short delivery times for big and small production sessions. Products include pumps, filter systems, rectifiers, and heaters.
• Kayaku Advanced MaterialsstandardTechnology or IntegrationKayaku Advanced Materials provides chemical solutions for MEMS and microelectronics and functional electronic inks. From development through to production, Kayaku is focused on meeting the demands of the technology markets without compromising their high standard and quality.
• MetalorstandardTechnology or IntegrationMetalor provides innovative solutions in precious metal plating, powders and flakes, as well as chemicals, compounds, and plating equipment. Their core activities focus on the application of metallisation technologies serving electronics, aeronautics, automotive, decorative, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals and biocides markets.
• Mercene LabsstandardTechnology or IntegrationMercene Labs' mission is to help customers achieve unparalleled product performance and efficiency in their manufacturing processes. They use expertise in photochemistry and coatings technology to provide solutions that optimise adhesion performance and improve overall yield in the coating cycle.
• Micro Resist TechnologystandardTechnology or IntegrationMicro Resist Technology GmbH is one of the world's leading companies for innovative photoresists, polymers and photopolymers, offering a wide range of specialised products for today's key technologies including MEMS, microfluidics, and microelectronics applications.
• MPC PulsestandardTechnology or IntegrationMPC Pulse is a key player in the plating industry providing solutions to implement new technologies in electroplating for electronics and industrial finishes. An owner of several patents in its fields, MPC Pulse provides a wide range of products and services globally.
• PAVCOstandardTechnology or IntegrationPAVCO has been a leading developer and supplier of chemistries for the metal finishing industry since 1948. They strive to offer numerous value-added service advantages that allow the most efficient and enjoyable supplier-customer relationship possible.
• Sun ChemicalstandardTechnology or IntegrationSun Chemical is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings, adhesives and supplies, pigments, masterbatches, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds and application materials. A-Gas EM distributes Sun Chemical products in the electronics sector.
• TrimitestandardTechnology or IntegrationTrimite Global Coatings is a major supplier to the UK, Ireland and global industrial coatings and pretreatment markets. They supply materials under their name and are also a major toll manufacturer for other coatings companies.
• Yamamoto MSstandardTechnology or IntegrationYamamoto MS is a specialised manufacturer of plating testers and analysers who swiftly provide useful tools and support to customers who are constantly striving to develop new technology.
• QnitystandardTechnology or IntegrationQnity is a premier technology provider across the semiconductor value chain, empowering AI, high-performance computing, and advanced connectivity. From semiconductor chip manufacturing solutions to high-speed transmission materials for complex electronic systems, their high-performance materials and integration expertise support advanced technology development.
• Surface Engineering Association (SEA)coreOthersThe Surface Engineering Association (SEA) is a trade association that gives members a voice in areas surrounding legislation and government affecting production and competitiveness. It offers members the very best advice and assistance in all aspects of their activities.
• Chemical Business Association (CBA)coreOthersThe Chemical Business Association (CBA) is the voice of the UK chemical supply chain, representing distributors, traders, manufacturers, blenders, and logistics and service providers. Key services include advocacy for businesses, compliance information and advice, and seminars and workshops. CBA's Responsible Care Programme is mandatory for members involved in chemical trading, distribution, handling, movement and storage.
• National Microelectronics Institute (NMI)standardOthersThe National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) supports the established semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain communities with activities that encourage innovation, communication and collaboration.
• Institute of Circuit TechnologystandardOthersThe Institute of Circuit Technology, established in 1974, has successfully provided technology-based training and seminars to the UK's Printed Circuit Board (PCB) technologists and engineers, keeping them up to speed with developments in the industry.
• A-Gas GroupcoreOthersA-Gas Electronic Materials has been part of the A-Gas Group since 2008. A-Gas Group started in the UK in 1993 and has grown to operate across 15 countries and 6 continents. The Group is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment by effectively managing the lifecycle of refrigerants, with a pledge to become a net-zero company by 2035.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Technic Inc. Technic manufactures specialty plating chemistries, equipment, and analytical controls for electronics and industrial finishing. Comparable to A-Gas EM in metal finishing chemistry portfolio (Cu, Ni, Au, Ag) and supply of plating rectifiers, anodes, and analytical instruments.
• MacDermid Enthone Electronics Solutions (Element Solutions): MacDermid Enthone, part of Element Solutions, supplies chemistry and equipment for PCB, semiconductor, and electronic industrial finishing. Overlaps directly with A-Gas EM in ENIG, electroless copper, acid copper plating, and photoresist distribution to UK/Ireland manufacturers.
• Coventya (Element Solutions): Coventya, now part of Element Solutions, specializes in surface finishing and plating chemistries for electronics, automotive, and industrial finishing. Direct overlap with A-Gas EM's EIF and plating chemistry segments, particularly for European customers.
• Atotech (MKS Instruments): Atotech, now part of MKS Instruments, is a global leader in specialty chemicals and equipment for PCB fabrication, semiconductor packaging, and decorative/functional surface finishing. Directly comparable to A-Gas EM's plating chemistry and PCB portfolio across overlapping end markets.

Regional players

• Uyemura International: Uyemura is a Japanese-headquartered global supplier of plating chemistries and equipment for PCB and electronic finishing. Comparable in plating chemistry scope, though primarily competes in Asia rather than the UK/Ireland directly served by A-Gas EM.
• Schloetter Company: Schloetter is a UK-based specialist in metal finishing and electronic plating chemistry. Direct competitor for A-Gas EM's EIF customers in the UK, with similar specialty chemistry distribution and technical service positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Resonac Holdings (formerly Showa Denko): Resonac supplies a broad portfolio of electronic materials including photoresists, CMP slurries, and packaging materials for semiconductors. Comparable as an upstream supplier whose products intersect A-Gas EM's semiconductor and advanced packaging segments.
• Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK): TOK is a leading Japanese manufacturer of photoresists and high-purity chemicals for semiconductors, MEMS, and advanced packaging. Comparable to A-Gas EM's photoresist distribution business at the upstream product level, though TOK sells direct globally.
• DuPont Electronics & Industrial: DuPont is a major global supplier of photoresists, dielectric materials, and electronic chemicals for semiconductor and PCB fabrication. Overlaps with A-Gas EM's photoresist portfolio (some products distributed by A-Gas EM come from DuPont-aligned suppliers) but operates as a manufacturer rather than distributor.

Emerging players

• NB Technologies GmbH: NB Technologies is a Germany-based supplier of PCB and semiconductor manufacturing equipment and chemistry. Comparable in serving DACH/European PCB and semiconductor manufacturers with a similar equipment-plus-chemistry bundling model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/agase_m
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChBZBk50Q9ltrmEObv_9sBw
• Facebookfacebook.com/AGasElectronicMaterials
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/agaselectronicmaterials

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 A-Gas Electronic Materials