Hubbard-Hall Acquires Torch Surface Technologies

Hubbard-Hall has expanded its product offerings and customer resources by acquiring the assets of Torch Surface Technologies, a specialty chemical company based in Whitmore Lake, Michigan.

Torch specializes in pretreatment chemistry, offering technologies for zinc, manganese and zirconium phosphate applications. Other product lines include a range of lubricants for metalforming — soap and polymer-based lubes for cold forming, heading and wire drawing applications as well as a complete line of machining and grinding chemistries. ISO certified, Torch also offers toll blending and private label services.

“We are delighted to welcome the Torch team to Hubbard-Hall,” says Molly Kellogg, Hubbard-Hall CEO and president. “Their product lines are complementary to Hubbard-Hall’s proprietary chemistries for surface finishing and, most importantly, we share a ‘customer first’ strategy that emphasizes highly responsive technical support.”

Torch will operate as a division of Hubbard-Hall and continue operating out of its 24,000-square-foot facility west of Detroit. All employees have been hired by Hubbard-Hall, and the Sarlund family will continue in leadership and customer-facing roles.

“This really makes sense for our customer base,” says Erik Sarlund, Torch general manager. “As part of a larger company, we have access to more products, a deeper technical bench and additional blending capabilities.”

In addition to the Torch location in Michigan, Hubbard-Hall operates manufacturing sites in Connecticut and South Carolina with lab capabilities in all three locations.