Frequently asked questions

Here is a selection of questions and answers about Elementis. If the question you want to ask is not shown, you can contact us by clicking here.

What is Elementis?

• Elementis is an international specialty chemicals group.

Who owns Elementis?

• The Group's holding company is a public limited company (plc) listed on the London Stock Exchange. The shareholders own the company. The majority of shares are owned by UK and US financial institutions and the company has a significant number of private shareholders.

What is the company's strategic vision?

• Elementis has a focused portfolio of global specialty chemicals businesses and strives to differentiate itself through product leadership, applications expertise and customer responsiveness.
  
  The strategy is to grow in a high margin business, particularly Elementis Specialities, with a continuing group-wide focus on operational excellence and leveraging market and brand leadership positions.
  
  Elementis is committed to creating value for shareholders while pro-actively seeking improvements in the environment and the occupational health and safety of its employees while being a responsible member of the community.

What customer segments does Elementis operate in?

• Elementis Chromium is the world's largest producer of chromium chemicals. Elementis Specialties is a world leading producer of rheological additives.

What is the history of the company?

• Elementis was created in 1998. It used to be Harrisons and Crosfield plc, a large conglomerate. In 1997, Harrisons and Crosfield made the decision to re-focus on to one area of expertise, chemicals. As a result, all other businesses were sold ie: timber & building supplies, food & agriculture. In order to bring the diverse chemical businesses and brand names together for the first time, the new business was given a different name, Elementis.
  
  At the same time as Elementis was launched in 1998, the Group also acquired a business, Rheox. This acquisition, together with the existing chemicals businesses, formed the backbone of the new specialty chemicals group. You can find more details on the History of Elementis pages of this website.

As a consumer, why haven't I heard of Elementis?

• Elementis does not produce consumer products, it is in business to business markets. All of its products are a long way down the production line of any consumer product, for example a rheological additive is just one ingredient in a can of paint.

What differentiates Elementis from other specialty chemicals companies?

• Elementis is differentiated from other specialty chemicals companies because of its clear focus; its businesses largely operate in a small number of global markets where it has significant positions. Its key strengths are its technical skills, product innovation, market leading positions and customer relationships.