We’re a chemical company that helps our partners make a difference in the world.
We challenge ourselves to develop chemistries that simplify, advance and optimize life in every way.
A story of progress.
In 1957, we set out to use sodium borohydride chemistry as a catalyst to make life better. Over the course of 61 years we’ve become one of the world’s leading providers of specialty chemicals for a variety of industries. Our commitment to quality inspired us to build a world-class production plant in Elma, Washington, allowing us to meet our strict standards at a large scale. Every day we develop solutions to improve the way our clients create their products, making what they do easier, safer and more efficient.
Today we serve a variety of global clients to help them consistently manufacture their products with simplicity and confidence.
Our founding principles.
We don’t wait for opportunities.
We’re constantly challenging ourselves to find new chemicals that can help companies do what they do better.
We’re dedicated at every step.
We work with our customers to make sure our chemicals are exactly what they need, because every detail makes a difference.
We respect people and the planet.
From how we treat our employees and partners to how we manage our facilities and manufacturing practices, we never cut corners.
Proudly made in America & Europe
Ascensus is uniquely positioned to meet the growing, global demand for high-quality Sodium Borohydride, reactive and alkali metals, boranes, CVD & ALD precursors, and other specialty chemicals. We operate three ISO-certified sites in the United States and one in the United Kingdom—a near-zero waste, hydroelectric facility in Washington state, a Pennsylvania plant that has been in operation for more than 80 years, a Massachusetts facility that handles laboratory, high-pressure, and cGMP manufacturing and a facility in Cambridge, UK that has been in operation for over 60 years—all of which maintain exemplary safety records. These strategically located and highly efficient facilities make us one of the world’s most reliable chemical suppliers for customers in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and microelectronics industries.
Ascensus is uniquely positioned to meet the growing, global demand for high-quality Sodium Borohydride, reactive and alkali metals, boranes, CVD & ALD precursors, and other specialty chemicals. We operate three ISO-certified sites in the United States and one in the United Kingdom—a near-zero waste, hydroelectric facility in Washington state, a Pennsylvania plant that has been in operation for more than 80 years, a Massachusetts facility that handles laboratory, high-pressure, and cGMP manufacturing and a facility in Cambridge, UK that has been in operation for over 60 years—all of which maintain exemplary safety records. These strategically located and highly efficient facilities make us one of the world’s most reliable chemical suppliers for customers in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and microelectronics industries.
Our pillars of partnership.
Highest level of quality.
We are dedicated to excellence in all things, from the care we put into our chemistries to the way we handle our chemicals.
Read more in our Quality Policy.Safety.
We are dedicated to excellence in all things, from the care we put into our chemistries to the way we handle our chemicals.
Strict codes of conduct.
Internally with our team and externally with our partners we are guided by a code that ensures safety and delivers exactly what our partners need.
Read our Buyer ValuesRead our Code of Business Conduct
Collaboration at the center.
Our motivation has always been to work closely with our partners to develop even better products and processes to enhance people's lives now and in the future.
Services
Strem Catalog
cGMP
On-Site Safety Training & Technical Service
Research and Development Support
Global Logistics & Regional Warehousing
ChemStewards®
Meet our leadership team
Paul Burlingame
Chief Executive OfficerPaul Burlingame
Chief Executive OfficerPaul became CEO of Ascensus in January 2024 and brings over 25 years of global leadership of technology focused, high growth businesses. Most recently, Paul served as CEO of Air Liquide Advanced Materials, a leading supplier of specialty chemicals to the electronics industry. Previously he held numerous positions of increasing positions at Air Liquide, Micro Component Technology, and the U.S. Navy where he served as a nuclear submarine officer. Paul is a graduate of the University of Virginia, U.S. Navy Officer Nuclear Power Program, and advanced management programs at the London Business School.
Tony Alvarez
Chief Commercial OfficerTony Alvarez
Chief Commercial OfficerTony currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer of Ascensus Specialties. He has over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
Tony has held several executive-level roles at Merck & Co., Schering Plough, and Pharmacia Corp. He was president of Merck & Co.’s primary care business, responsible for a global P&L of approximately $10 billion in revenue. Tony also led the Schering Plough and Merck & Co. Japan operations for 11 years. These businesses grew from $600 million to over $2 billion in revenue during his tenure. He built an industry-leading commercial team that successfully improved the company’s position with key customers. Earlier in his career, Tony held various international roles in Latin America, driving business performance across a broad array of therapeutic areas at Pharmacia Corp.
Tony’s broad global and life science experience makes him an important complement to the team. He graduated from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy with a B.S. in Pharmacy.
Walter Keller
Chief Financial OfficerWalter Keller
Chief Financial OfficerWalter brings 30 years of financial experience to Ascensus. Previously Walter served as the Chief Financial Officer for SACHEM, a specialty chemical manufacturing company. Walter also held leadership roles at Celanese, including Chief Financial Officer/Acetyls Chain Business. Prior to Celanese, Walter worked for Arthur Andersen and Hoechst AG.
Walter graduated as an Industrial Engineer with an emphasis on mechanical engineering and business administration from Fachhochschule Giessen – Friedberg.
Mario Sandoval
Chief Operating OfficerMario Sandoval
Chief Operating OfficerMario Sandoval serves as COO for Ascensus Specialties. He joined the predecessor VPC in November of 2017. Mario has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain operations and has worked in the plastics, fiberglass, pulp/paper and chemical sectors. Prior to AS, Mario founded M&R Management LLC, a consulting company focused on improving supply chain efficiencies in acquisitions for process industry-based companies.
Mario has also worked in numerous capacities, primarily focused on global operations and supply chains for A. Schulman, Citadel Plastics, Hollingsworth and Vose, Johns Manville and General Electric. Sandoval received two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Chemical Engineering and another in Computer Science from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Chris Anderson
Chief Product, Technology, & Strategy OfficerChris Anderson
Chief Product, Technology, & Strategy OfficerChris Anderson serves as the Chief Product, Technology, & Strategy Officer for Ascensus Specialties LLC. He joined the company in August 2017. Chris was Director of Product Management and Innovation Lead for O-I, the world’s largest glass container company enabling food and beverage brands to deliver experiences consumers desire. Prior to O-I, Chris spent 12 years at Eastman Chemical Company in numerous commercial, innovation, marketing, research and operational leadership roles. Chris received a M.S. in Polymers and Coatings Science from North Dakota State University and an MBA from University of Tennessee. Chris is also a graduate of the Wharton School of Business’ Professional Development Program.
Leah Boyle
VP of Human ResourcesLeah Boyle
VP of Human ResourcesLeah Boyle currently serves as the Director of Human Resources of Ascensus Specialties. Leah joined the team when Ascensus acquired Callery, LLC in late 2019 where she was serving as the HR Business Partner. Before her role at Ascensus, Leah was the HR Business Partner of WESCO Distribution from 2015-2017 and the Human Resources Director of PLS Logistics Services from 2008 to 2015.
In her HR career, Leah has been part of leading business transformations, business development, talent and leadership growth initiatives, and employee engagement programs. Leah has over 15 years of experience in the human resources field in both hands-on work as well as various leadership positions.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s in Human Resources from Robert Morris University. Leah is an active member of the local and national Human Resources organizations (PHRA/SHRM).
Michael Lacy
VP of Corporate DevelopmentMichael Lacy
VP of Corporate DevelopmentMichael Lacy serves as the Vice President of Corporate Development for Ascensus Specialties. He has over 25 years of experience in corporate development, M&A, and investing.
Before joining Ascensus, Michael was at W. R. Grace & Company, where he held the position of Director of Corporate Development, Strategy, Planning and Integration. He led the Corporate Development and Capital Planning activities globally for Grace and its four business units, and was responsible for managing M&A, strategy, investment activities, and other special projects. Prior to W. R. Grace, Michael was the Managing Director at Westover Capital where he led projects and managed corporate development and M&A activities on behalf of clients. Throughout his career, Michael has helped companies create shareholder value by leading complex transactions, improving processes, developing strategies, and managing projects for global companies. Michael also worked for Snowbird Capital, Tandus Group, and Bank of America Securities.
Michael earned a M.B.A. from the College of William and Mary and a B.A. in Government and Economics from George Mason University. He has served on the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee and is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth. His community involvement has included work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat-for-Humanity, Little League, and the Boy Scouts.
Global Headquarters
2821 Northup Way, Suite 275
Bellevue, WA 98004
1-425-448-1679 / TF
1-888-797-9362
Manufacturing Plants
4800 State Route 12
Elma, WA 98541
1424 Mars-Evans City Rd
Evans City, PA 16033
7 Mulliken Way
Newburyport, MA 01950
Haverhill Road, Stradishall
Newmarket CB8 9EX
Media & Marketing
Ascensus inquiries and questions, contact our Marketing Communications Team.
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