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.

Manufacturing Hero Mobile

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.

'46

MSA begins exploring Boron Chemistry at Evans City, PA site.

'57

First commerical production of sodium borohydride in Danvers, MA.

'59

Metal Hydride, Inc. is established, becoming the seed for Ascensus.

'64

Strem Chemicals is founded with 50% of the company owned by Ventron - the first manufacturer of sodium borohydride.

'65

MSA acquires complete ownership of Evans City site.

'76

Manufacturing plant is built in Elma, WA to streamline production.

'78

Strem purchased the 50% Ventron owned portion and moved to Newburyport, MA.

'82

Morton International acquires the sodium borohydride business.

'88

Strem begins manufacturing APIs in cGMP kilo-lab facility.

'95

Dry sodium borohydride production expands in Elma to support growth.

'99

Rohm and Haas acquires Morton International.

'03

BASF acquires Evans City site from MSA.

'09

Dow acquires Rohm and Haas.

'15

Wind Point Partners acquires sodium borohydride business from Dow and forms Vertellus Performance Chemicals.

'17

Vertellus evolves into Ascensus and the Evans City site is purchased by Edgewater Capital and becomes Callery.

'19

Ascensus acquires Callery.

'20

Ascensus acquires Montgomery Chemicals.

'21

Ascensus acquires Strem Chemicals.

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.

Manufacturing Mobile

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 Values
Read 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
Offering more than 6,000 high-quality specialty chemicals with an emphasis on metals, inorganics, organometallics, and nanomaterials for R&D and commercial applications
cGMP
Expertise in manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates in the USA since 1998. Offering Cisplatin, Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, and many more. Our Active Drug Master Files (DMFs) are maintained in over 20 countries.
On-Site Safety Training & Technical Service
Overview of product hazards, stability, cylinder handling, and more. Inspect facilities and make recommendations for improvement Assists with post-reaction workups
Research and Development Support
Capability, expertise, and equipment to rapidly scale up custom products, boranes, and specialty alcoholates
Global Logistics & Regional Warehousing
Facilities located in US and EU to ensure safe, secure, and timely delivery of orders as well as a clear pathway to a dependable global supply
ChemStewards®
Ascensus is dedicated to continuous improvement in EHS&S performance through the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) ChemStewards® Program. We promote innovative, safe and responsible operations and contribute to a healthy, productive economy.
Partnership Mobile

Meet our leadership team

Paul Burlingame
Chief Executive Officer
Paul Burlingame
Tony Alvarez
Chief Commercial Officer
Tony Alvarez
Walter Keller
Chief Financial Officer
Walter Keller
Mario Sandoval
Chief Operating Officer
Mario Sandoval
Chris Anderson
Chief Product, Technology, & Strategy Officer
Chris Anderson
Leah Boyle
VP of Human Resources
Leah Boyle
Michael Lacy
VP of Corporate Development
Michael Lacy
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


We’re hiring

View our careers and become a part of the team.

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Ascensus inquiries and questions, contact our Marketing Communications Team.

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