About MWV Specialty Chemicals

Over a century ago, MWV Specialty Chemicals first ventured into chemical production. With so many years in early chemical production, it’s no wonder that we played a pioneering role in the core specialty chemicals businesses that make up the division today.

Innovation and history

Innovation has been a driver from the earliest days as initial attempts to reduce waste streams from the paper making process were transformed into profitable new business lines.

Carbon production

Carbon production dates back to the early 1900s. At Tyrone, Pennsylvania and then Luke, Maryland, the company first produced the predecessor to today’s high-performance wood-based carbon now manufactured at Covington, Virginia and Wickliffe, Kentucky.

Tall oil distillation

Tall oil distillation began in the 1930s in Covington and lignin development got underway in the 1940s.

Pine chemicals production

Pine chemicals production moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1954 and the DeRidder, Louisiana plant was added to the division’s operations base in 1977.

Global manufacturing

Today, with the launch of new carbon and pine chemicals production partnerships in China, manufacturing operations truly span the globe. Innovation remains a distinguishing feature with impressive research and technical support centers now located in the United States, Europe and Asia.

MWV Specialty Chemicals has grown from a business with less than $10 million in annual sales at the time of its formal launch in 1964 to a thriving global market leader. And we're poised to continue with dynamic growth as promising new business ventures build on years of success.

 

MWV Specialty Chemicals plantsLearn more about our Specialty Chemicals facilities.

• Charleston, SC
• Covington, VA
• DeRidder, LA
• Waynesboro, GA
• Wickliffe, KY