Solenis new global headquarters will staff 122 additional positions

Wilmington, Del. – Solenis LLC, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has established its global headquarters in Wilmington, and plans to add up to 122 new full-time positions.

Solenis, which transitioned from a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. to a stand-alone company in 2014, will be adding IT, legal, sales, financial and other positions at its new 40,000-square-foot home off Beaver Valley Road. The company has 30 manufacturing facilities and employs 3,500 people in 118 countries across five continents.

Solenis was approved for a Strategic Fund Performance grant in the amount of $1,084,200 for the creation of up to 122 new full-time positions and the relocation of five new full-time positions. It was also approved for a Capital Expenditure grant in an amount not to exceed $16,197, based on 3 percent of qualified capital expenditures of $539,900.

The company is nearly 100 years old, and was formerly known as Betz Laboratories, Drew, Stockhausen, Hercules and Ashland Water Technologies. It is now one of just three industrial water treatment companies with a global footprint, according to officials.

Solenis’ specialty chemicals service the pulp, paper, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, bio-refining, power and municipal markets. It also focuses on process and water solutions, which helps customers increase production, lower costs, boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

“Solenis is proud to continue the rich heritage of specialty chemical companies headquartered in the state of Delaware, said John E. Panichella, Solenis CEO and president. “This Strategic Fund grant will help us grow our business and expand employment opportunities offered by Solenis in Delaware.”