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Our History

A Long History of Looking Ahead

From pioneering catalysts to advancing engineered materials, Grace’s legacy is built on scientific rigor, customer collaboration and a future-focus. Today, our global manufacturing network spans North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, with thousands of employees worldwide tackling our customers’ challenges as if they are our own. Our journey continues as we innovate for tomorrow, enabling industries to enhance modern life.

Founding & Early Trade (1832–1900)

In 1832, William Russell Grace left Ireland for Callao, Peru where, in 1854, he launched W. R. Grace & Co. a shipping business that would evolve into a global enterprise. In 1872, he formally chartered W. R. Grace & Co. in New York and less than 10 years later was elected mayor of New York City twice (in 1880 and 1884). In 1885, Grace, in his capacity as mayor, accepted the Statue of Liberty from the people of France – a treasured symbol of enduring legacy.

Commercial Breakthroughs & Industrial Expansion (1900–2000)

1909

Opened Davison’s Curtis Bay Works facility in Curtis Bay, Maryland.

1914

Established the Grace National Bank, forerunner of Marine Midland Bank. Sent the first commercial vessel through the newly constructed Panama Canal.

1917

Supported the U.S. war effort during World War I.

1923

Davison Chemical Company began selling silica gel, making Grace’s Curtis Bay site the oldest silica gel manufacturing facility in the world. 

1928

Grace and Pan American Airways jointly formed Panagra, establishing the first air link between the Americas.

1939

RANEY® catalysts used in Nobel Prize-winning hormone synthesis research.

1942

Davison’s Curtis Bay Works shipped the world’s first synthetic fluid cracking catalysts for petroleum refining to the world's first commercial fluid cracking catalyst unit in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

1947

Established the industry’s first technical services facility for fluid catalytic catalysts.

1948

Davison introduced the world’s first microspheroidal fluid catalytic cracking catalyst.

1954

Acquired Davison Chemical Company and Dewey & Almy Chemical Company, establishing the basis for catalysts, packaging, silicas, and construction product lines.

1957

Davison opened its first plant in Canada in Valleyfield, Quebec. Helped develop improved silica-based polyolefin catalyst—the first large commercial market was hula hoops!

1958

Established the Washington Research Center in Columbia, Maryland.

1963

Introduced pelletized silica gel for pharmaceutical desiccants.

1964

Invented the ultra-stable Y zeolite (USY) for use in fluid catalytic cracking.

1972

Opened a European manufacturing site in Worms, Germany—now a hub for catalysts and silica products.

1993

Introduced oxygen-scavenging seals for beer bottles, enhancing freshness without preservatives.

Modernization & Global Reach (2000–Present)

The early 2000s marked a challenging period for the company, including a Chapter 11 reorganization related to legacy asbestos claims. Grace emerged from this process with a renewed focus on innovation, operational excellence and customer collaboration.

2001

Filed first patent on superparamagnetic silica; entered into a joint venture, Advanced Refining Technologies LLC, for hydroprocessing catalysts with Chevron Products Company.

2002

Donated more than 40,000 square feet of a watertight roof underlayment to help repair and replace a part of the Pentagon roof in Washington, D.C.

2010

Acquired Synthetech, expanding pharmaceutical fine chemicals capabilities.

2011

Acquired Columbia Chemical coatings additives assets; commercialized eight low or no rare earth FCC catalysts in response to the rare earth supply crisis.

2014

Opened a new LEED Silver Certified global headquarters building in Columbia, Maryland.

2016

Acquired Tricat catalyst assets.

2017

Acquired STC sealants and coatings business.

2020

Expanded Worms, Germany facility with opening of 8,200 square-meter colloidal silica plant.

2021

Acquired the Fine Chemistry Services business of Albemarle Corporation. Joined the Standard Industries family of companies as the flagship in its Performance Materials platform—a group of businesses focused on delivering advanced catalysts, engineered materials and sustainable innovation.

From What If to What’s Next

With a track record of innovation, Grace’s proven ability to focus on “what’s next” inspires R&D breakthroughs, solves next-generation problems and keeps value chains flowing. It’s why many of the world’s most recognized brands choose Grace—and stay with us for decades. Today, Grace helps customers adapt to environmental, economic, and technological pressures, so you can navigate regulatory changes, resource fluctuations, and evolving markets with confidence.

We invite you to explore how Grace helps industries meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.