Hydrite® Expands Its Footprint with ESP Acquisition in Southeastern US Region

Brookfield, Wis. – September 4, 2025 – Hydrite®, a leader in the chemical industry, has officially announced its acquisition of Enterprise Specialty Products, Inc. (ESP), an established provider of specialty chemical solutions, effective as of September 3, 2025. This strategic move indicates Hydrite's continued commitment to growth and customer service enhancement across the United States, specifically in the Southeast region.

About the Acquisition

ESP, based in Laurens, South Carolina, specializes in manufacturing foam control products used in various sectors, including water treatment, paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, construction materials, textiles, and additional specialty chemical applications. With this acquisition, Hydrite is poised to broaden its service portfolio and tap into new market opportunities in this strategically significant region of the country.

Allen Waters, the founder of ESP, will remain involved in the business to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring that the transition is seamless for both customers and employees. This continuity is a vital component of Hydrite's philosophy, which emphasizes maintaining strong connections with clientele during periods of change.

A New Chapter for Hydrite®

Kevin Honkamp, the CEO of Hydrite, expressed high hopes for this acquisition. “We are thrilled to welcome ESP into the Hydrite family. Their dedication to customer service, innovative products, and solutions aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership will enable us to present our customers with an unmatched range of foam control solutions across various applications,” Honkamp stated.

Hydrite has highlighted that the addition of ESP is not merely an expansion in geographical reach but also a significant increase in product diversity. By integrating ESP's offerings, Hydrite can now deliver enhanced chemical solutions to a broader array of markets.

Hydrite’s Growth Trajectory

Founded in 1929, Hydrite has established itself as a family-owned business and a significant player in the chemicals market in the United States. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, the company boasts a sophisticated network of manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and laboratories spread across states like Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, South Carolina, California, Colorado, and Texas. This extensive network is powered by a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees dedicated to delivering quality and innovative products to Hydrite's clients.

The acquisition of ESP signifies an essential step for Hydrite not only to enhance its existing product lines but also to solidify its presence from coast to coast in the U.S. market. By venturing into the Southern United States, Hydrite can better serve its customers while being well-positioned to capture emerging market trends in the specialty chemicals sector.

Future Prospects

The integration of ESP into Hydrite presents opportunities for innovative collaborations and product developments the company can leverage moving forward. As companies continue to seek sustainability and efficient solutions, Hydrite’s role will only expand within the industry as they seek to meet the growing demand for effective chemical products.

With such strategic acquisitions, Hydrite is not only enhancing its capabilities but is laying down a foundation for future growth that emphasizes customer satisfaction and market leadership. As both companies unite, they reflect a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and service excellence that will benefit existing and new customers alike.

For media inquiries regarding this acquisition or any other information about Hydrite, please contact Judy Allen at 262-792-1450 or via email at [email protected].

Conclusion

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Hydrite, a company dedicated to pushing boundaries in the chemical industry. As they welcome Enterprise Specialty Products, the synergy between these two entities is anticipated to yield fruitful results for years to come, promising innovative solutions and enhanced service across various markets.