PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems Acquires Universal Chemicals and Coatings
PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems, LLC (PFRS), an Iron Path Capital holding company, today announced the acquisition of Universal Chemicals and Coatings, Inc. (UNICHEM), a leading manufacturer of high-performance custom industrial coatings, laminating adhesives, and container linings. This marks PFRS’ third strategic acquisition, following its purchase of Gougeon Brothers, Inc. in May 2025 and Wessex Resins and Adhesives in December 2025.
The acquisition strengthens PFRS’ position as a global leader in formulated resin systems, expanding its capabilities across advanced non-metallic and metallic composite structures in industries such as marine, aerospace, defense, electronics, and industrial applications.
Strategic Expansion of Capabilities
This move is a critical step in PFRS’ strategy to build a comprehensive global formulated resin systems business, focused on highly specified products for fabricating, bonding, sealing, coating, and repairing advanced composites. By integrating UNICHEM’s expertise, PFRS broadens its formulating capabilities beyond epoxy-based infusion, lamination, and structural adhesive systems, providing a more versatile portfolio of high-performance solutions.
“We are excited to welcome Universal Chemicals and Coatings to our growing platform,” said Ted Clark, Executive Chairman of PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems, LLC and Partner at Iron Path Capital. “This acquisition allows us to expand into formulated protective coatings and laminating adhesives for mixed metal composites and other dissimilar substrates. UNICHEM’s bespoke, technically driven, solution-oriented product development model will now serve a broader set of markets and customers globally.”
About Universal Chemicals and Coatings
Founded in 1967, UNICHEM is a second-generation family-owned business recognized as a market leader in industrial drum and pail coatings, as well as coil-applied industrial coatings and adhesives. The company has built its reputation on a science-driven, interdisciplinary problem-solving approach, combining expertise in:
- Process technology
- Resin science
- Value-added engineering
- Industrial market insights
UNICHEM’s strength lies in its ability to formulate highly customized products that meet specific customer requirements, delivering tailored solutions for complex industrial challenges. Their technical talent and innovative approach align closely with PFRS’ mission to provide advanced formulated resin solutions.
Enhancing PFRS’ Product Portfolio
The acquisition of UNICHEM significantly enhances PFRS’ product offerings, particularly in:
- Formulated protective coatings for industrial and commercial applications
- Laminating adhesives suitable for mixed metal and composite substrates
- Custom solutions for high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, and marine industries
By leveraging UNICHEM’s expertise, PFRS can now offer more versatile, technically advanced products that address a wider range of industrial challenges. This expansion strengthens PFRS’ competitive position and accelerates its growth strategy in the global formulated resin systems market.
Leadership Perspectives
Fred Chin, President and CEO of Universal Chemicals and Coatings, expressed enthusiasm about joining PFRS:
We’re excited for this new chapter as we partner with PRO-SET Formulated Resin Systems. This partnership allows us to honor our history while accelerating our future growth. We are proud of the custom solutions we deliver to our customers, and we look forward to continuing that work as part of PRO-SET’s expansion.
Ted Clark also emphasized the strategic importance of UNICHEM’s capabilities:
UNICHEM brings a proven track record in technically complex formulations and an innovative approach to problem-solving. Integrating their expertise strengthens our platform and enables PFRS to offer unmatched solutions to our global customer base.
PFRS’ Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions
This acquisition represents the third major milestone in PFRS’ growth strategy. Earlier in 2025, PFRS acquired:
- Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (May 2025) – a leading manufacturer of epoxy systems for marine and composite applications
- Wessex Resins and Adhesives (December 2025) – specializing in advanced structural adhesives
Each acquisition has expanded PFRS’ technological capabilities, product portfolio, and global market reach, positioning the company as a leader in high-performance formulated resin systems.
Industry Implications
The integration of UNICHEM into PFRS is expected to have significant implications for the industrial coatings and adhesives market:
- Innovation acceleration: Combining R&D capabilities from both companies will speed up the development of advanced formulations.
- Broader market reach: PFRS can now serve additional industrial sectors, including high-performance coatings and dissimilar substrate applications.
- Enhanced technical expertise: UNICHEM’s specialized knowledge complements PFRS’ existing capabilities in epoxy-based resins, structural adhesives, and lamination systems.
This strategic alignment ensures that PFRS continues to deliver technically superior, customer-focused solutions across multiple industries worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As PFRS continues to expand its formulated resin systems platform, the company remains committed to:
- Delivering highly customized solutions for advanced composites and industrial applications
- Integrating scientific innovation with practical industrial applications
- Expanding its global market footprint through strategic acquisitions and partnerships
With UNICHEM’s integration, PFRS is well-positioned to lead the market in high-performance coatings, adhesives, and resin systems, providing unmatched technical expertise and innovative solutions to customers worldwide.
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