Dober Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Lygos’ Soltellus™ Agronomy and Water Treatment Businesses
Dober, a specialty chemical manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for innovation and operational excellence, has announced the acquisition of the Agronomy and Water Treatment businesses from Lygos, Inc., a company recognized for its work in sustainable specialty chemicals. This strategic transaction strengthens Dober’s product portfolio by adding a rapidly growing suite of high-performance solutions while reinforcing the company’s commitment to long-term expansion and sustainability-driven innovation.
As part of the agreement, Lygos will continue marketing Soltellus™ polymers for Home and Personal Care applications and will retain ownership of its proprietary technology platform used to develop advanced, high-performance biodegradable polymers. This arrangement allows both companies to sharpen their strategic focus while maintaining continuity for customers and partners across multiple industries.
Strengthening Dober’s Growth Strategy
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Dober’s ongoing strategy to expand its capabilities in high-value specialty chemicals. By integrating Soltellus™ Agronomy and Water Treatment solutions into its existing operations, Dober gains access to a portfolio known for performance, sustainability, and strong market demand.
Chris Dobrez, chief executive officer of Dober, emphasized the importance of the move, noting the strong foundation established by Lygos in launching Soltellus™ into the Agronomy market. He highlighted intention to build on that success, accelerate innovation, and broaden the Soltellus™ product line to reach new customers and applications.
This step aligns with Dober’s broader mission of delivering sustainable, high-performance chemical technologies that help customers improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and meet evolving regulatory expectations.
From Collaboration to Full Integration
Prior to the acquisition, Dober and Lygos had already formed a manufacturing collaboration aimed at scaling Soltellus™ polymer production. That partnership provided with valuable insight into the technology, supply chain, and market potential of the Soltellus™ platform.
With the acquisition now complete, Dober gains direct control over:
- Manufacturing operations
- Product quality management
- Research and development initiatives
- Sales and customer relationships
According to Dobrez, bringing sales and commercialization activities in-house enables Dober to fully leverage its production expertise and deep technical knowledge in biopolymers. This integration is expected to accelerate product innovation and unlock new growth opportunities across Agronomy and Water Treatment markets.
Strategic Benefits for Lygos
While Dober expands its operational footprint, the transaction also creates meaningful advantages for Lygos. By divesting the Agronomy and Water Treatment segments, Lygos can concentrate resources on its core focus areas—Home Care, Personal Care, and Hygiene—where demand for sustainable, biodegradable polymer solutions continues to grow.
Rich Weber, chief business officer of Lygos, described the deal as a natural strategic fit. He pointed to Dober’s extensive polymer expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and modern production infrastructure as key factors supporting Soltellus™ growth in Agronomy.
The transition allows Lygos to:
- Deepen partnerships in consumer-focused markets
- Accelerate commercialization of sustainable polymer innovations
- Expand global reach in home and personal care applications
Ultimately, the agreement enables both organizations to pursue clearer, more focused growth strategies.
Seamless Transition for Customers
Customer continuity has been a central priority throughout the acquisition process. confirmed that Soltellus™ production will continue at its Hazleton, Pennsylvania facility, while product development and innovation activities will be managed from the company’s headquarters in Woodridge, Illinois.
Tony Weisner, senior vice president at Dober, reassured customers that the transition will be smooth and disruption-free. Existing clients can expect uninterrupted supply, consistent product quality, and the same level of personalized service they previously received.
Weisner emphasized that is committed to maintaining strong customer relationships while welcoming new partners into its expanding network. The company views this acquisition not only as a portfolio enhancement but also as an opportunity to create long-term shared success with customers across agriculture and water treatment industries.
Dober’s Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
Founded in 1957, Dober is a privately held, third-generation, family-owned specialty chemical manufacturer headquartered in Woodridge, Illinois. Over nearly seven decades, the company has built a reputation for fostering ideas that generate sustainable, practical solutions for businesses worldwide.
Today, Dober serves more than 3,000 customers across 12 global locations. Its core capabilities span multiple high-impact sectors, including:
- Water Treatment
- Performance Fluids
- Formulated Detergents
- Robotics
- Operations Management Software
This diverse expertise positions Dober to integrate new technologies—such as Soltellus™ polymers—while continuing to deliver measurable environmental and operational value.
Lygos’ Role in Advancing Sustainable Chemistry
Lygos, Inc. has emerged as a leader in the development of sustainable specialty chemicals designed to replace persistent, environmentally harmful substances with biodegradable, high-performance alternatives. The company focuses on creating polymers tailored for demanding home care and personal care applications, combining sustainability with commercial-scale performance.
Through an integrated supply chain, Lygos ensures efficient and cost-effective production, enabling global brands to meet both performance requirements and sustainability commitments. Its innovations support measurable reductions in environmental impact while maintaining the functional benefits customers expect.
By narrowing its strategic focus following the transaction with Dober, Lygos is positioned to accelerate progress in consumer-facing markets where sustainable chemistry is becoming increasingly essential.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition of Lygos’ Soltellus™ Agronomy and Water Treatment businesses marks an important step forward for both organizations. Dober strengthens its technology portfolio, manufacturing control, and innovation pipeline, while Lygos sharpens its concentration on high-growth consumer applications.
For customers, partners, and the broader specialty chemicals industry, the deal signals continued momentum toward solutions that combine performance, scalability, and sustainability.
As Dober integrates the Soltellus™ platform and expands development efforts, the company is poised to deliver new generations of environmentally responsible products—helping industries evolve while supporting a more sustainable future.
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