Nagase America Acquires Alexander Technical Institute, launches Nagase Coatings Lab - Americas (NCL-A)

Nagase America LLC, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector and a subsidiary of NAGASE & Co. LTD., has acquired Alexander Technical Institute, LLC (ATI), a specialized coatings testing and training laboratory based in Costa Mesa, California. The deal, announced on June 10, 2026, involves an undisclosed amount and marks a strategic move to enhance Nagase America's capabilities in the coatings market. Following the acquisition, ATI will be rebranded as the Nagase Coatings Lab – Americas (NCL-A), further solidifying Nagase's position as a full-service technical partner in the industry.

The acquisition of ATI allows Nagase America to expand its portfolio of technical capabilities, particularly in product development, quality testing, and formulation support. With the establishment of NCL-A, Nagase America aims to provide dedicated resources for competitive benchmarking and technical innovation. This move is expected to enhance the company's service offerings, enabling it to better meet the increasing demand for quality testing and technical support within the coatings sector. Hiroyuki Kayashita, President and COO of Nagase America, emphasized that the acquisition is a direct response to customer needs for in-house capabilities that can deliver added value to the coatings industry.

Founded in 2015 by Cyriac Alexander, a veteran in the coatings industry, ATI has built a strong reputation as a trusted resource for professional development in the coatings field. The institute has successfully trained over 140 professionals and supported numerous technical innovations for leading companies in the coatings value chain. Under Nagase's ownership, NCL-A is expected to leverage the global resources and reach of the NAGASE Group to further its mission of advancing industrial knowledge and innovation in coatings.

The specialty chemicals sector is currently experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for advanced materials and sustainable solutions across various industries. As companies seek to enhance their product offerings and improve performance, the integration of dedicated labs like NCL-A into established chemical firms is becoming a strategic priority. This acquisition positions Nagase America to capitalize on these trends, potentially leading to increased market share and enhanced customer relationships.

Overall, the acquisition of Alexander Technical Institute by Nagase America reflects broader trends in the specialty chemicals sector, where companies are increasingly investing in technical capabilities to stay competitive. As the coatings market continues to evolve, the establishment of NCL-A is likely to play a crucial role in driving innovation and meeting the growing demands of customers in the industry.