W R Grace & Co is a US-American chemical and materials science company founded in 1854 by William R. Grace. The company is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and employs over 3,700 employees worldwide. History: W R Grace & Co has a long history dating back to the 19th century. William R. Grace began his career as a shipping entrepreneur and founded Grace Brothers & Co in 1854, specializing in the trade of guano. Later, Grace expanded his portfolio to include chemicals, construction, and transportation. Like many companies of its time, Grace was active in the colonization and development of the western frontier of the USA, also supporting the expansion of the railway. Company founder William R. Grace himself was elected mayor of New York City in 1880, thereby enabling important infrastructure projects in the city. After Grace's death, his sons handed over the company to the next generation in 1916. In the 1950s, the company began to focus on specialty chemicals and materials and expanded internationally. In the 1990s, WR Grace had to file for bankruptcy due to asbestos contamination from its products. However, the company was able to reach a settlement with the affected parties and continue its reorganization after a lengthy legal dispute. Business Model and Divisions: W R Grace & Co focuses on the production and sale of chemicals, materials, and services in several areas, with a focus on specialty chemicals. The company is divided into three main business divisions: 1. "Construction and building materials" includes products such as roofing materials, bitumen products, sealing and coating materials for various materials and applications, such as roads and buildings. 2. Products and applications for the process industry and refineries, such as catalysts, adsorbents, and technologies to improve efficiency, contamination control, and production processes. 3. "Specialty chemicals" offers a variety of chemicals for a wide range of applications. Specialty fertilizers, biocides, additives, and functional additives for various industries, such as agriculture, plastics, electronics, and energy. The company often develops customized solutions in collaboration with other technology companies. One of W R Grace & Co's main products is silicate-based calcium silicate (CaSi), as well as other catalysts and sorbents for the chemical industry. With this product, the company is one of the major suppliers to the petrochemical industries worldwide. Another important business division is Grace Davison, which is known for its polycrystalline formulations used in the catalysis, lithium, and electronics industry. In addition to its business divisions, W.R. Grace also offers technical services to customers. These services include providing process know-how and engineering services to customers seeking solutions to specific technical problems or issues. Conclusion: W.R. Grace & Co is an established company with a long history and broad expertise in various fields. With a clear focus on specialty chemicals, but also traditional materials such as asphalt and roofing materials for the construction industry, the company is known not only for its high-quality products but also for its technical services. Developing customized solutions and strong partnerships with companies throughout the supply chain have made W.R. Grace a reliable partner for its customers, operating in a variety of industries.