Douglas Products Acquires Vikane and ProFume Fumigants Business

LIBERTY, MO ?Douglas Products has acquired the Vikane and ProFume gas fumigant business from Dow AgroSciences. The purchase includes all related business assets, including the manufacturing plant in Pittsburg, Calif.

 

“Customers will continue to get the same product quality and support that have made Vikane and ProFume market-leading brands,” says Bill Fuller, Douglas CEO. “On the products side our name is now on the door of the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. We own the plant, but it will continue to be operated for us by experienced Dow employees to ensure the product quality that customers rely upon.”

 

Fuller added, “On the people side, I’m extremely pleased that the employees supporting Vikane and ProFume have joined Douglas, including sales, marketing and technical staff. Retaining these experienced pros says that there will be no changes to our industry-leading training, marketing, technical support and product stewardship efforts.”

 

“The field sales and technical support staff backing Vikane and ProFume is among the best in the business,” says Janet Rowley, Pest Management Global Business Leader for Douglas. “We will continue to work hard to ensure all of our customers and fumigators get the same great products, service and support they have received throughout my 30-plus years in the business.”

 

The acquisition of the Vikane and ProFume businesses is a great strategic fit for Douglas, Fuller adds. In business since 1916, the company’s foundation has been in pest control products and is a market leading registrant for phosphine fumigants. Vikane and ProFume expand its presence in both structural pest control and post-harvest commodity fumigation markets. In addition, Douglas manufactures and formulates many other lines of specialty chemical products.

Heather Kern, Global Marketing Leader for Douglas, says the acquisition of Vikane and ProFume creates new potential for both the fumigant brands and the company.

“The message to our distributor partners and fumigation customers is that we will continue to provide the same high quality products backed with industry-leading regulatory support,” Kern says. “Beyond that we see opportunities to expand label directions, uses and market geographies. Everyone at Douglas is excited about the addition of Vikane and ProFume.”

Fuller, along with Wes Long, purchased Douglas in 2007, after serving as a senior executive and shareholder of Becker Underwood, a large chemical company that was acquired by BASF. While at Becker Underwood, Fuller oversaw many corporate acquisitions and gained expertise in specialty chemicals, industry compliance, marketing, distribution and manufacturing. According to Fuller, the sale of the Vikane and ProFume business was done after careful consideration by both Douglas and Dow AgroSciences..

“It is of great importance to all involved that Vikane and ProFume customers receive the same products and services that they have come to expect,” he says. “Both companies are working to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Fuller says Douglas is well capitalized and investigating additional business acquisitions as part of its long-term growth strategy.

“We’re an entrepreneurial specialty chemicals company, but mindful that we were founded on delivering product quality and customer service. Our business is bringing customers high-value solutions backed by people who care about their long-term success.”