Valhi, Inc is a Delaware corporation that has operations through majority-owned subsidiaries or less than majority-owned affiliates. Valhi’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VHI.” See the disclosure in Valhi’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10Q and Proxy Statement (see the SEC Filings section of this website) for a recent description of Valhi’s operations and ownership structure.Valhi Inc. is considered a controlled company under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Pursuant to the listing standards, a controlled company may choose not to have a majority of independent directors, independent compensation, nominating or corporate governance committees or charters for these committees. Valhi has chosen not to have a majority of independent directors or an independent nominating or corporate governance committee.

Robert McBride, named after its founder, is cleaning up in the private-label market for household cleaners and personal care items. The UK-based manufacturer and wholly owned subsidiary of McBride plc earned Best in Class recognition based on The Grocer magazine's survey of UK grocery retailers. Parent company folded McBride Aircare Limited, an aerosol products manufacturer and distributor, into Robert McBride's operations. The firm also runs a joint venture, Aerosol Products Limited. Robert McBride was founded in 1927 as a chemical processing products company complementing the area's cotton industry.

Thai KK Industry developed its business model and stuck with it. The company, jointly owned by Thai Eternal Group and Taiwan Eternal Group, manufactures adhesive tapes and labels for use in industrial and printing applications. Thai KK Industry also produces melamine resin, an ingredient in everyday household plastic consumer products like foodware, table coatings, as well as electrical components. The company markets its tape and label products internationally under the KK, Valu, and Scorpion brand names (all manufactured at its production facility in Thailand).

Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers (MCF) is a big part of India's growing agricultural industry. Part of the Indian conglomerate UB Group, the company manufactures chemical fertilizers in the Indian state of Karnataka. Manufacturing both nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers, MCF has an annual manufacturing capacity of more than 2 million metric tons of ammonia an 3 million metric tons of urea. The company sells its products (including specialty fertilizers) under the Mangala brand. UB Group owns about 30% of the company with smaller stakes held by the Karnataka government and various financial institutions.

Interstate Chemical Company delivers the goods. Founded in 1968, the company has developed from a small regional chemical distributor to a firm with operations in the northeastern, midwestern, and western US. It operates warehouse and terminal facilities with a total storage capacity of more than 15 million gallons, as well as a fleet of company-owned tractor-trailers (more than 200 trucks, trailers, and tankers). Services include barge terminaling, custom chemical blending, food and pharmaceutical packaging, and liquid packaging. Interstate Chemical also provides intermediate bulk containers to its customers.

Osmose has its way. The company makes wood preservatives that repel water and termites, as well as inhibit the growth of mold. Among its consumer products are stains and water repellants; the company also makes preservatives for lumber and plywood. For railroads, Osmose produces preservatives for railroad ties and offers maintenance services. It also provides pole maintenance services and mobile communications software for utilities. Beginning in the mid-1990s the company began to focus on expanding internationally and now has operations in Canada, Latin America, Europe, and throughout the Asia/Pacific region.

Formed in 1952 and still controlled by the family of founder David Tilley, the company operates a large distribution facility in Baltimore. Tilley distributes chemicals, oils, and lubricants over roads both flat and hilly. The company offers a full range of chemicals, specialty chemicals, and solvents for customers in the food, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries. Its oil and lubricant products -- motor oils, hydraulic oils, transmission fluids, rust preventers, metalworking fluids -- are typically used by the automotive and manufacturing industries. Tilley also provides packaging, transfer, and handling services. Tilley's suppliers include Morton Salt, BASF, Rhodia, and Dow.

Austin Chemical does just fine, even without the bionic capabilities of Steve or the accessibility to great barbecue of the capital of Texas. The company supplies excipients, intermediates, APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients), and specialty chemicals to the pharmaceutical, nutritional, and agrochemical industries. It also provides development, packaging, marketing, and logistical services. The company supplies more than 8,000 products from some 115 manufacturers. In addition to its Chicago-area headquarters, Austin Chemical maintains operations in China and India.

Berli Jucker Public Company (BJC) embraces diversity. The conglomerate's principal activities are manufacturing, packaging, and distributing consumer, construction, and technical and imaging products. Its top consumer offerings include tissue paper, snack foods, and soap marketed under BJC's brand names. The firm is also a leading manufacturer of glass, aluminum, and plastic packaging for beverages, oil, and personal care products. Among the brands that BJC imports and markets are 3M, Ansell, Polaroid, Quaker Oats, Schwan-Stabilo, and UHU. The conglomerate was founded in 1882.

General Chemical Industrial Products makes soda, but don't be tempted to take a drink. The company produces soda ash, which is a raw ingredient in the manufacture of everything from glass to soap and detergent to textiles. General Chemical's lone production facility and mine are located in Wyoming; the company owns 75% of the facility, with glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois owning the rest. In 2008 General Chemical acquired the mica production assets of Zemex. Soon after that deal, Tata Chemicals bought the company for about $1 billion, at which point Zemex was spun off to General Chemical's shareholders.

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