Engelhard Corporation was a U.S.-based Fortune 500 company headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey. Founded in 1902 by Charles W. Engelhard Sr., it initially focused on precious metals refining and trading before expanding into specialty chemicals and minerals.
The company became a leading global supplier of catalysts for the petroleum, chemical, and food industries, as well as pigments, paper coating agents, temperature sensors, and precious metal products used in automotive, cosmetics, and other applications. It also produced materials for emission control and surface treatments.
In 2006, Engelhard was acquired by BASF for approximately $5 billion and integrated as a wholly owned subsidiary, with its technologies enhancing BASF's catalyst and precious metals portfolios. Engelhard's legacy persists in BASF's environmental catalysts and metal solutions division.
