The Story of Muehlstein
The year was 1911. William Howard Taft was president. Roald Amundsen led the first expedition to the South Pole. And an immigrant named Herman Muehlstein founded the company that still bears his name.
Through two world wars, the Great Depression, and dramatic changes in the plastics industry, the company has not just endured, but prospered. Today, Muehlstein is part of the Ravago Group, a global leader with offices in more than 50 countries and annual polymer sales of more than 10 billion pounds.
The entrepreneurial spirit imbued in the company by our founder—and the innovative, can-do culture it inspired—has helped Muehlstein remain fiercely dedicated to the success of our customers and suppliers.
A Company Timeline
Company founded as rubber recycler in Akron, Ohio by Herman Muehlstein.
1911Muehlstein diversifies into crude rubber by purchasing direct from suppliers in the far east.
1921Muehlstein enters the
synthetic rubber field;
is appointed U.S. Government Rubber Reclamation Agent
for war effort.
We first begin to trade in off-grade plastics.
1951Company reaches historic distribution agreement with Dow, pioneers plastic distribution in U.S.
1962Muehlstein withdraws from the crude rubber business, shifts focus to plastics.
1964We establish exclusive distribution agreement with Mobil Chemical.
1970Mobil purchases Muehlstein.
1980Corporate identity is changed.
1988Employees buy Company back. We launch Channel Polymers and the Certene® brand.
1996Muehlstein.com launches.
2000Muehlstein buys Prime Alliance, creates Channel Prime Alliance.
2002Company is proud to be acquired by Ravago Group.
2006New corporate identity is unveiled.
2011Muehlstein enters PET business, acquires Burcham and Meckler & Assoc.
2013Opening of Houston Supercenter.
2018