Formerly the nation's largest explosives producer, this century-old firm now uses its muscle to produce specialty chemicals to strengthen products such as paper, paint, and textiles. The products are obscure - wet-strength resins and sizing for the paper industry, natural gums for the food industry, and non-woven fibers and textile yarns for use in diaper products and upholstery.
But they're crucial components for key goods in developed and developing countries alike. And with nearly 40 production facilities dispersed across the globe, Hercules should benefit as global economies expand.
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