The chemical industry touches nearly every product manufactured in the Lehigh Valley, from food packaging and pharmaceuticals to electronics and construction materials. Allentown holds a special place in this industry as the longtime home of Air Products, a global leader in industrial gases with a major campus in the western suburbs.
Pennsylvania as a whole is a significant chemical manufacturing state, with producers, distributors, and research centers spread across the Philadelphia region, the Lehigh Valley, and western Pennsylvania. This guide reviews ten chemical companies that serve and influence Allentown's industrial base.
The Chemical Industry in the Lehigh Valley
Proximity to major pharmaceutical and food manufacturers, a dense logistics network, and a skilled scientific workforce make the Lehigh Valley an attractive location for chemical operations. Lehigh University's research programs in chemical engineering and materials science supply talent and partnerships, while the region's distribution centers allow efficient delivery across the Northeast.
Industry Trends and Innovations
Hydrogen is one of the most important growth areas, with industrial gas companies investing in production and distribution for clean energy applications. Specialty materials for semiconductors, sustainable chemistry, and bio-based ingredients are also expanding. Digital tools are improving safety monitoring, supply chain visibility, and regulatory compliance across the industry.
Safety and Responsibility
Leading chemical companies differentiate themselves through strong safety cultures, environmental stewardship, and transparent community engagement. Programs such as Responsible Care set standards for safe handling, storage, and transportation. Allentown businesses should prioritize partners with proven safety records and clear emergency response procedures.
Our Picks: The 10 Best Chemical Companies in Allentown
1. Air Products
Air Products is Allentown's most prominent chemical company and a world leader in industrial gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and hydrogen. It serves industries ranging from healthcare and food to electronics and energy, and it is investing heavily in large-scale hydrogen projects that position it at the forefront of the energy transition.
2. EMD Electronics
EMD Electronics incorporates the former Versum Materials, which was spun off from Air Products and maintained strong Lehigh Valley ties. The business supplies specialty gases, chemicals, and materials essential for semiconductor manufacturing worldwide.
3. Arkema
Arkema's Americas headquarters in King of Prussia oversees specialty materials businesses including adhesives, coatings, and advanced polymers. Its products are used in construction, automotive, and consumer goods, and its research centers drive innovation in high-performance materials.
4. Brenntag North America
Brenntag is a global leader in chemical distribution with major operations in Pennsylvania. It offers an enormous portfolio of industrial and specialty chemicals, along with blending, repackaging, and logistics services that make sourcing simpler for Allentown manufacturers.
5. Univar Solutions
Univar Solutions is one of the largest chemical and ingredient distributors in North America. It supports food, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial customers with technical expertise, formulation support, and reliable supply.
6. Covestro
Headquartered in Pittsburgh for its North American operations, Covestro produces high-tech polymers including polycarbonates and polyurethanes. These materials are used in insulation, automotive parts, electronics, and medical devices.
7. PPG
PPG, based in Pittsburgh, is one of the world's largest paints and coatings manufacturers. Its products protect and beautify buildings, vehicles, and industrial equipment, and its distribution network ensures availability for contractors throughout the Lehigh Valley.
8. Dow
Dow maintains a significant Pennsylvania presence through its legacy Rohm and Haas operations in the Philadelphia area. It produces a vast range of materials, coatings, and specialty chemicals used across virtually every manufacturing sector.
9. Linde
Linde is a global industrial gas and engineering company that supplies atmospheric gases, specialty gases, and equipment. Its network serves hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturers in the Lehigh Valley with dependable delivery and on-site supply solutions.
10. Evonik
Evonik is a specialty chemicals company with North American operations in the region. Its additives, catalysts, and performance materials enhance products in coatings, nutrition, healthcare, and personal care markets.
How to Choose a Chemical Supplier
Evaluate potential partners on product quality, consistency, regulatory documentation, and safety performance. Ask about technical support, custom blending, packaging options, and delivery reliability. For critical materials, consider supplier redundancy and the partner's ability to manage disruptions. Sustainability credentials and lower-carbon product options are increasingly important to downstream customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest chemical company based in Allentown?
Air Products, the global industrial gas leader, is the most prominent chemical company headquartered in the Allentown area and is one of the region's largest employers.
What is the difference between a chemical manufacturer and a distributor?
Manufacturers produce chemicals at scale, while distributors such as Brenntag and Univar Solutions source products from many manufacturers and provide smaller quantities, blending, repackaging, and local delivery, which is often more practical for small and mid-sized businesses.
Final Thoughts
Allentown sits at the center of a powerful chemical industry network anchored by world-class companies. The organizations above provide the materials, expertise, and safety leadership that help Lehigh Valley manufacturers innovate and grow.