Our Story at Functional Products Inc.
Functional Products Inc. develops and manufactures specialty additives for lubricants, greases, and metalworking fluids. From our headquarters in Macedonia, Ohio, we help formulators solve technical challenges through polymer chemistry, practical laboratory development, and responsive support.
Our portfolio includes viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, specialty additives, and formulated packages. Behind every product is a team committed to turning promising chemistry into practical, commercially viable solutions. We’ve developed conventional additives for over 40 years, but we’re best known for our unique approach to co-developing specialty lubricant markets with our customers.
Decades of Technical Leadership and Friendship
Our history is reflected in the products we manufacture, the relationships we build, and the knowledge we share. Explore moments from our laboratories, manufacturing operations, technical conferences, and partnerships throughout the lubrication community.
Milestones Along the Way
What began as a small specialty additive manufacturer has grown into a trusted technical partner for lubricant and grease formulators across the globe.
Over four decades, we've built a reputation for responsiveness, creativity, manufacturing excellence, and reliability. These qualities continue to guide us today.
| 1985 🏗️ Founded in Cleveland, Ohio | Functional Products Inc. was established to develop and manufacture custom polymer solutions and additive chemistries under the FUNCTIONAL brand for lubricant formulators seeking improved performance and dependable technical support. |
| 1990s 🔬 Building the Foundation | Expanded our manufacturing portfolio with viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, and specialty additives designed for performance and ease of use. Operations were relocated to our current headquarters and manufacturing facility in Macedonia, Ohio, in 1998. |
| 2000s 🌎 Expanding Reach to a Global Presence | As our manufacturing capabilities and product portfolio grew, so did our customer base. We began supporting lubricant manufacturers throughout North America and around the world with consistent supply, responsive technical service, and dependable production. |
| 2010s 🏆 Innovation & Recognition | Expanded into bio-based and environmentally acceptable lubricant technologies while continuing to invest in polymer innovation. Functional Products scientists contributed award-winning papers and presentations in tribology and grease technology. Functional Products Inc. acquired the PARATAC® tackifier brand in 2017 and expanded its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in 2019. |
| 2020s ⚠️ Fast Response to Changing Times | Functional Products became a valued manufacturing partner during a rapidly changing global marketplace, helping customers maintain supply through responsive product development, dependable production, and flexible manufacturing. We also expanded our digital technical resources, making decades of formulation knowledge more accessible through online application guides, formulation tools, and AI-assisted product selection. |
| Today ⚙️ Your Technical Partner for Tomorrow | While products and technologies continue to evolve, one thing has remained constant: the trust we've earned from our customers. Over four decades, that trust has grown from solving one-off formulation challenges to supporting increasingly ambitious development programs, larger commercial opportunities, and long-term technical partnerships. As our customers continue to succeed, Functional Products continues to grow alongside them through innovative chemistry, responsive manufacturing, and collaborative technical support. |
Why Our History Matters to You
Formulators &
Brand Stewards
Our decades of research and manufacturing experience give you access to proven additive chemistries backed by real-world testing. We've helped formulators solve difficult challenges, accelerate development, and create products that stand apart in the marketplace.
OEMs &
Technical Decision Makers
Lubricant performance is about more than meeting a specification. Whether you're validating a new specification or improving an existing formulation, our team helps bridge laboratory development and commercial production with practical solutions that perform consistently in the field.
Supply Chain
Professionals
Because we develop and manufacture our core technologies in-house, we maintain direct control over quality, production, and responsiveness. Combined with resilient supply chains and strong distributor relationships, that means dependable supply and fast turnaround when you need it most.
Future Team
Members
Functional Products Inc. has grown by encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and technical excellence. Joining us means contributing to innovations that keep global industries moving while working in a supportive, entrepreneurial culture.
The Next Chapter
The lubricant industry continues to evolve through electrification, changing performance requirements, sustainability, and new manufacturing technologies. Our commitment remains the same: innovative chemistry, American manufacturing, and collaborative technical support.
We invite you to be part of our next chapter. Whether you're developing new formulations, exploring technical solutions, or considering a career with Functional Products, we look forward to building something together.