Our Story at Functional Products Inc.
Functional Products Inc. has been developing and manufacturing innovative chemistry for lubricants since 1985. From our headquarters in Macedonia, Ohio, we help lubricant, grease, and metalworking formulators solve problems through polymer technology, practical laboratory work, and responsive technical support.
Our portfolio spans tackifiers, viscosity modifiers, specialty additives, and formulated packages. Behind those products is a team that works with customers to select chemistry, develop formulations, and move promising ideas toward commercial production.
40+ Years of Technical Leadership and Friendship to the Lubrication Community
Our history is represented in the products we manufacture, the relationships we build, and the knowledge we share. Through technical publications, conference presentations, training, and support for industry organizations, we contribute to the lubrication community that has helped us grow.
The photographs below offer a look at that work: experiments at the bench, investments in our plant, new products, familiar faces, and time spent with customers and colleagues around the world.
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—qualities that 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
Our story is still being written. As the lubricant industry navigates the challenges of electrification, sustainability, and globalization, Functional Products Inc. remains committed to leading with innovative chemistry, American manufacturing, responsive technical service, and a people-first approach.
Forty years ago, Functional Products set out to solve difficult lubrication problems through chemistry. That mission remains unchanged. Whether you’re developing the next generation of industrial lubricants, electric vehicle fluids, food-grade greases, or specialty formulations, we’re ready to help Make it FUNCTIONAL.
We invite you to explore our product line-up, partner with us on new projects, or even join our team as we continuing building the future of lubrication technology.