Diamonex - History

About Us - History

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Today

DIAMONEX operates with a work force of approximately 60 people in approximately 27,000 square feet of facilities in Allentown, Pennsylvania USA.

Our History

1984:While operating between 1984 and 1990 as the Diamond Venture Unit of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., over 30 man-years of research were invested in developing the underlying technologies for advanced processes for production of CVD Diamond and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC).

The formation and spin-out of DIAMONEX was led by three senior Air Products business and technology managers who recognized the impact the technologies would have across many market segments. Financed by venture capital investment and the contribution of technology and fixed assets by Air Products, the DIAMONEX began independent operations in June 1990 with an initial staff of twelve.

1990: DIAMONEX, Incorporated was founded as an independent company in June of 1990 as a spin-out from Air Products.

1993: DIAMONEX was acquired by The Chemicals Group of Monsanto Company, one of its initial investors and an early commercial partner in the development of DLC technology to address the needs of the plastics processing industry.

The acquisition brought to DIAMONEX the financial strength and resources of a recognized leader in chemicals and materials. Additionally, a collaboration between Monsanto and a consortium of scientific laboratories in the former Soviet Union that pioneered CVD diamond and DLC technology significantly augmented DIAMONEX's internal technical capabilities. Consistent with Monsanto's innovative approach to the development of new businesses, DIAMONEX operated as a business unit in Monsanto's Growth Enterprises Division.

In the summer of 1996 DIAMONEX formed two Business Units to focus on the different opportunities available for the technology.

DIAMONEX Optical Products Group

focused on the development and commercialization of premium products for the sunwear and prescription eyewear markets.

DIAMONEX Performance Products Group

focused on a variety of other applications of the technology including electronics, data storage, optical windows for scanners, and precision industrial applications of wear and low friction coatings.

1998: the DIAMONEX Performance Products Group was acquired from Monsanto by Spencer Trask & Company, a New York-based investment firm specializing in private equity for high-growth technology companies. The business was re-incorporated as DIAMONEX, Incorporated, until its acquisition by The Morgan Crucible Company, plc. in January 2001.

2001: DIAMONEX officially changed its name to DIAMONEX, E/M Division of Morgan Chemical Products, Inc., and continues to serve customers from its facilities in Allentown, Pennsylvania. DIAMONEX focuses on marketplace synergy with Morgan and E/M in the automotive, aerospace, data storage, medical, semiconductor, and electronics industries.

2002: DIAMONEX is now the DIAMONEX Products Division of Morgan Advanced Ceramics, Inc.

A Division of Morgan Advanced Ceramics
Morgan Technical Ceramics is a Global Business Unit of the Morgan Crucible Company plc.
It comprises Morgan Advanced Ceramics and Morgan Electro Ceramics.