About Nexpera

Delivering Competitive Advantage Through Industrial Expertise

Nexpera is a leading provider of innovative, sustainable solutions in industrial chemistry. We specialize in sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide regeneration, along with a range of sulfur-based products. Our mission is to empower industries to thrive in a changing world by delivering next-level expertise, circular economy solutions and unmatched reliability in critical processes.

A Legacy of Innovation

Nexpera’s expertise, built over the past century, is rooted in delivering mission-critical services in sulfuric acid regeneration and industrial chemistry. Our expertise and assets have a rich heritage of serving industries across North America.

Our Origins

Our story begins with the Grasselli Chemical Co., which started manufacturing sulfuric acid circa 1870. This foundation of expertise was strengthened when DuPont acquired the Grasselli Chemical Co. in 1928, marking the beginning of a long history of innovation in sulfuric acid production and regeneration.

Key Milestones

1870s: Grasselli Chemical Co. begins manufacturing sulfuric acid

1928: DuPont acquires Grasselli Chemical Co.

1947-2008: DuPont builds and operates a total of 19 sulfuric acid plants

1995: Modular Environmental Technologies (MET) acquires HARDTAC technology rights from DuPont

1996-2000: MET builds and operates a total of 6 KOH recovery plants

1996: First on-site plant for KOH recovery from HF alkylation, Port Arthur, Texas

1998: First off-site plant for KOH recovery from semicon byproduct KF streams

1999: First merchant KOH recovery facility from KF feedstock, New Orleans Central

2001: US Filter, a subsidiary of Veolia Environmental, acquires the MET business

2005: DuPont’s first on-site acid plant, Red Lion, starts operations, conducting on-site sulfur gas recovery and spent acid regeneration

2008: Two more facilities (with 2 lines each) are started up in New Jersey and Texas

2016: Veolia acquires the Sulfuric Products business from Chemours (former DuPont businesses)

Present: Formation of Nexpera, building on this rich heritage

World-Class Experts Advancing Technology Through the Years

Our history is marked by continuous advancement of technology and solving complex challenges for industry. From early adoption of recycling technologies to our current leadership in circular economy solutions, we’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial chemistry. Our Acid Technology Center (ATC) exemplifies this commitment, driving technological advancements in acid and KOH management and applications.

Empowering Nexpera to Deliver Next-Level Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Nexpera’s leadership team brings together decades of experience in industrial chemistry, sustainability, and business management. Our leaders have a proven track record of innovation and operational excellence, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a culture of safety, delivering value to our customers, and driving sustainable growth for our stakeholders.

Stuart Thomas

Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Thomas

Chief Executive Officer

Stu worked for DuPont for 21 years where he had roles in international business development, business leadership, and technology leadership in various DuPont businesses including a role as the CEO of Butamax Advanced Biofuels, a joint venture company of DuPont and BP. In 2017, Stu joined Veolia and held leadership roles in various businesses, including the predecessor to Nexpera and was appointed CEO of Nexpera (Veolia predecessor business) in July 2023. Stu has degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS) and North Carolina State University (Ph.D.).