D N Lukens Inc

A Three Generation Tradition, Based On Elite Customer Service
Our unique story begins with a family technical development during World War II. In 1943, Dr. Alan R. Lukens, consulting for Thompson-Weimann & company minerals manufacturer, applied the principles of centrifugal grinding to a water-dispersed slurry of calcium carbonate. He patented the eventual dried, ultra fine, ultra pure white pigment "ATOMITE" . In addition to achieving the finest particle size calcium carbonate pigment at the time, the wet grinding process yielded a tighter particle size distribution than previous dry grinding methods and reduced the soluble salts in the ground mineral. These features provided industry with a more predictable and stable ingredient for rubber, oil-based paint, and the emerging industrial technologies of the time - latex paint and thermoplastic compounds.

The Lukens family had more ideas developing. During World War II, Donald N. Lukens served on "a lesser-known PT Boat" for the United States Navy. At the end of the War, Don attended and graduated from the Harvard Business School. After his initial position as National Sales & Distribution Manager for Laminar Corporation, Don formed a technically-focused manufacturers representative and distribution company in 1951 called Lukens Chemical Company. lukens history ma
In the early days, Don personally called on all of his customers, but grew to need additional office and sales personnel. Despite substantial additional responsibilities and growth over the decades to come, Don would always continue to keep his own customer base. This commitment to personal customer relationships and long-term dedication remains the core of our business philosophy today.

Don developed his venture into a major force in the chemical distribution business. By expanding the product range from the original extender minerals business into colors, resins, and specialty additives, Lukens became a key supplier of a broad selection of materials to coatings, plastics, graphic arts, and other industries. By continually improving and expanding facilities, personnel, and market scope, Don grew and maintained key business relationships as the industrial base continued to change. In today's changing environment, a company which has numerous strategic business relationships that span over 4 decades indicates a rare commitment.

Today, Lukens continues as a progressive supplier. By focusing on building relationships rather than fleeting transactions as a business model, Lukens has developed a reputation for quality customer service. As we approach our seventh decade in business, the Company continues to reinvest in both its people and support technology to provide timely information and products to our customers.