W.R. Grace & Co. engages in the production and sale of chemicals and materials. It operates through the Grace Catalysts Technologies and Grace Materials Technologies segments. The Grace Catalysts Technologies segment includes catalysts and related products and technologies used in refining, petrochemical and other chemical manufacturing applications. The Grace Materials Technologies segment consists of specialty materials, including silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials, used in coatings, consumer, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. The firm specializes in chemical processing, coatings and inks, food and beverage, general industrial, nutraceutical, personal care, pharma, and plastics industries. The company was founded by William Russell Grace in 1854 and is headquartered in Columbia, MD.