Home
/
chevron_left
Collection
Company
/
History

Company History

With a history rooted in innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a steadfast commitment to quality, KaMin has been a trusted name in the kaolin industry for over a century. From our humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in performance minerals, we’ve continually evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

kamin corporate headquarters building exterior in macon georgia

With a 100-year tradition of exploring, mining and processing kaolin clay, KaMin has grown from a small, local operation to a global enterprise dedicated to advancing mineral solutions.

With nearly 1,000 employees worldwide, KaMin has grown into a global enterprise serving customers in more than 70 countries. Today, KaMin is globally recognized as a leading mineral manufacturer, revolutionizing product efficiency and performance through premium kaolin-based mineral solutions. 

A Solid Foundation

Our story begins with the rich deposits of kaolin in Georgia, a resource that has been essential to industries worldwide for over a century. KaMin was founded on the principle of leveraging this natural resource to deliver world-class mineral solutions while fostering sustainable practices.
historical kaolin clay manufacturing plant georgia

Decades of Innovation

Over the years, KaMin has expanded its operations to serve a diverse range of markets, including paper, packaging, construction, automotive, agriculture, and beyond. Each step of our journey has been marked by a commitment to research and development, leading to breakthroughs in material science and innovative applications of kaolin.
kamin employees historical photo

Global Expansion

As demand for our products grew, so did our global footprint. KaMin established itself as a trusted partner for customers around the world, delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of various markets. Our facilities and partnerships ensure that we can deliver excellence at scale, no matter the application.
kamin bulk warehousing for kaolin

Company History

Learn how KaMin has grown its footprint globally since the early 1900s.
1907
Edgar Brothers purchase property near McIntyre, Georgia for prospecting kaolin.
1922
Gordon Kaolin Company founded with F.H. Opper obtaining controlling interest in Columbia Kaolin & Aluminium Co. plant.
Mockup
1926
First paper coating clay is produced in the United States at McIntyre plant.
1939
Edgar Brothers becomes first company to move slurry in pipelines from mills to processing plants. 
1945
First calciner in the industry is put into operation in Gordon; McIntyre plant follows suit.
Mockup
1963
Gordon operations purchased by Freeport.
1968
Introduction of superconducting magnets allows for processing of special glossing kaolins.
Mockup
1969
Export services begin with the first shipment to papermakers in Japan. Wrens plant opens with new, innovative processing technology.
1971
Santa Virginia Mining is founded and later becomes CADAM S.A.
1973
KaMin becomes the first company to produce ultrafine, high brightness kaolin. Patents issued for flagship product, Hydragloss® 90.
1975
A new beneficiation plant is built in Munguba to advance the processing of kaolin clay.
1977
Ansilex is introduced as the first non-abrasive calcined clay for paper manufacturing.
1980
Engelhard purchases Freeport.
Mockup
1993
CADAM’s Antwerp facility is established.
2006
BASF acquires Engelhard Corporation.
2008
JM Huber Clay Division is renamed to KaMin LLC after IMin Partners purchases the company.
Mockup
2012
KaMin LLC purchases majority ownership interest in CADAM S.A. This expansion made KaMin the global leader in fine particle kaolin clay.
2014
KaMin LLC launches Lithosperse NextGen® product line to ink market.
2015
CADAM® Gloss AG product line is launched.
2016
KaMin invests in acquisition of ultra fine kaolin business, affirming its commitment to the paper industry.
2022
KaMin acquires BASF Kaolin, reaffirming the company's leading position in the global kaolin market.

Moving forward sustainably

Throughout our history, sustainability has been at the core of KaMin’s mission. From environmentally responsible mining practices to our investments in renewable energy and community engagement, we strive to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship as we continue to expand our global operation.
Sustainability at Kamin
Sustainability at KaMin
kamin gordon georgia office