Foundry Services Limited, was established in 1932 as a supplier of flux products to brass and bronze foundries in Birmingham, England. The ‘Foseco’ brand name was first used in 1934 and originates from the words:

FOundry SErvices COmpany.

In 1944, Mineral Separations Ltd took a 20% stake in the company and Foseco began to extend its range of products and services for iron foundry castings. By 1949, Foseco exported to over 25 countries and in the mid 1950s, Foseco International Ltd was established to manage international operations. Foseco became a UK public company in 1964.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, the company diversified further into construction chemicals, abrasives, wood treatment and colour pigments, merging with Mineral Separations Limited in 1969, to form Foseco Minsep. During the 1970’s, the geographical expansion continued into Brazil, the Pacific Rim and China. In 1990, the company was acquired by Burmah Castrol plc and the four diversified operations became the core of the chemicals division.

In 1995, the management of Foseco International was relocated next to the main UK manufacturing facility in Tamworth, England. Foseco (Foundry) China was formed in 1996 and became the first solely owned foundry supply company in China. In 1997 Foseco Foundry acquired the SMC binders and coatings business from Chemetall. In 1999, the company took full ownership of Servimetal S.A., previously a joint venture with the Aluminium Pechiney company.

In 2000, Burmah Castrol was acquired by BP Amoco, who in 2001 sold the Foseco Foundry business, together with a number of sister companies, to a holding company, Foseco (Jersey) Ltd, backed by the Cinven Ltd venture capital group.