FR Chemical was formed in 1934 with the pioneering goal of providing liquid concentrates to the photographic imaging market. The first FR liquid concentrate was a Dental X-Ray Developer manufactured for Kerr Dental, now a division of Sybron Dental Specialties Inc.

During this early period, the company was widely recognized as a leader in providing innovative darkroom products for the black & white photo hobbyist.

The 1940's and 1950's witnessed a shift in the company's product focus to the manufacture of Medical X-Ray and Aerial film Developer and Fixer solutions required by the U.S. Armed Forces.

In the mid 1950's, FR introduced the ADOX line of Black & White films and the Minolta Camera line to its product portfolio. Other innovations, "considered firsts" during this period, included: the switch from glass to plastic bottles for liquid concentrates, the introduction of Phenidone developers, and the "One-Shot" concept aimed at the occasional darkroom hobbyist.

To develop brand awareness, the "FR Man" was created and subsequently became a highly recognized symbol within the industry.

Early in the 1960's, FR developed and patented the Electronic (Induction Heating) Sealing System, which secured the liquid contents of its plastic bottles by welding the caps inner liner to the bottle opening. Today this system is widely used in many industries.

Within this same time frame, FR became a leading OEM supplier of Medical X-Ray processing solutions to the Picker Corporation. The manual processing solution sold under the PIX brand name, allowed exposure reductions of up to 20% over other solutions available at that time. With the advent of Automated processing, FR also manufactured the highly recognized Picker SLS developer and fixer.

By the mid 1970's, products sold under the FR brand name included Medical and Dental X-ray, Micrographics, Graphic Arts and Industrial Photo Specialty solutions.

In 1984, to support the Medical X-Ray chemical product line, FR began the distribution of Generic (white box) X-Ray Film, which was manufactured in East Germany. Over time, products were also sourced from Sakura - Brazil, 3M - Argentina, DuPont - Brazil, and Agfa - Singapore. In 1998, this segment of the business was sold to Cine Magnetics who operates it under the name MedLink.

Concurrent to this transaction, White Mountain Imaging acquired the chemical portion of the business. The acquisition of FR Chemical Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of White Mountain Imaging, provides an expanded range of products and experience in an ever-changing industry.

We are proud of our accomplishments, our highly regarded reputation in the industry, and the recognition our products have derived over the past 70 years.

FR Chemical Incorporated
524 South Columbus Avenue
Mount Vernon, NY 10550-4626
Phone 888-634-4646
FAX 914-667-7145