Sandersville, GA USA(July 14, 2026): Burgess Pigment Co. (“Burgess Pigment”), a leading producer of specialty kaolin pigments and functional mineral products announced today it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Thiele Kaolin Company (“Thiele”), a global supplier of high-quality kaolin clay and silica products.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Sandersville, Georgia, Thiele is recognized for its mining and processing operations, broad product portfolio, and long-standing customer relationships across paper, packaging, coatings, construction materials, and other industrial applications. Thiele operates multiple mining and processing facilities throughout the U.S. and Europe and serves customers worldwide.
Sandy Burgess, President of Burgess Pigment said “we are delighted to announce the coming together of two companies with complementary skills and product offerings. Our acquisition of Thiele aligns closely with our long-term strategy to build a vertically integrated and differentiated specialty minerals platform. Together, we will be better positioned to meet customer demand for consistent supply and to offer a broader range of high-performance solutions, while continuing to invest in our people, operations, and innovation capabilities.”
The transaction brings together two highly complementary kaolin businesses with shared histories in Sandersville, Georgia – one of the world’s most important kaolin-producing regions. The combined company will offer an expanded portfolio of kaolin products and enhanced technical and R&D capabilities to support customers’ evolving performance and sustainability requirements.
Mr. Burgess will continue as Chief Executive Officer and President of Burgess Pigment. Mr. Eric Tillirson will continue to serve as President of Thiele. As a result of the transaction, Thiele and Burgess Pigment have become wholly-owned subsidiaries of a new holding company owned by Burgess Pigment’s existing shareholders.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Thiele Kaolin Company
Founded in 1946, Thiele Kaolin Company is a leading producer of kaolin clay and silica products serving a broad range of industrial end markets. Thiele mines and processes kaolin, silica and related minerals for use in applications including coated board, coated paper, sand, flour and industrials. Thiele is headquartered in Sandersville, Georgia, and serves customers worldwide.
About Burgess Pigment Co.
Founded in 1948, Burgess Pigment Co. is a leading provider of functional hydrous and anhydrous kaolin products. Burgess Pigment’s kaolin grades are designed to contribute key properties to final products in applications such as paints & coatings, wire & cable, and industrials, including adhesives, inks, and construction materials. Burgess Pigment is headquartered in Sandersville, Georgia, and is known for its focus on product quality, technical support, and long-standing customer relationships.