Nacan Products Limited was incorporated as Meredith, Simmons in 1921. It became part of the present National Starch and Chemical Company in 1926.

    National was founded a century ago as a manufacturer of glue sizings (used to prepare paper and textiles for printing) and then branched out into industrial adhesives. The commitment to the adhesives business was extended into the refining of starches and then the manufacture of synthetic polymers for new adhesives and textile and cosmetic ingredients.

    Later on, National's research into hybridization of corn and derivatization of starches played a major role in the development of concepts that made many "convenience" foods a reality. Similarly, our technical advances in industrial starches for papermaking improved mill productivity and paper strength and quality. Now food and industrial starches make up a third of our business. This evolution into logical extensions of synergistic businesses has led to a host of new technologies, including specialized adhesives for microelectronics and aerospace applications and unique polymers for personal care and detergent products.