What do they do: Manufacture carbon black -- an agent used to reinforce and extend the life of products made with rubber, giving it durability and strength. This includes tires and hoses and plastics such as wire and cable coverings.

Carbon black is also used in inks and coatings like copier and computer printer cartridges and paints. In solid form, it is sold as a bead, which minimizes dust and improves the flowability for transport.

What it is made from: Carbon black is made from residual or heavy oil produced at oil refineries. Coal tar oil is used for some carbon black grades and comes from the steelmaking process.

Percentage of the market share: Competition is based in Canada, but they are globally competitive. Supplying Canada, they also export to the United States, Europe and Asia.

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