Stepan Co. engages in the manufacture and sale of specialty and intermediate chemicals. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois and currently employs 2,396 full-time employees. Its segment includes Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Surfactants are used in various consumer and industrial cleaning and disinfection products, such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, floors and walls. Its other applications include fabric softeners, germicidal quaternary compounds, disinfectants, lubricating ingredients, emulsifiers for spreading agricultural products and industrial applications, such as latex systems, plastics and composites. Polymers include polyurethane polyols, polyester resins and phthalic anhydride. Polyurethane polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid foam for thermal insulation in the construction industry and are also a base raw material for coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. Specialty Products include flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in food, flavoring, nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical applications.