As great as toothpaste, paint, and tires may be, J.M. Huber claims to make them even better. Founded in 1890 by Joseph M. Huber and still owned by his heirs, the company makes specialty additives and minerals used to thicken and improve the cleaning properties of toothpaste, the brightness and gloss of paper, the strength and durability of rubber, and the flame-retardant properties of wire and cable. The diverse company also makes oriented strand board (a plywood substitute), explores for and produces oil and gas, and provides technical and financial services. Huber also makes hydrocolloids (thickeners for gums), among other products.