Ferro Corp. has acquired the privately held laser marking technology company TherMark Holdings Inc. of Irvine, Calif., for $5.5 million in cash. TherMark’s technology uses lasers to permanently fuse marking materials to metals, ceramics, glass, plastics and other hard surfaces. The process creates high-contrast, high-resolution marks for purposes of decoration and identification. Specially formulated marking materials, supplied by Ferro, consist of glass-based ceramic glazing material and pigments, with the addition of a thermal absorber. Laser marking is used in a range of industries including awards and recognition, signage, medical and surgical instruments, manufacturing, home appliances and decor. The technology is increasingly being used as a solution for component tracking, quality control and anticounterfeiting in the automotive, aerospace, and perfume and cosmetics industries. Ferro supplies glass-based coatings, pigments and colors, and polishing materials for the building and construction, automotive, appliances, electronics, household furnishings and industrial products markets. The company reported 2014 sales of $1.1 billion. For more information, visit www.ferro.com and www.thermark.com.