Koch Industries owns a diverse group of companies that are involved in core industries and intermediate industries, as well as other ventures and investments. Core industries include trading, petroleum, chemicals, energy, gas liquids, asphalt and fibers. Intermediate industries of Koch Industries are minerals, fertilizers, chemical technology equipment, pulp and paper, ranching, securities and finance. Koch companies also serve consumers needs for beef, diapers, fuels, fertilizer and the building-block chemicals necessary to make such items as plastic bottles and vehicle tires. The privately held company is based in Wichita, Kan., and has a presence in nearly 50 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America.