Nov 26 2009
Bayer MaterialScience has entered into an agreement with Malibu Plastica (P) Limited, Ahmedabad, India, to set up a joint venture that will supply polycarbonate sheets to the Indian market. Bayer MaterialScience intends to further grow its business in the country and strengthen its global position as a complete solutions provider to its customers. Malibu Plastica is a pioneer of polycarbonate sheet production in India. Subject to the relevant approvals, the new joint venture will be called Bayer Malibu Polymers Private Limited and be headquartered in Ahmedabad.
The alliance will enable Bayer MaterialScience to bring more of its latest high-quality products to the Indian market through leveraging Malibu's production capacities, marketing expertise and sales and distribution channels.
"This partnership is going to be a growth platform for Bayer in India as we will be able to offer products from our global and diversified portfolio on the local market in line with customer requirements", said Stephan Gerlich, Managing Director of Bayer in India, at the signing ceremony held in Ahmedabad. Thomas-Karl Kastner, Global Head of Bayer MaterialScience´s polycarbonate sheet business, added, "The new joint venture will enable us to support our Indian customers along the value chain more intensively. At the same time we will further strengthen our global sheet business."
"The new alliance combines Malibu Plastica's more than two decades of experience in India with Bayer´s high knowledge levels to create a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that will be beneficial to customers in this region", said Janak Parikh, former Managing Director of Malibu Plastica. He will retain this position in the new joint venture.
The Bayer MaterialScience sheet business currently operates 8 manufacturing sites around the world. They are located in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico and the United States. The joint venture particularly underlines the company's commitment to India and the region.
Bayer Malibu Polymers Private Limited will provide complete solutions to various industry segments such as industrial applications (protective sheets), buildings & construction (horizontal and vertical glazing), communications (outdoor signages) and mass transportation (windows and interior fittings). The product portfolio will include solid, multiwall and corrugated sheets, as well as thermoformed products made out from polycarbonate sheets.