Nov 26 2010
Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc has signed a new distribution agreement that covers its complete portfolio of high-performance composites and structural adhesives products in France.
Effective Dec. 1, GRPMS will take over Ashland’s distribution and agency accounts from Azelis France (Arnaud S.A.), and will distribute Ashland’s full line of polyester, acrylic, phenolic and vinyl ester resins, including the Derakane resin brand. Also included in the agreement for the French composites market are the Pliogrip branded structural adhesives, as well as premium gelcoats and low-profile additives.
GRPMS, an UMECO company, is currently the distributor for Ashland’s complete portfolio of high-performance composites products to manufacturers in the UK, Scandinavia and Estonia. The two companies also entered into an agreement covering Finland that went into effect Oct. 1.
“For nearly 30 years, Ashland and GRPMS have been building a strong partnership focused on serving composites manufacturers in markets across Europe,” said Stefan Osterwind, commercial director, Europe, Ashland Performance Materials.
“We are excited for this opportunity to expand on our long-term relationship with Ashland,” said Anthony Bibby, managing director, GRPMS Ltd. “Ashland’s portfolio of technologies is recognized in the industry for their performance and versatility in a variety of applications, and we are committed to delivering improved logistics and technical service capabilities to composites customers in France.