Ashland inks new European composites distribution deals

Effective immediately, Cathay Investments completed the acquisition of Umeco Distribution from Cytec Industries Inc. to form Cathay Composites. Cathay Composites will continue Ashland's distribution and agency accounts, retaining the existing management and organizational structure in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Estonia and Finland. Cathay Composites will distribute Ashland's full line of polyester and vinyl ester resins, premium gelcoats and low-profile additives to the, marine, building and construction and transportation markets.

"We are excited to continue our long-standing, successful relationship with Umeco, now named Cathay Composites," said Andrew Miller, sales director composites, Ashland Performance Materials, EMEA. "Together, we offer our customers a broad portfolio of industry-leading product lines. We look forward to leveraging the local knowledge of our new partner to deliver clear best-in-class composites products and services."

"These agreements represent a major step in our continued focus on supply and service capabilities at the local level for customers in these challenging and growing markets," said Brian Harpur, managing director, Cathay Composites. "We will continue to provide local expertise and service to ensure customers benefit from Ashland's comprehensive range of Composites solutions."

Additionally, effective immediately, Quimidroga France will take over Ashland's distribution and agency accounts from Umeco, and will distribute Ashland's full line of polyester and vinyl ester resins and premium gelcoats and low-profile additives to the composites market in France. Quimidroga currently distributes Ashland's complete portfolio of composites products to manufacturers in Spain, Portugal and North Africa.

"We are delighted to expand our existing successful partnership with Quimidroga to include France," said Andrew Miller. "Quimidroga is well established as a leading distributor serving the composites market. We are jointly committed to driving innovation and identifying ways to improve service levels to our customers. All parties will work together to ensure a seamless transition with no disruption in customer service."

"We are excited for this opportunity to expand on our relationship with Ashland," said Eduardo Parella, Industrial Specialties Area Manager, Quimidroga. "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".

About Ashland

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment.

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