Huntsman Extends Scope Of Working Relationship With Azelis

Huntsman extends scope of working relationship with Azelis

26-Aug-16

Huntsman has extended the scope of its working relationship with Azelis −one of its distribution partners. Under the terms of a new agreement, Azelis is now supplying key polyurethane products and systems from Huntsman's adhesives, coatings and elastomers (ACE) range throughout Eastern Europe.
The deal builds on a prior arrangement between the two companies, which covered France, Benelux, Germany and Austria. The new countries added include Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Moldavia and Albania.

Previously, Huntsman supplied customers in these countries direct. However, with demand for its ACE chemistries growing in these markets, the team decided it was the right time to hand distribution to a trusted partner. Products covered by the new agreement include some of Huntsman's core polyurethane chemistries, such as SUPRASEC" MDI, as well as related products and crosslinking technologies for industrial adhesive applications. Johan Van Tongelen, Commercial Director at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: "The time is right to grow our ACE business in East Europe, and working with an experienced distributor is the best way to achieve this. We know that many of our customers value the extra flexibility that comes from sourdng products via a third party. One of the main advantages is access to a range of complementary products. We've worked with Azelis since 1993 and know this will continue to be a fruitful partnership with benefits for all concerned."
Azelis has recently made a series of investments at its technical center in Sankt Augustin, Germany − a move that will help companies sourcing Huntsman's polyurethane products through the business. At the site near Cologne, Azelis has expanded the capabilities of its coatings application laboratory, which contains equipment dedicated to the formulation of coatings and the testing of polyurethanes for thin−layered elastomer applications. Azelis has also hired additional skilled commercial staff to sell the specialty chemicals it distributes.
For formulators purchasing Huntsman products from Azelis, the investment in additional technical equipment will have a number of advantages. With the latest machinery on hand, Azelis will be able to test products and systems on behalf of customers − helping to cut costs, simplify decision−making and reduce time to market. There will also be synergies for suppliers of polyols and additives using MDI−based products from Huntsman to create specialist coatings.