MOSCOW (MRC) -- Kuraray has realigned its distribution channels for elastomers in Europe. As of 1 July 2016 the Japanese speciality chemicals company takes over the sales of its elastomer products previously executed by Marubeni in Europe, as per GV.
A distribution agreement between the Business Unit Elastomer of Kuraray Europe GmbH, Hattersheim, and Marubeni Europe plc, Dusseldorf, was terminated on 30 June 2016.
"We firmly believe that the realignment of our European distribution channels represents a great opportunity for further growth together with our customers," says Jorg Oertel, Director Elastomer Business, Kuraray Europe GmbH. "With our high performance elastomers we are extremely successful in markets with high potential, but also with increasingly complex applications and higher requirements regarding competent support. Our goal for each application therefore is to supply not only a perfectly matched product but also tailored technical support and service."
Jan-Sebastian Weber, Manager Marketing & Sales, adds: "We at Kuraray Europe GmbH are committed to the success of our customers. Our Business Unit Elastomer is optimally positioned to put together a consistent package for our customers. In addition to our innovative products this includes a reliable support with profound technical expertise and in-depth market knowledge."
Other existing distribution agreements are not affected by the reorganisation.
We remind that, as MRC reported earlier, in April 2016, Kuraray acquired Australia's Plantic Technologies. With this, Kuraray expands into bio-based barrier materials, which meet the increasing global demand of bio-based food packaging materials. Kuraray was the first to commercialise the high-performance barrier resin, EVAL (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer), which it launched in 1972. EVAL boasts the highest level of gas barrier properties of all plastics and is the market leading barrier resin used in food packaging and industrial barrier applications. In addition, Kuraray developed and launched Kurarister a transparent barrier film for retort applications.
Kuraray produces specialty chemicals, fibres and other materials, including functional resins and films, synthetic isoprene chemical products, synthetic leather, vinylon fibre and polyester fibre.
MRC