Akcros Chemicals and PolyOne Formulators UK in new co-operation to speed-up product distribution

Akcros Chemicals and PolyOne Formulators UK Ltd., formerly Acrol, have announced a co-operation that will significantly reduce delivery times for Akcros PVC processing additives to UK customers, particularly in respect of small lot orders. As from January 1, 2002, small lot orders of Akcros stabilisers and other additives for PVC industry customers throughout the UK will be distributed by PolyOne Formulators’ established network.

PolyOne Formulators, which has an enviable reputation as a quality supplier of plastisols, plasticisers, dispersions and other raw materials for the PVC industry, has many customers in common with Akcros and has already for several years provided a limited distribution service for the company.

According to Gwyn Pickering, Business Unit Sales and Corporate Communications Manager, Akcros Chemicals: “While we will continue to service key account customers directly, this new arrangement for many of our customers preferring smaller lots will deepen our previous co-operation, extending enhanced services to a wider market.

“Because both companies serve the PVC sector a large part of our customer base is the same, therefore combining product distribution represents a synergistic gain for PolyOne, Akcros and their respective customers. Key is that it will give a supply benefit for our customers in terms of shorter lead-times and greater order flexibility.”

Andrew Hunter, Managing Director, PolyOne Formulators UK Ltd., says: “The co-operation adds extra value to our joint distribution activity as we already supply one or more products from our range to around half of the Akcros customers that will be transferred to our system.

“Moreover, the Akcros stabiliser and plasticiser materials will be an important addition to our distribution portfolio and complementary to our existing activities with Bayer, Vestolit, EVC and Lonza in the UK marketplace,” Hunter adds.

Part of the PolyOne Specialty Resins and Formulators Group, PolyOne Formulators UK, custom-formulates and manufactures PVC plastisols, polyurethane systems and additive dispersions for polymer converters supplying a wide range of end uses, from floor and wall coverings through to industrial fabrics and metal coating.

This business group comprises a number of companies that were integrated by PolyOne, following its creation from the combination of M.A. Hanna Company and the Geon Company, these included Acrol, Plasticotta, Newton Coated Fabrics and Wilflex®, which offered customised products based on liquid systems and coated fabrics.

About Akcros Chemicals:

Akcros Chemicals, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, is one of the world leaders in the field of additives for the processing and manufacturing of plastics as well as Polysulphide Chemicals for the aerospace, marine and construction industries. Annual sales amount to approximately EUR 150 million. With headquarters located in Eccles, UK, Akcros employs around 500 people. The company has manufacturing sites in the UK, Germany and the USA and sells its products worldwide.

About Akzo Nobel:

Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2000 totaled EUR 14 billion (USD 13 billion, GBP 8.5 billion). The Company currently employs 67,400 people in 80 countries. Financial results for the full year 2001 will be published on February 22, 2002.

About PolyOne:

PolyOne Corporation, with revenues of approximately $3 billion, is an international polymer services company with operations in thermoplastic compounds, speciality resins, speciality polymer formulations, engineered films, colour and additive systems, elastomer compounding and thermoplastic resin distribution.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, PolyOne has approximately 8,000 employees at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and joint ventures in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Information on the Company’s products and services can be found at www.polyone.com.

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