CARY, NC — Arkema announced that, effective Aug. 1, 2019, Brenntag North America Inc. will be the primary distributor in the United States for Arkema waterborne resins sold under the Encor^®, Celocor^®, Snap^® and Neocar^® trade names. These resins are used to formulate products across multiple industries, including architectural and industrial coatings, adhesives, caulks and sealants, construction products, and traffic markings.

“As we evaluated potential distribution partners in North America, we were impressed by Brenntag’s ability to market, deliver and support products in industries where technical expertise is required,” said Eric Kaiser, Regional President for Arkema’s coating resins business in North America. “They have the resources and expertise necessary to ensure end users get the most from our waterborne resin products.”

Specifically, Arkema looked at Brenntag’s national coverage, logistics and operational efficiencies, digital marketing and technical capabilities. With regional application labs and market-focused sellers, Brenntag offers the resources needed to help formulators develop products to existing specifications and support future needs for technical collaboration and partnership.

As a result of this selection, effective Sept. 1, 2019, Univar Solutions (previously Nexeo Solutions) will no longer be an authorized distributor for these products. Arkema and Brenntag will be working to transition accounts to new representatives prior to that time.

“We anticipate a smooth transition to Brenntag,” Kaiser said. “We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure they receive the optimal products and support for their specific formulation and business needs.”

End users and formulators looking for more information should contact Brenntag at 866/826.3267.

Arkema also announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2019, the company will be consolidating its distribution network in the southern half of the United States for CRAYVALLAC^® additives. Palmer Holland will be responsible for distribution in the southeastern states, and Peninsula Polymers will be responsible for the southwestern states. CRAYVALLAC additives are used across many different applications, including industrial and protective coatings.

“Due to recent changes and potential conflicts with one of our distributors, we took the opportunity to evaluate our channels in North America,” said Mike Iwaniw, Business Manager for the coating resins business with Arkema in North America. “Based on that evaluation, we believe our customers will be best served through these two regional distributors. They have the resources and expertise with the CRAYVALLAC line to deliver valuable technical solutions to our customers.”

Previously, a third company shared these regions. Effective Oct. 1, 2019, distributor IMCD will no longer be an authorized distributor of CRAYVALLAC additives. Arkema is working with the remaining distributors and customers to transition accounts to new representatives prior to that time.

“We do not anticipate any delays or other concerns as customers make the necessary transitions,” Iwaniw said. “We are working closely with everyone involved to ensure we do not disrupt supply or ongoing support for technical or commercial needs.”

Customers working with anyone other than IMCD will be unaffected by this announcement.

Additional information can be found at www.coatingresins-arkema.com.