Bayer moves NZ MaterialScience business to local distributor

Bayer moves its New Zealand MaterialScience business to local distributor

- Alchemy Agencies wins bid
- Wide range of industrial raw materials involved
- Boost for local business

Auckland, 30 March, 2015 - New Zealand owned Alchemy Agencies is set to increase its turnover by about a third following a successful bid for distribution rights to Bayer New Zealand’s range of industrial chemicals and raw materials, effective April 1.

Bayer’s move to a distribution model in New Zealand follows last September’s announcement from Bayer’s global office that it intends to float its Bayer MaterialScience sub group on the stock market as a separate company.

Alchemy Agencies has secured the New Zealand distribution of Bayer’s plastics, polymers, polyurethanes, coatings and adhesives - raw materials that are essential to the country’s manufacturing sector. These products are used in everything from mattresses, electric fences, road markers and glassware to paints, adhesives and dishwashing machines.

Alchemy has also secured distribution agreements with global chemical companies Lanxess and Tanatex, whose products were previously distributed by Bayer.

Alchemy director Nick Bray says the new distribution agreements represent a great opportunity for his company.

“Bayer is well-known for its quality and broad range of products. While, it’s early days yet, we expect these new distribution agreements to boost our turnover by about a third.

“We have gained an impressive range of new products and are lucky enough to have also secured some of the most experienced technical sales managers in the industry.”

Bayer MaterialScience New Zealand general manager Katrina Bunge says the move is good news for the New Zealand manufacturing sector.

“I believe that it is significant that Bayer chose a local distributor to meet the specific requirements of the New Zealand market. It affirms both the strength of Alchemy here and also Bayer’s commitment to partner with an innovation company who we believe will continue to meet ongoing local manufacturing requirements, both now and into the future.”
Bayer New Zealand has supplied the manufacturing industry with essential raw materials and technical support for more than 50 years and has developed strong relationships with some of New Zealand’s most iconic and well-loved product innovators, including Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Gallagher and Metrotile (the Ross Roof Group).

“One of the great aspects of the Alchemy business is its passion for supporting customer projects here in New Zealand and helping these customers to succeed in both the local and global markets,” says Bunge.

“I’m confident this will continue with the range of products Alchemy is taking on from Bayer, Lanxess and Tanatex. It’s a move that has already been met with resounding approval from the New Zealand manufacturing sector.”

Ross Roof Group has been a Bayer customer for over 40 years and believes the choice of distributor is a positive one. “Like us they are 100% New Zealand owned, they appreciate how dynamic and responsive local companies need to be to succeed in exports markets,” says Ross Roof Group general manager Siva Mudaly.

About Alchemy
Alchemy Agencies Ltd is a 100% New Zealand owned company that is in a growth phase. It currently supplies to manufacturers in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific offering a product range that includes raw materials for the food and beverage, road, construction, coatings, personal care and cosmetic industries.

About Bayer MaterialScience:
With 2014 sales of EUR 11.7 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries. Bayer MaterialScience has 30 production sites around the globe and employed approximately 14,200 people at the end of 2014. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.

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