SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland - Ashland announced the extension of its global distribution agreement with IMCD, a leading distributor of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, in the coatings, construction and performance specialties businesses in Spain and Portugal.

“We are excited to extend our longstanding and successful relationship with IMCD into Spain and Portugal. We are confident that IMCD’s technical experts in the coating industry will grow business and further develop customer relationships,” said Hans de Bruin, Ashland Coatings Distribution Manager Europe. “IMCD’s local team of industry specialists will provide customers with the best possible service and support’.

“Since starting our cooperation in 2002, IMCD has become Ashland’s distribution partner in more than 30 countries worldwide. Adding Spain and Portugal to the Ashland-IMCD map enables us to establish significant EMEA coverage for coatings, construction and performance specialties and to roll out all our competence in formulatory excellence for these industry segments, including all technical resources and facilities,” said Frank Schneider, IMCD Business Group Director Coatings & Construction.

The distribution agreement includes product ranges such as Natrosol™ hydroxyethylcellulose, Aquaflow™ nonionic synthetic associative thickeners and Culminal™ methylcellulose derivative ranges, which are well known and respected brands in the marketplace.