BARCELONA, Spain – Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., announced new distribution agreements that cover its resin chemistries and technology solutions for composite manufacturing in the Europe.

Cathay Composites, a company formed from the acquisition of Umeco Distribution by Cathay Investments from Cytec Industries Inc., will continue Ashland’s distribution and agency accounts, retaining the existing management and organizational structure in the UK, Scandinavia, Estonia and Finland. Cathay Composites will distribute Ashland’s full line of polyester and vinyl ester resins, premium gelcoats, and low-profile additives to the marine, building and construction, and transportation markets.

Additionally, effective immediately, Quimidroga France will take over Ashland’s distribution and agency accounts from Umeco and will distribute Ashland’s full line of polyester and vinyl ester resins, premium gelcoats, and low-profile additives to the composites market in France. Quimidroga currently distributes Ashland’s complete portfolio of composites products to manufacturers in Spain, Portugal and North Africa.