AKRON—Akrochem Corp. has reached a distribution agreement with SI Group, expanding a long-term business relationship between the companies. The move, according to an Akrochem news release, also positions SI Group to consolidate its rubber distribution network.
The agreement, disclosed Aug. 31, names Akrochem as a major North American distributor of SI Group's full line of phenolic resins, aminic and phenolic antioxidants, and antiozonants for elastomer compounding.
"SI Group is committed to providing extraordinary service to our customers, and our strengthened partnership with Akrochem is a clear path to ensuring an exceptional customer experience in the region," Robert Kaiser, SI Group's vice president of rubber & adhesives solutions, said in a news release.
Akrochem said it provides rubber compounding products and technical experience to companies across the globe, and works with customers to "optimize cure systems, improve chemical dispersion, and produce better batch uniformity to help companies become more profitable."
"The new distribution agreement strengthens an over 50-year relationship between Akrochem and SI Group," Akrochem Vice President Gary Jeffries said in a statement. "It reinforces Akrochem's strength in the rubber industry, and positions both companies for sales growth."
Founded in 1929, Akrochem provides a variety of compounding materials and color concentrates, and holds ISO-9001-2015 and National Association of Chemical Distributors accreditations.
Based in Schenectady, N.Y., SI Group has about $2 billion in annual sales and operates 30 manufacturing facilities on five continents. It is a portfolio company of SK Capital Partners.