UK polymer distributor Resin Trade (Burton on Trent; www.resintrade.com) has changed its name to Polydist (UK) (www.polydistuk.com). The change coincides with the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary, Polydist (Benelux) (Amstelveen / The Netherlands), which has acquired Amstelveen-based polymer distributor Merco Polymers (www.merco-polymers.com). The new Benelux business demonstrates Polydist’s strategy to further strengthen its presence in Europe, it said.

Richard Bradwell, Polydist CEO and managing director, said: “The new identity better reflects our broadening product and customer portfolios which now include many engineering polymers, compounds, additives and colour concentrates.”

Merco has been Benelux distributor for Braskem (São Paulo / Brazil; www.braskem.com.br) since 2008 and the new agreement reflects Braskem’s eagerness to increase the business further with Polydist, where Resin Trade had been UK distributor since the Brazilian resins major was formed in 2000, Polydist said.

Braskem Europe’s distribution manager Roddy Gierman, added: “We are confident that this move will enable us to continue to grow together and develop our already close relationship with the new group, following many years of partnership with Resin Trade.”