Reorganisation of the distribution network continues at polyolefins giant Basell (NL-2132 MS Hoofddorp; www.basell.com), the joint venture of BASF and Shell. Plans foresee a central role for Ultrapolymers (B-1702 Dilbeek; www.ultrapolymers.com), the new partnership between Ravago (HQ: B-2370 Arendonk; www.ravago.com), Ultrapolymers management and KBC Investco. Last October, Basell revealed details of its new set-up for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the Benelux, Spain and Portugal (see PIE 21, 2002). Changes in the distribution network have now been announced for France, the UK, Ireland, Italy and the Nordic countries.

In France, Chimidis, now trading as Ultrapolymers, will handle Basell´s PP and PE products. However, KDF France, a new affiliate of K.D. Feddersen (D-20097 Hamburg; www.feddersen.de), will take over distribution of PP compounds from Chimidis. In the second half of 2003 all Basell products will be distributed in the UK by Ultrapolymers, but Distrupol (GB-Chertsey, Surrey, KT 16 9AL; www.distrupol.com) also will handle PP compounds. Starting 1 July 2003, Ultrapolymers will gradually take over distribution in Ireland. In Italy, Com.Ital Plast (www.com-ital.com) is the exclusive distributor of Basell´s PE. Com.ital, Cortiplast and the Arcomax group will be the regional distributors for PP in Italy. For the Nordic countries, Ultrapolymers and Albis (D-20531 Hamburg; www.albis-plastic.de), alongside Distrupol, will handle both PP and PE.