The world´s leading producer of acrylic products, Lucite International (GB-Southampton SO14 3BP; www.luciteinternational.com) is forming a wholly owned subsidiary to specialise in the distribution of its Perspex acrylic sheet in the UK. Perspex Distribution will start trading this summer and will have its first branch in the southeast of England, with further sites planned over the next six months. In addition to distributing cast and extruded Perspex sheet, the new company will offer a complementary range of sheet products, including PVC, PET, polycarbonate and other engineering plastics.

“This is a highly significant move for Lucite International,” said company vice-president for Europe, Paul Henderson. “It will fully complement our existing market coverage and furthermore reaffirms our determination that Perspex will be recognised as the leading acrylic brand in the UK and throughout Europe.”

Perspex Distribution, which is designed to complement Lucite´s existing trading arrangements, will be led by Keith Piggott, as managing director. Piggott has extensive experience of the sheet market in the UK having built up the former Amari business into market leadership before it was sold. Details of the initial distribution centre and the manufacturers of the other sheet products that Perspex Distribution will sell have still to be confirmed.

Lucite International has 16 acrylic manufacturing sites in nine countries, with sales of 850,000 t/y. Other brands in its portfolio include Lucite, Diakon and Tufcoat.