PolyOne's (Avon Lake, Ohio / USA; www.polyone.com) CEO Robert Patterson recently announced job and spending cuts – see Plasteurope.com of 24.04.2019 – and the compounder and distributor is now reducing its presence at the world's leading plastics trade fair "K 2019" (www.k-online.com). The US company had already booked and advertised its stand in hall 8a, area K22, but has in the meantime withdrawn from exhibiting there. A spokesperson from K organiser Messe Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf / Germany; www.messe-duesseldorf.com) confirmed the measure to Plasteurope.com.

A PolyOne spokesperson said the company's withdrawal is not due to the slowdown in Q1 numbers. The compounder instead has opted for a change in how and where it engages with customers. The spokesperson said that according to PolyOne's latest review and assessment, there were more targeted ways to use marketing resources and help customers to succeed. "This led us to select shows that are targeted to vertical markets rather than more general events such as the K, as well as other forms of digital engagement."

Messe Düsseldorf is currently in contact with interested parties on the waiting list. Whichever company in the end takes over the exhibition stand would be located across from Dow's exhibition area. A decision has not yet been reached on the successor.