DSM and BÜFA are proud to announce the completion of two joint venture agreements, one to create the first comprehensive pan-European distribution and support network for the composites industry going by the name of ‘Euroresins’ and a second, going by the name of BÜFA ‘Gelcoat+’, as a key developer and manufacturer of high quality and innovative gelcoats, adhesives, pigment pastes, and fire retardant products. Both companies will operate a shared business structure, with DSM having a majority share in the distribution business of Euroresins, and BÜFA taking the lead in the business for gelcoat, fire retardants and adhesives.

The intention to work together was announced in November last year, now all contracts have been signed. Both companies are presenting themselves at the JEC Composites show in Paris this week, literally under one roof, providing a visually impressive indication of the level of cooperation between DSM and BÜFA to be witnessed in the future. Work is underway to make the shared business structure a practical reality, which will involve aligning product ranges, and the transfer of some customers to either one of the JVs.

These agreements herald an important change for the composites industry in Europe as small to mid-sized customers will gain access, through Euroresins, to the combined know-how and product range of DSM and BÜFA, as well as from a growing number of other major industry suppliers of other materials such as glass, peroxides and auxiliaries. This means smaller firms can harness this expertise to utilize technologies previously only available to larger producers. Larger firms will benefit from a direct and focused relationship with DSM Composite Resins and BÜFA Gelcoat+.

Michael Effing - President, DSM Composite Resins

“This is great news both for DSM and the Industry. The agreement allows innovative and versatile small to mid-sized companies to gain unprecedented access to the latest technologies, industry know-how and a wide range of products while allowing DSM Composite Resins to focus on its core competency and goal: to provide innovative and sustainable products and composite solutions for the market. DSM will also continue its efforts to provide high performance specialty products for high-tech and niche applications, and will continue to lead the industry with a full pipeline of innovations.”

Dirk Punke - Managing Director, BÜFA ‘Gelcoat+’

“The important point here is that we are set free to focus on our specialist products like gelcoats, adhesives, pigment pastes and fire retardants. Now that BÜFA and DSM are aligning their product range, we can serve the customer much effectively in specialty areas and concentrate our efforts on where we are most proficient. Using Euroresins as an intermediary to manage the relationship with the thousands of smaller companies is an important part of making this alignment a practical reality.”

The agreement was signed in February 2009, and will see BÜFA Managing Directors Jürgen Aurer and Dirk Punke change roles. Aurer will be moving to Managing Director of Euroresins, and Punke will become Managing Director of BÜFA ‘Gelcoat+’. Michael Effing will remain in charge of DSM’s Composite Resins business.

The result is three highly complementary organizations working to a common strategy to fulfill the needs of their European customers. BÜFA and DSM will be working on R&D and production improvements in their respective areas, while Euroresins will manage most of the direct contact with the customer. The market will benefit from improved products and manufacturing, as well as vastly improved customer service including training and information through Euroresins.