Ashland, Flint Group Sign Distribution Agreement

DUBLIN, Ohio—Coatings and adhesives from Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., that are marketed to North American narrow web label, tag and wrapper converters, will now also be available from Flint Group. Effective March 15, 2011, Ashland and Flint Group will begin a distribution and co-branding effort that calls for Flint Group to begin marketing Ashland products under a co-branded label that will carry the Flint Group trademark or trade name.

The long-term agreement enables Flint to distribute Ashland’s full range of radiation-cure, water-based, and solventless laminating adhesives and coatings in North America. Flint Group will also acquire the management of some Ashland customers and will provide them with dedicated sales, technical service, and customer service support. Ashland will maintain its industry leadership position and continue its focus on innovation and providing next generation technology and products to customers.

“Flint Group is a world-class organization that brings a strong market presence to Ashland’s coatings and adhesive products,” said Kelly Williams, market development manager for Ashland’s laminating adhesives and coatings. “Flint Group’s capabilities reach all of our key markets, and they bring top-notch commercial and technical staff with demonstrated abilities to grow business.”

Susan Kuchta, vice president of the North American Packaging and Narrow Web business for Flint Group, is excited about the growth opportunity for both companies. “We were chosen due to our strength and stature in the printing industry. We are proud of our broad offering and excellent customer support. This relationship adds other key products to our portfolio in order to better support package and label printers,” said Kuchta.

“We see this move as a natural first step in a long-term strategic alliance between two world-class companies,” said David Hatgas, global director, packaging and converting, Ashland Performance Materials.