Press release
Performance Materials
September 21, 2017

Evonik enters into strategic partnership with Melrob and NRC Group for distribution of its methyl methacrylate monomers

  • Melrob and the NRC Group take over distribution of standard monomers in Europe from October 1, 2017
  • Melrob and the NRC Group will also take over distribution of specialty monomers in Europe from January 1, 2018
  • Evonik thereby strengthens its position as a solutions provider for customers processing methacrylates 

Darmstadt, Germany. The Methacrylates Business Line is concentrating its sales activities; as part of this exercise it has given distribution rights for its methacrylate monomers in Europe excl. CIS to the British distributor Melrob and the NRC Group. Melrob has recently become an affiliate of Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH (NRC). The collaboration will enable the partners to react quickly and flexibly to changing customer needs. The Methacrylates Business Line is thus strengthening its position as a leading solutions provider for customers processing methacrylates. Methacrylate-based monomers are components of many products and applications such as coatings, adhesives, and plastics.

On October 1, Melrob and the NRC Group will take over exclusive distribution of standard monomers, specifically methyl methacrylate VISIOMER® MMA, methacrylic acid VISIOMER® GMMA, hydroxy methacrylates VISIOMER® HEMA and VISIOMER® HPMA, and the butyl methacrylates VISIOMER® i-BMA and VISIOMER® n-BMA. From January 1, 2018 the Melrob-NRC Group will also be distributing the specialty methacrylate monomers from Evonik.

“We’re convinced that the reorganization of the distribution business will enable us to respond better to the needs of our customers in Europe and that we will benefit from the long-term experience of Melrob and the NRC Group. With this setup we’re positioning ourselves as a leading solutions provider for methacrylates and, along with our distribution partners are ensuring the best possible support for our customers,” says Hans-Peter Hauck, head of the Methacrylates Business Line. 

Melrob has been a reliable distributor for MMA monomers in Great Britain since 1995, and is distinguished by high service orientation and outstanding expertise in technical service. “So the company is exactly the right partner for us. The recent merger with NRC now allows the company to expand its activities to every part of Europe,” added Hauck.

“Evonik is a renowned producer of MMA and we are very pleased to continue and extend this successful collaboration,” commented Ian Melluish, Managing Director of Melrob. “We appreciate the trust Evonik puts in our company and we will live up to the expectations with the help of our expertise and passion,” added Gerd Bergmann, Managing Director of Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH.


Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-orientated innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 35,000 employees. In fiscal 2016, the enterprise generated sales of around €12.7 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.165 billion. 


About Performance Materials
The Performance Materials Segment is managed by Evonik Performance Materials GmbH. The segment focuses its global activities on developing and manufacturing polymer materials and intermediates, especially for use in agriculture and in the rubber and plastics industry. In 2016, the segment’s roughly 4,400 employees generated sales about €3.2 billion. 


About Melrob Group Holdings Ltd.
Melrob is a specialty chemical distribution company headquartered in the UK with operations in Asia, North America and Europe. The portfolio focuses on the Performance Chemicals, Life Sciences and Bio Materials sectors including the synthesis of Specialty Monomers for the contact lens industry. Long term relationships with both customers and suppliers underpins the Group business success. In 2016 Melrob employed 87 personnel and generated sales revenues of £58m. 


About Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH
Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH was founded in 1912 and belongs to Georg Nordmann Holding AG. Based in Hamburg, Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH is the head of The NRC Group and distributes natural and chemical raw materials, additives and specialty chemicals while providing corresponding application-related know-how. The NRC Group has 16 locations throughout Europe and a staff of 330 employees*. With a portfolio of complementary products for all industry sectors, The NRC Group represents manufacturers of raw materials from across the globe and in 2016 achieved a turnover of approximately €350 million.

*European offices located in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany (headquarters), Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scandinavia, Serbia, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland and Turkey.


Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.