McLube, Kemi in transatlantic release agent joint venture

Aston, Pennsylvania- The McLube Division of McGee Industries Inc. and Kemi Srl of Novara Italy have set up a 50:50 joint venture to make and supply each other's products outside their domestic markets. The two partners make mould-release, antistick coating, mandrel, rubber and speciality lubricant products

The object of the venture is to better supply and service the European and North American markets for release type products and coatings, said a joint statement on the agreement.

Under the terms of the venture, Kemi will make, supply, service and market McLube's products throughout Europe, and McLube will do the same for Kemi's products in North America.

A joint statement said the deal, "will bring together the resources of two industry leaders." McLube and Kemi together have more than 75 years of experience supplying the rubber, polyurethane, composite and plastic industries, the statement added.

Both Kemi and McLube said they also intend to combine their established networks of manufacturing, service, supply and distribution.

The two partners' presidents. Edward McClatchy of McLube, and Dr Ambrogio Pigni of Kemi, believe that this union "will exploit the assets of each company while building a stronger supply base necessary in today's global market," the statement said. And the partners feel that the customer will be better off, "with superior customer and technical support coupled with international logistics," the statement concluded.