German distributor Biesterfeld (Hamburg; www.biesterfeld.com) has launched a new business division that combines all its rubber processing industry activities. Biesterfeld Performance Rubber (Hamburg / Germany; www.biesterfeld-performancerubber.com) will officially start operations on 1 July, and will specialise in the marketing of synthetic rubber compounds, high-quality silicone and fluorosilicone rubbers, carbon black as well as additives. Its regional focus will be in Europe, Latin America and North Africa.

Biesterfeld Performance Rubber will be headed by Sascha Henning and Peter Wilkes, and as a unit represents annual sales of about EUR 50m. Biesterfeld said the decision to set up the new business was motivated by strategic considerations aimed at strengthening its position as Europe’s leading distributor in the industrial segment.