DuPont Engineering Polymers (EP, Wilmington, Delaware / USA; www.dupont.com) has named PolyOne Distribution, part of PolyOne Corp (Cleveland, Ohio / USA; www.polyone.com), as its primary distributor of thermoplastic products in North America. Ashland Distribution, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc (Covington, Kentucky / USA; www.ashland.com), will no longer supply DuPont EP thermoplastic products in the region following a 90-day transition period.

DuPont EP said it is streamlining its distribution network in preparation for growth after the current economic downturn. It will maintain additional regional distribution in Canada and Mexico. “Customers have asked for multiple, distinct channels to quickly access our products and technical expertise at the lowest delivered cost,” said Keith Smith, vice president and general manager at DuPont EP. “Among those multiple channels is distribution, which is now consolidated to one primary partner in North America that is closely aligned with our business, offering customer service and development support from concept through commercial adoption."

He added: "PolyOne is aligned with many of DuPont EP’s growth markets, including consumer goods, healthcare, construction, electrical and electronics and automotive".