German chemical distribution company Biesterfeld has set up a new division combining its international business activities for the rubber processing industry. It will start trading on  Jul. 1. The distributor said it aims to further develop the rubber business strategically while strengthening its role in the market.

Biesterfeld Performance Rubber will be active in Europe, Latin America and North Africa, with an annual sales volume of around €50 million. Currently managing director of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie, Peter Wilkes will also assume management of the rubber division together with Sascha Hennig.

Hennig said the division would concentrate on further expanding cooperation with international market leaders and leveraging synergies within the Biesterfeld Group. The focus, added Wilkes, is on distributing synthetic rubber compounds, high quality silicone and fluorosilicone rubbers, carbon black and additives. The rubber portfolio will also be complemented by high performance polymers and additives.