Ascend announces focus on direct-to-market sales of dimethyl ester (DME)

HOUSTON, Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascend Performance Materials has made the strategic decision to market its dimethyl ester (DME) products predominately on a direct basis. As a result, Ascend has ended its relationship with its largest DME distributor and has invested in its own capability to market DME products. 

Ascend has historically relied on a series of distributors to sell its DME products to the broader market. While several smaller distributors will still offer its DME products, the company will now focus much of its attention on directly selling to end users of DME on a global basis.

"We are excited about the opportunity to serve a broader customer base," said Finlay Morrison, vice president of specialty chemicals at Ascend. "We have a world-class organization in place to serve this market and look forward to further developing DME customer relationships."

Ascend's assets include a world-scale dimethyl ester production facility in Pensacola, Florida. The company's DME product line is composed of seven different products that it has manufactured since 1994. Ascend offers three dimethyl esters, along with dimethyl succinate, dimethyl gluterate, dimethyl adipate and wet dibasic acid. Custom blends of these products are also available.

These seven products are used in solvents, paints and foundry resins. Dimethyl esters have low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, allowing coating manufacturers to meet stringent emissions standards.

Growth in European DME market

Ascend has also recently obtained a REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restrictions of Chemicals) registration with the European Chemicals Agency for its DME. This registration, along with a new distribution center in Antwerp, Belgium, and the appointment of David Morris to develop new customer relationships in Europe are evidence of Ascend's commitment to customers in the region. 

"I'm eager to focus on bringing Ascend's specialty chemicals to customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa," said Morris.

About Ascend Performance Materials

Ascend Performance Materials is a global premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. Ascend is one of the world's largest integrated PA66 producers, with its own in-house manufacturing facilities, ensuring total security of supply. Ascend's product range has earned it an unequalled reputation for quality, innovative techniques and an enlightened approach to business that expands the horizons of possibility. With eight global locations and more than 3,200 people working at our sites around the world, Ascend has the inspiration, the expertise, the people and the attitude toward innovation to consistently deliver the right solution for customers.

Together, we're making a difference.
Together, we're inspiring everyday.

More information about Ascend can be found at www.ascendmaterials.com

About SK Capital

SK Capital is a private investment firm with a disciplined focus on the specialty materials, chemicals and healthcare sectors. The firm's purpose is to build strong and growing businesses that create substantial long-term economic value. SK utilizes its industry, operating and investment experience to identify opportunities to transform businesses into higher performing organizations with improved strategic positioning, growth and profitability as well as lower operating risk.  SK Capital's portfolio companies generate revenues of approximately $8 billion annually and employ approximately 9,000 people. The firm currently manages more than $1.5 billion of committed capital. For more information, please visit www.skcapitalpartners.com

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SOURCE Ascend Performance Materials

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