Lehigh Technologies Expands Its Presence in Latin America

ATLANTA, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lehigh Technologies Inc., a leading sustainable materials company, today announced its expansion in Latin America through a distribution partnership with Andes Chemical Corporation, a provider of specialty chemicals and logistic solutions with over two decades of experience in the region. This partnership will expand Lehigh's geographic reach and bolster its ability to meet growing demand for its micronized rubber powder (MRP). 

"Geographic expansion is a key component of our growth strategy," said Lehigh Technologies CEO Dr. Alan Barton. "Andes' reputation in the chemical industry along with its technical and solutions-oriented approach supports our technology strategy and facilitates our expansion into new geographies."

Lehigh Technologies transforms end-of-life tire and post-industrial rubber into new materials that are incorporated into high-performance tires, consumer and industrial plastics goods, asphalt, coatings and construction materials. Lehigh's MRP helps customers lower their raw material costs and increase the sustainability profile of end products while maintaining or improving product performance. Lehigh's customer base includes the largest tire companies in the world, with over 150 million tires manufactured using its MRP technology.

 "Andes is committed to bringing innovative solutions to our customers, especially sustainable solutions that do not sacrifice quality, cost, or performance," said Andes President Fernando Espinosa. "Lehigh's technology position will allow the company to continue with this commitment. There are significant growth opportunities for Lehigh's technology in the Latin American region."

About Lehigh Technologies
Lehigh Technologies is a leading sustainable materials company that is transforming end-of-life tire and post-industrial rubber into highly engineered, sustainable powders called Micronized Rubber Powder (MRP) that are being used in a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. Lehigh's energy efficient cryogenic turbo mill technology breaks down these raw materials to micron scale powders   that are sold to manufacturers of  advanced products, including high-performance tires, industrial rubber, consumer and industrial plastics goods, asphalt and coatings and construction materials. The Tucker, Georgia-based company is privately held and backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures, NGP Energy Technology Partners and Leaf Clean Energy. For more information, please visit www.lehightechnologies.com.

About Andes Chemical Corp.

Andes Chemical delivers innovative specialty chemicals and logistics solutions to a multitude of companies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Andes applies its technical expertise and knowledge of the diverse industries it serves to link the best-in-class suppliers of raw materials with its customers in industries such as inks, adhesive and coatings, pharmaceutical, agricultural, personal care, as well as tire and rubber. Through excellence in operations and logistics, Andes makes possible for its customers to maintain the optimum inventory levels of specialty chemicals, making their production processes more viable and efficient. Reliability, commitment to innovation and the highest safety standards have been the key for Andes Chemical to maintain and sustainably grow its core customers and suppliers through its 25 years in business. Based in Miami, Andes is a member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors.  Learn more about Andes Chemical at www.andeschem.com

SOURCE Lehigh Technologies Inc.