Univar steps up business in the Middle East and Africa

12-04-2009: Univar is set to expand its business in the Middle East and Africa. With the opening shortly of the company’s new facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (pending final formalities), Univar aims at better serving existing and potential customers and suppliers in this dynamic growth region.

Univar has been operating in the Middle East and Africa for 20 years in the oil & gas, personal care, coatings and food industries. The company is now investing to further develop its commercial and product support activities for suppliers and customers operating in the region. The team based in Dubai, led by Nick Powell, who has a wealth of regional chemical and ingredients experience, will employ local experts who can offer valued services to both European and global suppliers and partners by offering a true regional sales channel.

“The chemical and ingredients industry is somewhat fragmented in the Middle East and Africa, with many smaller companies only serving certain market segments and small geographies. Univar will be a perfect partner for those operating in the region, offering localised services while retaining the advantage of a global network, broad product portfolio, teams of dedicated industry and product specialists as well as specialised product application laboratories. We intend to operate across the whole of the Middle East and Africa and, where appropriate, will open additional sales offices and warehouses within the region. Univar operates as one company, offering the same quality services and products across the region as we do in the rest of the world and at all times we shall locally leverage our global strength,” said Nick Powell, General Manager, Middle East & Africa, Univar.