Specialty chemicals distributor Azelis is expanding its operations in Russia into the coatings market.
Alexander Serbin has been appointed as sales manager dedicated to grow sales in this important market, which is estimated to be worth in the region of 1.2 million tons of paint.
Alexander studied at the Russian University of Chemical Technology and since graduating has followed a career in sales to the chemicals and the coatings industry. He brings to Azelis Rus extensive knowledge of coatings products – resins, additives, pigments/fillers - and their use in applications such as paints and varnishes, adhesives and sealants, inks and building and construction.
International Business Director for Coatings, Michel Dumusois said: “We are building on our established strengths in the coatings market in Western and Eastern Europe, where we have seen annual growth in sales exceeding 10% in recent years, to open up new countries like Russia for coatings.
“We will utilise our International logistics infrastructure offering flexibility of shipment size from regularly audited facilities. This, together with local warehousing, our stringent SHEQ standards and full REACH compliance, plus dedicated local commercial support, means that Principals can be confident in the ability of Azelis to offer effective penetration of the attractive growth market for coatings in Russia.”
Azelis has had a presence in Russia since April 2008 when an office was opened in Moscow with local warehousing facilities nearby. Later, the local presence has been extended to St Petersburg and Novosibirsk to service customers spread throughout this vast country. Operations in Russia are headed up by Regional Managing Director, Igor Loginov.