Univar continues European expansion
Univar, a world leader in the sales and distribution of chemicals, is to expand its operation in France with a Euro 16m project at its Genay site.
Univar, a world leader in the sales and distribution of chemicals, is to expand its operation in France with a €16m project at its Genay site.
The company has also opened a branch in Bratislava, Slovakia.
The Genay expansion, which includes a new warehouse for minerals, solvents and specialities, will be completed by 2011.
John van Osch, president for Univar EMEA, said: ‘This project relays a very positive message which not only confirms the importance of the French market for the Univar group, but also emphasises our work to deliver European solutions locally. The investment will also bring great advantages to the local community, bolstering the economy in the Lyon region.’
The Bratislava branch has been opened by Univar’s subsidiary, Univar Czech. Slovakia recently adopted the Euro and is a growing market within the Central and Eastern European (C&EE) region.
Heinrich Klüwer, general manager of Univar’s C&EE operations, said: ‘This reinforces our commitment beyond our own sites and into local communities and emerging markets.’
Univar has been operating local distribution companies in the C&EE region for several years. The company has industrial sites and local sales offices in Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary.
Van Osch added: ‘Central and Eastern Europe is an important market for Univar and is fully in line with our ambitious growth strategy. It is important for Univar to expand its presence and bring the products from its world-leading suppliers into new key markets, meeting the demands of customers.’