James Briggs goes Dutch for Middle East expansion
JAMES Briggs, the Oldham-based manufacturers of aerosol and consumer chemicals, has entered into a major strategic partnership with international distributor Zettex Europe BV.
The partnership will see James Briggs become Zettex’s sole product manufacturer, extending its reach not only to Zettex’s blue chip customer network in Europe but the Middle East as well.
Based in the Netherlands, Zettex distributes adhesives, aerosols and cleaning products, with a particular focus on the construction and automotive markets.
Expansion into the Middle East and the wider European market marks James Briggs’ second entry into a new geographical market in the last six months, after it secured a deal with Ireland’s largest automotive distributor, P R Reilly, in September.
It also sees the manufacturer make significant strides into the adhesives market.
James Briggs chief executive Tim Pugh said: “It’s fitting that we end an exceptional 2015 for James Briggs by announcing this collaboration with such a distinguished partner.
“This partnership will provide the foundations for major international growth in 2016 and we’re extremely excited to extend our reach out across Europe and into the Middle East for the first time.
“The move has seen us substantially increase our manufacturing capabilities and, having worked closely with Zettex over several months to develop its product formulations, we’re confident that this will prove a long-standing and fruitful relationship.”
Zettex of Europe BV commercial director Iman Braal said: “We’re constantly looking at ways to improve our offering and we saw an opportunity to work with a class-leading developer and manufacturer in James Briggs. We’re proud to partner with them and look forward to seeing our clients reaping the benefits of our collaboration.”
The company followed that deal up with another distribution agreement – with Tetrosyl, the largest distributor of automotive care products in Europe.
James Briggs’ paint brand, Hycote, which has helped fuel exceptional growth for the manufacturer over the past 12 months, will now be available to Tetrosyl’s network of automotive retailers and consumers in the UK.
