Alcan Composites switches UK distributors

Alcan Composites has moved to a new distribution model in the UK and is dropping Robert Horne.

Amari Plastics, Antalis and Thyssen Krupp will sell the firm's entire product range, which includes Dibond, Foam-X, Forex, Gatorform and Kapa.

"Though we plan to reach a point in the future when we will no longer cooperate, we will be supplying Robert Horne material for orders we have acknowledged," said Alcan Composites UK & Ireland national manager Simon Philpott. "Therefore it is important that customers realise that Robert Horne will be able to support customers whilst it still has stocks."

Adrian Dennis, Robert Horne Sign & Display divisional director, said the firm had enough Alcan Composite products in its warehouses and advance orders that would be honoured that would enable the firm to continue to sell the products for "absolutely months".

Previously Robert Horne and ThyssenKrupp had access to Alcan Composite's entire product range while Amari and Antalis sold some products.

"We are delighted to be bringing Dibond into the Amari Plastics family," said David Ladyman, Amari Plastics supplier relations director. We've built a strong relationship with Alcan Composites as distributors of products like Kapa and Forex. Adding Dibond completes the picture and has been a logical progression."

Tony Marshall, Antalis Printall divisional director said: "We are delighted to have been appointed as stockist of this wide range of products from Alcan Composites. It will further strengthen the strong portfolio of products that we offer to our display, sign and digital customers from our local warehouses on a next day delivery basis."

Alcan Composites was sold by Rio Tinto to Swiss firm Schweiter Technologies at the end of 2009 for £233 ($349m). In 2008 it had an EBITDA of £59m ($88m) on sales of £573m ($859m). The Swiss firm employs 1,700 worldwide with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Germany, USA, South America, China and India.

Story updated 11:00am 02 March to include comment from Alcan Composites, Robert Horne, Amari Platics and Antalis Printall