DSM Dyneema has appointed Atkins & Pearce, Inc, a US-based supplier to the technical textile industry, as a Premium Distribution Partner for North and Central America and Mexico, effective immediately. Atkins & Pearce will market and distribute ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber manufactured by DSM Dyneema and provide customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America with application engineering expertise and technical services, including fiber enhancement capabilities. The company will play an active role in developing new markets for UHMWPE fiber and servicing existing markets, including a select number of customers currently supplied by DSM Dyneema. A similar distribution agreement in Europe was announced by DSM Dyneema in 2011.
“This strategic partnership with Atkins & Pearce marks the next step in DSM Dyneema’s efforts to supply and service the North American and Central American textile industries with sustainable and high-performance fiber solutions,” said Jeff Brule, regional manager, Americas, DSM Dyneema. “Customers will benefit from shorter lead times, value-added application development and technical services, and a higher level of collaboration that can help drive business growth.”
“We look forward to working closely with DSM Dyneema to meet the strong and growing demand for its high-performance UHMWPE fiber among customers in this region,” says Jeb Head, owner of Atkins & Pearce. “Our long history of expertise in textile braiding and other fiber technology, our customization capabilities and our proactive approach to service will help current and new customers leverage DSM Dyneema’s products to achieve a clear competitive advantage.”
This announcement is interesting news as the demand for PE products continues to rise. DSM has invested a great deal in increasing their domestic capacity to produce Dyneema. This looks to be a move to diversify their risk as military demand for Dyneema decreases. Although, Dyneema is the critical component in the Army and Marine Corps’ new Enhanced Combat Helmet.
Tags: DSM Dyneema