Bayer group enters into JV with Ahmedabad's Malibu Plastica

German pharma and chemical company Bayer group's unit Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) has entered into an agreement with Ahmedabad-based Malibu Plastica (P) Limited, in order to supply polycarbonate sheets to the Indian market. Bayer MaterialScience intends to further grow its business in the country and strengthen its global position as a complete solutions provider to its customers.

Subject to the relevant approvals, the new joint venture will be called Bayer Malibu Polymers Private Limited and be headquartered in Ahmedabad. "This partnership is going to be a growth platform for Bayer in India as we will be able to offer products from our global and diversified portfolio on the local market in line with customer requirements", said Stephan Gerlich, managing director of Bayer in India, at the signing ceremony held in Ahmedabad.

The alliance will enable BMS to bring more of its products to the Indian market through leveraging Malibu's production capacities, marketing expertise and sales and distribution channels. "The new alliance combines Malibu Plastica's over two decades of experience in India with Bayer's high knowledge levels to create a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that will be beneficial to customers in this region", said Janak Parikh, former managing director of Malibu Plastica, who will retain this position in the new joint venture.

Bayer Malibu Polymers Private Limited will provide complete solutions to various industry segments such as industrial applications (protective sheets), buildings and construction (horizontal and vertical glazing), communications (outdoor signages) and mass transportation (windows and interior fittings).

The product portfolio will include solid, multiwall and corrugated sheets, as well as thermoformed products made out from polycarbonate sheets. Thomas-Karl Kastner, Global Head of BMS's polycarbonate sheet business, added, "The new joint venture will enable us to support our Indian customers along the value chain more intensively. At the same time we will further strengthen our global sheet business."