Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton) has announced the opening of its new distribution center located in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Shanghai, China. The distribution center includes storage and distribution capabilities for Kraton unhydrogenated and hydrogenated styrenic block copolymers and polyisoprene products. This new distribution center will improve product availability, reduce order lead times by as many as 5 weeks, optimize logistics, and improve overall service levels for customers using Kraton’s products in the Asia Pacific region.
The opening of the distribution center marks the completion of Phase I of the previously announced multi-functional customer service center. Phase II calls for a technical center which will serve customers in the Asia Pacific region by providing product testing, quality assurance, and customer service. Kraton anticipates that the new technical center, which will include packaging capabilities, will be operational by April 2007. Kraton will continue to maintain its technical center in Tsukuba, Japan to provide technical service and support to the local Japanese market.
“The addition of this multi-functional customer service center is a significant milestone in Kraton’s overall Asia strategy which will ensure that our customers’ needs are being met,” said Michael Evans, Vice President – Asia/Pacific. “Kraton has built a strong presence in the region over the past several years and is taking the necessary steps to be the innovation leader in the region. We have placed key resources, enabling technology, and additional capital in the region and will continue to commit necessary resources to grow our position.”
Click here for more information
