Nagase America Partners with Westlake Epoxy to Distribute High-Performance Resin Products Across the Midwest

Nagase America Partners with Westlake Epoxy

In a significant move to expand its reach in the Midwest, Nagase America LLC (NAM) has announced a distribution agreement with Westlake Epoxy Inc. This collaboration positions NAM as the distributor for Westlake's extensive range of epoxy products across ten Midwestern states. The agreement was officially announced on January 14, 2025, signaling a new chapter in providing high-performance resin solutions to various industries.

Overview of the Partnership

Nagase America, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, is set to enhance its offerings with Westlake Epoxy's portfolio, which includes top-tier EPON™ resins, EPI-REZ™ waterborne resins, EPIKURE™ curing agents, and HELOXY™ modifiers and diluents. This move allows NAM to better support industries such as coatings, adhesives, construction, electronics, and composites, making high-quality epoxy systems more accessible in the Midwest.

According to Al Bernhardt, vice president of Chemicals at NAM, the partnership is an exciting development. He emphasized that this collaboration will bring together NAM's technical problem-solving capabilities with Westlake's reliable production of epoxy solutions. Bernhardt highlighted the shared mission between the two companies: to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions to their customers.

Westlake Epoxy's Commitment to Innovation

Westlake Epoxy is known globally for its high-performance materials and its capacity to continually innovate. With research and development operations dedicated to enhancing customer processes and products, their commitment to technological advancement complements NAM's extensive raw materials portfolio. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to address industry challenges by leveraging their combined strengths.

“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for Westlake Epoxy to increase its market presence in the Midwest,” stated Adam Houseman, distribution manager at Westlake Epoxy. He expressed confidence that NAM’s technical expertise and customer-centric approach would facilitate deeper relationships with wider customer bases. The agreement has set the stage for both companies to flourish in an increasingly competitive market.

Applications of Epoxy Solutions

The epoxy products distributed by NAM cater to a wide array of applications. In the coatings sector, these solutions are critical for protective, flooring, and infrastructure uses. In construction, they play a vital role in grouts, adhesives, sealants, and mortars. The automotive industry can leverage these products for adhesives, while electrical castings and composites benefit from their superior performance characteristics.

Such versatility in application across different fields underscores the strategic importance of this partnership in meeting diverse customer needs effectively.

About Nagase America

Nagase America is recognized as a leading distributor and manufacturer of specialty chemicals, catering to various industries, including coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. The company operates under the umbrella of the NAGASE Group, which is publicly listed and generates substantial annual revenue. With a rich history dating back to 1832 in Japan, NAGASE Group has expanded its reach globally, boasting over 7,500 employees and a presence in more than 25 countries.

This strategic partnership with Westlake Epoxy is not just a business venture; it is a commitment to drive growth and innovation in specialty chemicals, promising to deliver enhanced value to customers across the Midwest.

For more details on Westlake Epoxy’s products or to request samples, customers can visit Nagase’s supplier page or connect with Tom Downing, director of new supplier development at NAM.

Conclusion

As Nagase America embarks on this new partnership, the industry can anticipate a surge in quality and accessibility of epoxy resin products throughout the Midwest. The joint efforts of Nagase and Westlake are poised to redefine standards in specialty chemicals, ultimately benefiting various vital sectors of the economy.