Ashland Inc.’s ASH unit Ashland Performance Materials announced that it is raising the price of its portfolio of unsaturated polyester resins, epoxy vinyl esters and gelcoats in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) by 150 euros per ton. This hike will be effective from Apr 1, 2015, or as contracts permit. The main reason behind the increase is the rising costs of the company’s major raw materials.
Ashland offers specialty chemicals in more than 100 countries. With the closure of its Water Technologies unit’s sale last year, Ashland now has three commercial units – Specialty Ingredients, Performance Materials and Valvoline.
The company keeps providing innovative products and support to the industry in response to the changing market conditions. Ashland’s renowned brand Valvoline launched its Full Synthetic High Mileage motor oil with MaxLife technology on a wide-scale basis in Feb 2015. The lubricant provides advanced protection to engines against three major issues – heat, deposits and wear.
After years of research, Valvoline’s chemists have brought together the company's award-winning additive chemistry and premium synthetic base oils, resulting in a synthetic formulation that lasts longer and is wear-resistant. This lubricant has cleared a three-tier assessment and is capable of providing 40% more anti-film than Mobil 1 Synthetic.
Ashland currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Better-ranked companies in the specialty chemicals space include KMG Chemicals Inc. KMG, OM Group Inc. OMG and BioAmber Inc. BIOA. While KMG and OM Group sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), BioAmber holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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