2025
Joint News Release
Azelis and Chemetall expand strategic distribution agreement for surface treatment market in Southeast Asia
Chemetall, the surface treatment global business unit of BASF Coatings, and Azelis, the reference innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, have extended their distribution partnership agreement to include Thailand and the Philippines, in addition to Vietnam.
Building upon their successful collaboration in Vietnam since 2023, Azelis has been appointed to distribute Chemetall’s surface treatment solutions to key market segments, including automotive, aluminum finishing, food and general industry, across the three countries in Southeast Asia. Azelis has also secured the rights to supply Chemetall’s aerospace technologies within the Philippines.
This enhanced partnership reflects the collective strengths of both companies and a shared commitment to customer success. Customers have access to Chemetall's innovative and high-performing surface treatment solutions and technologies, complemented by Azelis’ local market expertise and dedicated on-the-ground support. They will also benefit from improved efficiency enabled by Azelis’ operational excellence, extensive local warehouse network, and shorter supply chains.
In addition, Chemetall will open a new application laboratory in Ho Chi Minh City, to better meet the rising needs of Vietnam’s market. The laboratory will focus on providing product testing and technical support for surface treatment customers and is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
“Southeast Asia represents one of the most dynamic territories and is a driver for growth in our Asia Pacific business. Our collaboration with Azelis is a strategic step that aligns with our ambitions to serve our customers with best-in-class solutions from Chemetall and unlock new growth opportunities,” said Evelyn Shen, Vice President, Chemetall Asia Pacific.
“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Chemetall and expand our collaboration across Southeast Asia. Our success in Vietnam since 2023, built on technical expertise, market knowledge, and close customer relationships, has set a strong foundation for this next chapter. With our agile, localized approach and streamlined distribution model, we’re committed to delivering tailored support and driving growth together across the region,” adds Benoit Fritz, Azelis Asia Pacific CEO.
About Azelis
Azelis is the reference global innovation service provider in the speciality chemical and food ingredients industry present in 65 countries across the globe with over 4,300 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to more than 62,000 customers, supported by +2,800 principal relationships, creating a turnover of €4.2 billion (2024). Azelis Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels under ticker AZE and is included in the BEL20 and BEL®ESG indices.
Across our extensive network of more than 70 application laboratories, our award-winning teams help develop formulations and provide technical guidance throughout the customers’ product development process. We combine a global market reach with a local footprint to offer a reliable, integrated, and unique digital service to local customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. Top industry-rated by Sustainalytics, Azelis is a leader in sustainability. We believe in building and nurturing solid, honest, and transparent relationships with our people and partners.
Impact through ideas. Innovation through formulation.
About BASF Coatings
BASF Coatings is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, decorative paints as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a wide range of industries. We create advanced performance solutions and drive performance, design and new applications to meet our partners’ needs all over the world. BASF shares skills, knowledge and resources of interdisciplinary and global teams for the benefit of customers by operating a collaborative network of sites in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific. In 2024, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €4.3 billion.
Solutions beyond your imagination – Coatings by BASF. For more information about BASF Coatings and its products, visit www.basf-coatings.com.
About Chemetall
The surface treatment global business unit of BASF Coatings, operating under the Chemetall brand, is a leading supplier of applied surface treatment technologies for metal, plastic, and glass substrates. These specialty chemicals are used in a wide range of industries and end-markets, such as, but not limited to, automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing, coil, and metal forming, supported by a large network of technical specialists.
The portfolio includes solutions for ensuring corrosion protection and coating adhesion, forming and machining of substrates, applications to prepare surfaces for painting processes, and sealants for specific applications in the aerospace industry. Chemetall is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and comprises of about 40 facilities, 16 production sites, and a network of technology centers.
Press Contact:
Azelis
Priscilla Tan
APAC Communications Business Partner
+65 9187 4642
Email: priscilla.tan@azelis.com
Chemetall
Charlene Boh
Media Relations
+65 9489 5035
Email: charlene.boh@basf.com
