Amber Chemical Company (ACC) launch its Middle East operation ACC (Gulf) at the Big 5 show.

The company, a global player in the speciality chemicals market with manufacturing units throughout the world, says the new operation will allow the company to support both distributors and end-users directly in the Middle East region.

ACC's main business is Ambersil. Formed in 1948, Ambersil has become a market leader in the manufacture and supply of chemicals to industry, with two areas of focus - industrial consumables and compounded silicones, ACC says.

The industrial consumables range, which includes products for moulding, electrical servicing and engineering, is aimed at the maintenance and repair market. A recent introduction is a range of hand and skin-care products.

Compounded silicones from Ambersil - one of the world's leading compounders - combine an understanding of the chemical and physical properties of silicone, with the knowledge of the requirements of engineers and designers built up through over 25 years of direct supply experience.

Other ACC brands include Servisol (electrical servicing products) and IDC, whose range of speciality lubricants and general repair and maintenance products has been successfully marketed in the Middle East for over 15 years.

IDC is also continuing to sell Beardow Adams' bulk hot melt adhesives for packaging and industrial users and Power/TecBond glue guns and glue sticks.

At the Big 5, Ambersil will also be launching its new AutoGroom range of valeting products.

"Right now, technical support in the UAE is being established and stocks of core products are already in place," says Brian Bell, Ambersil's international business manager.

Bell has run IDC's local office in Dubai for many years until it was bought by ACC in 2001. "We expect the region to be a major success for ACC and Ambersil products over the coming years," he says.

"These companies have an enviable reputation for quality, service, innovation and marketing flair which gives us an enormous advantage, especially as we will be able to offer customers fast response time."

At the Big 5 Show, ACC will be exhibiting on stand 6E 301 in the UK pavilion.