Mekiro BV is renowned for being a premier distributor of speciality chemicals. The company offers a firstclass service that is swiftly expanding. Sales Director Anthony Hughes explained more, in an exclusive interview. Report by Imogen Ward.
For chemical distributor Mekiro, 2020 sparked a journey of growth, as it sought to enter previously unexplored markets.
“When I joined the Mekiro team in 2019, I stepped into my role with the ambition to broaden our offerings,” said Sales Director Anthony Hughes. “It was essential to ensure the wider stability of our operations, rather than being solely focused on one main area.”
Impressive origins
Established in 2009, Mekiro is a fully owned subsidiary of Meade-King, Robinson & Co, a key partner to the world’s largest chemical companies since 1867.
“Mekiro was actually launched to expand the group’s activities on European soil, whilst also taking selected product groups into new markets,” Mr Hughes explained. “Soon after that, Mekiro became the official distributor for Koreanbased Kukdo Chemicals – a company dedicated to the manufacture of epoxy resins, curing agents and diluents – within the Benelux region.”
Having been represented by MeadeKing, Robinson & Co in the UK and Ireland since 2006, Kukdo’s evolving needs were a perfect match for Mekiro’s ambitions.
From there, Mekiro continued to expand its offering of epoxy-based products in a range of sectors, including industrial flooring, marine and several other highend composite segments.
“We lay foundations with stock holdings in key areas of the Benelux region, and we also have footholds to stock in Rotterdam and Antwerp,” Mr Hughes continued. “Mekiro also remains active in the
supply of both packed goods and bulk materials across Benelux.”
In 2020, having already diversified its portfolio, Mekiro made the decision to explore more growth opportunities in the region.
“Following the lead of our parent company, we placed an emphasis on the distribution of new products which would not only complement our existing activities, but also aid our desire to enter, explore and embrace new markets,” said Mr Hughes.
It was at this point that the company introduced a range of technical vegetable oils , including castor, linseed and rapeseed, which are regularly used within the
coatings sector. This line was very successful for Mekiro and encouraged it to continue with its plans for expansion.
Daring development
Now, three years on from the implementation of its new growth strategy, Mekiro is in a stronger position than ever. With a continued presence in a diverse range of sectors, the company can readily divert focus depending on market conditions.
“Our diverse positioning in the market, provides us with a big advantage,” Mr Hughes explained. “As long as we continue to listen to our customers, their
knowledge allows us to remain pre-emptive when it comes to cross-industry changes. Listening to our customers also allows us to strengthen our own abilities to help companies that are further afield.
“Covid also had a significant effect on our strategic development. With the state of the market being so uncertain, it led to some really challenging times. We are proud to have been able to address the challenges head on, whilst remaining robust as a business.”
So far, 2024 has proven to have great potential. With the business introducing several fresh ranges into the European market, Mekiro expects it to be a year filled with traction and promise.
“We are bringing to the market a new range of polyols, polishing compounds, speciality amines, defoamers and tall oil derivatives,” said Mr Hughes. “With support from our key manufacturing partners,
we are already gaining approvals and fulfilling orders, which has been a very promising start. We really must take the opportunities as they arise, and show our customers – both new and current – that we are building a bright future.”
Each new line is at a different stage of progression, some of which is influenced by seasonal levels. The company has already received several orders for the exciting natural bio-based polyol ranges for the polyurethane flooring and coating markets as well as the new polishing compounds for the automotive sector.
Despite having such a broad focus, Mekiro still maintains a strong presence within the sectors of marine and offshore. From various epoxy resins and flame retardants to specialised antifouling components, Mekiro has full access to the top manufacturers within the industry
“We are really focused on the coatings aspect within these two sectors,” Mr Hughes explained. “We also have plans to expand our product offering in these markets, with emphasis on bio-derived materials from our epoxy range.”
According to Mr Hughes, the company intends to continue advancing its presence within the marine and offshore sectors: with the aid of its partners, the company is confident that this will be a successful feat.
“The Kukdo range fills us with confidence,” Mr Hughes added. “Kukdo really excels in product development, so we are always looking for new opportunities and angles that will offer our customers
a wider portfolio of products that will provide solutions to the challenges they face.”
A collaborative effort
Every success achieved by Mekiro has been gained with the support of a reliable supply chain. As a distributor, Mekiro relies on the innovation and quality of each company.
“We work very closely with all our partners on a technical level to bring the very best options to the market,” said Mr Hughes. “This also helps to expand our partners’ ranges.”
With the world focused on the journey towards net zero, Mekiro only works with companies that share its own environmental
values. As a distribution company, Mekiro’s main emissions come from the storage and movement of goods. Mekiro works with warehousing and transportation partners who maintain a strong approach to responsible operations.
“We always make sure that our partners make positive choices when it comes to their environmental impacts,” Mr Hughes explained. “The warehouses that we partner with share our vision. They operate by using solar panels and even wind turbines, providing them with increased self-sufficiency. Our transportation partners also have plans to transition to all-electric fleets in the future.”
Mekiro is also currently working with industry innovators who are developing new and exciting bio-based options to meet the current and future demands of its customers.
“We are always looking to introduce materials that can take customers’ products in new directions: this is especially the case when it comes to bio credentials,” Mr Hughes continued. “The chemical
industry is in a constant state of development and adaptation – through new legislations, restrictions and general dayto-day changes. We always endeavour to be in-tune with those developments and work hard to strike a balance between new product development, new opportunities and customer satisfaction.
“We are continuously looking for new options that are sustainable and can now offer anywhere between 28 and 100 per cent bio-based content in some of our materials, which is incredible. These advancements are proof of our commitment to innovation. After all, if you aren’t at the forefront, you’re at a disadvantage. n
