Azelis Americas CASE Combines GMZ/EW Kaufmann Divisions into GMZ

Azelis Americas’ CASE market segment announced the merger of GMZ and EW Kaufmann into one entity, GMZ, to be led by Tom Wells, president, GMZ.  “The newly formed GMZ will allow Azelis Americas CASE to better serve our customers, our principals and our employees,” said Frank Bergonzi, CEO and president of Azelis Americas.
 
“The combination of these two entities makes sense strategically, and allows us to have one brand encompassing the entire geography (Midwest, Ohio Valley and North East Regions),” said Dan Gruber, president CASE market segment. The CASE market segment will continue to operate via a North American business strategy, executed by three regional brands: GMZ, Ribelin Sales and PT Hutchins.  Ribelin Sales and PT Hutchins will continue to operate in the South East/South West and West regions, respectively.
 
The newly optimized CASE channel demonstrates the commitment to remain the leading CASE specialty distribution channel in the Americas.  It is comprised of a team of highly trained, dedicated technical sales representatives, supported by application labs with degreed chemists, and best in class customer service. It will continue to bring tangible value and accelerated growth to our principal partners and to Azelis’ more than 4,000 customers across the US. The planned integration is scheduled for completion by Jan. 1, 2017.
 
“We stand committed to fulfilling our mission of delivering exceptional value to our customers and principals in every transaction.  We strive to exceed expectations every single day,” said Wells.  “The synergies and additional customer -facing resources this merger brings, creates an exceptional opportunity for us.  I could not be more excited about the immense opportunity this affords to our employees, as well as the enhanced growth platform it will offer our principals. Our ability to provide a superior technical and customer service experience to our customers will be enhanced.”
 
Ted Burke, currently president of EW Kaufmann, will take on a new role of VP of operations for the CASE market segment.  In his new role, Burke will focus on supply chain and warehouse operations, with an emphasis on further enhancing Azelis’ ability to service its customers and principals. Shaun Julian will continue as VP of sales for GMZ’s eastern region, reporting to Rocky Prior, who has been promoted to the new role of SVP of sales, GMZ.