Stahl/Muno split: ‘No change in day-to-day business in SA’


In South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, Mendelson & Frost (Pty) Ltd Tanning Services Division remains the agent for Stahl.
RR Chemicals cc is the agent and distributor for Muno.
Leather technician Ulf Oehl is employed by Muno while his former colleague, Ahmed Naseer, works for Stahl.
RR Chemicals member Beau Rynhoud said: “Locally, there’s not really any change. We were already handling wet end sales on behalf of Stahl.”
“Muno was created following the divestment of Stahl’s wet-end chemical division,” wrote Marta Federica Maniero, Muno Group Director ESG, Marketing and Communication.
“As a new, independent company, we focus on providing innovative chemical solutions for the leather industry. Today, we have a strong presence in key markets, 2 production facilities (one in Italy and one in India), a team of skilled professionals, and over 20 laboratories around the world.”
Announcing its decision last year to dispose of the wet end business, Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl, said: “This milestone reflects our commitment to clarity of purpose and long-term value creation. Establishing 2 independent companies will enable each to focus on its strengths and accelerate innovation in its field. Stahl will continue to drive progress in specialty coatings for a wide range of flexible materials, while Muno embarks on its own path in wet-end leather chemicals.”
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