April 27, 2006 -- Basell, a global leader in the development, production and marketing of polyolefins, announced today that effective May 1, Hunt Agencies will act as distributor of Basell polypropylene products for New Zealand’s growing customer base.

Hunt Agencies, based in Auckland, is a major player in New Zealand in the distribution of polymers and polymer processing equipment.

 “Hunt Agencies has a proven track record in servicing the New Zealand polymers market and Basell is very pleased to have them as a key partner in servicing this market,” said Steve Mewing vice president, Sales and Marketing for Basell Australia. “Under the new agreement our customers in New Zealand will benefit from an enhanced level of service.”

Basell is currently expanding the capacity of its Geelong polypropylene plant that serves the New Zealand market. “This will further strengthen our commitment to provide reliable, high-quality polypropylene products,” said Barry Kelly, managing director of Basell Australia.
 
Basell is the world's largest producer of polypropylene and advanced polyolefin products, a leading supplier of polyethylene and catalysts, and a global leader in the development and licensing of polypropylene and polyethylene processes. Basell, together with its joint ventures, has manufacturing facilities around the world and sells products in more than 120 countries.

For additional information: visit www.basell.com or www.hunt.co.nz or contact:

• Michelle Harrell, Basell Communications, +1 302 438 6574 or michelle.harrell@basell.com

• Steve Mewing, Basell Australia, +61 3 98299480 or steve.mewing@basell.com

• Laurie Cranfield, Hunt Agencies, +64 9 273 7765 or laurie.cranfield@hunt.co.nz

Basell appoints Hunt Agencies as distributor for polypropylene products in New Zealand