M. Holland to buy Polymer Z, form M. Holland Automotive Group

Thermoplastic resin distributor M. Holland Co. has reached a deal to acquire Polymer Z LLC, a specialty distributor focused on the automotive industry.

Northbrook, Ill.-based M. Holland will combine Polymer Z with its existing auto business to form M. Holland Automotive Group.

“Polymer Z brings a marquis customer base, an applications development capability and enhanced access to the automobile industry,” M. Holland’s president and CEO Edward Holland said in a statement. “The acquisition accelerates our penetration in the automotive market, which is a priority for many of our strategic supplier partners.”

John Zessin, founder and president of Birmingham, Mich.-based Polymer Z, will lead the M. Holland Automotive Group as managing director. “Zessin has spent his entire career in the automotive industry, serving in executive management positions with Monsanto, Bayer and Dow before founding Polymer Z in 2003,” the statement continued.

“This is an ideal match to expand the capabilities of both companies to better service the automotive customer base,” Zessin said. “Polymer Z’s strengths are its automotive presence and focused competence in applications development; M. Holland provides a premier product portfolio, a leading North American infrastructure and, with its recent expansion in Mexico, reach into one of the fastest growing automotive manufacturing regions.”

The transaction is expected to be finalized in October and will begin conducting business as the M. Holland Automotive Group on January 1, 2016. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.