Mumbai: Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, a rapidly growing chemical manufacturing company with over three decades of industry presence, today announced a strategic partnership with Malaysia-based Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd. to expand its waterproofing and construction chemicals business across Southeast Asia. The collaboration will see Ducol supply waterproofing systems manufactured through its subsidiary Bitumag to Qualibit’s established ASEAN manufacturing and market network, with scope to extend the partnership to products and capabilities from future strategic acquisitions in waterproofing and construction chemicals sector, subject to mutual alignment. The partnership aims to strengthen Ducol’s international footprint, improve manufacturing utilisation, and create a scalable export platform aligned with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Under the partnership, Ducol will allocate up to 20 percent of its chemicals capacity in Bitumag for distribution in the Malaysian market through Qualibit’s regional network, subject to operational planning and market requirements. The collaboration is expected to contribute to incremental export-driven growth for Ducol.
Reinforced by Polybit, the group’s established trading and distribution arm with a strong presence across Southeast Asia, Qualibit Chemicals & Industries brings an integrated manufacturing and market execution platform to the partnership. Qualibit Chemicals & Industries brings an established operating footprint across Southeast Asia, supported by ISO-certified quality systems, in-house laboratory capabilities, and a strong specification-driven sales model across infrastructure, commercial, and industrial projects. Through its technical execution approach and applicator engagement network, Qualibit is expected to support faster market access, approvals, and customer adoption in the region.
Qualibit’s decision to collaborate with Ducol reflects a strong alignment built over years of operational engagement between the two groups. Polybit, the trading and distribution arm of the same group, has been sourcing materials from Bitumag for over five years, establishing a working relationship grounded in product performance, supply consistency, and execution reliability. The progression to a direct collaboration with Qualibit represents a natural evolution of this partnership, further strengthening the strategic alignment between Ducol’s manufacturing capabilities and the group’s established regional market presence.
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd., travelled to Mumbai for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring the strategic importance of this collaboration. A civil engineer by training with nearly three decades of experience in construction chemicals and waterproofing systems, Martin brings deep execution expertise across the Far East and Middle East markets through his association with Polybit. Known for his hands-on involvement in project specifications, application methodologies, and technical problem-solving, he has built strong relationships across consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders in the region.
At the manufacturing level, Ducol’s subsidiary Bitumag will anchor supply execution. With installed membrane capacity of approximately 10 million square meters per annum, Bitumag provides scalable production capability to support export demand.
Aamer Farid, Managing Director, Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, said, “This partnership represents a significant step in Ducol’s international expansion journey. After strengthening our presence in the Middle East through Altek, Southeast Asia was a natural progression given the region’s infrastructure momentum and demand for high-quality waterproofing systems. Qualibit’s strong technical and market execution capabilities complement our manufacturing strengths, particularly through the Bitumag platform and, over time, through future subsidiaries and strategic acquisitions aligned with this partnership. As we expand globally, our focus remains on building sustainable industrial collaborations that enhance utilisation, improve operating leverage, and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd., added, “We see strong alignment in partnering with Ducol, which brings a scalable manufacturing platform and deep expertise in construction chemicals. Our technical execution model and regional market access, combined with Ducol’s industrial capabilities, create a strong foundation for long-term collaboration across Southeast Asia. Subject to applicable regulations and approvals, we also see long-term alignment through potential equity acquisition from the open market, reflecting our confidence in Ducol’s manufacturing platform and growth trajectory.”
