Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, a rapidly growing chemical manufacturing company with over three decades of industry experience, has announced a strategic partnership with Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd. to expand its waterproofing and construction chemicals business across Southeast Asia.
According to the company’s press release, this collaboration marks a significant step in Ducol’s international expansion strategy and aims to establish a scalable export platform aligned with long-term growth objectives.
Strategic Collaboration to Drive Export Growth
Under the agreement, Ducol will supply waterproofing systems manufactured by its subsidiary, Bitumag, to Qualibit’s established ASEAN manufacturing and distribution network. Additionally, both companies will explore extending the partnership to products and capabilities arising from future strategic acquisitions in the waterproofing and construction chemicals sector, subject to mutual alignment.
Importantly, Ducol plans to allocate up to 20 percent of Bitumag’s chemicals production capacity for distribution in Malaysia through Qualibit’s regional network. This allocation will depend on operational planning and evolving market requirements. As a result, the company expects incremental, export-led growth while improving manufacturing utilisation.
Leveraging Regional Strength and Technical Expertise
Qualibit brings an integrated manufacturing and execution platform to the partnership. Reinforced by Polybit—its group’s established trading and distribution arm with a strong Southeast Asian presence—Qualibit operates across the region with ISO-certified quality systems, in-house laboratory capabilities, and a specification-driven sales model serving infrastructure, commercial, and industrial projects.
Furthermore, Qualibit’s technical execution model and applicator engagement network will likely accelerate market access, regulatory approvals, and customer adoption. Because of its established footprint, the company can provide faster project integration and deeper regional penetration.
A Partnership Built on Proven Operational Alignment
This collaboration builds on a longstanding working relationship between the two groups. Over the past five years, Polybit has sourced materials from Bitumag, creating a strong foundation based on product performance, supply reliability, and execution consistency.
Consequently, the transition to a direct collaboration with Qualibit represents a natural evolution of this association. It further aligns Ducol’s manufacturing capabilities with Qualibit’s established market presence across Southeast Asia.
Leadership Commitment to Strategic Expansion
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Qualibit Chemicals & Industries Sdn. Bhd., travelled to Mumbai to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, underscoring the importance of the partnership.
A civil engineer with nearly three decades of experience in construction chemicals and waterproofing systems, Martin brings extensive execution expertise across the Far East and Middle East markets through his association with Polybit. He is widely recognised for his hands-on involvement in project specifications, application methodologies, and technical problem-solving. Over the years, he has cultivated strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and project stakeholders throughout the region.
Manufacturing Backbone: Bitumag’s Scalable Capacity
At the operational level, Bitumag will anchor supply execution. With an installed membrane production capacity of approximately 10 million square meters per annum, the subsidiary offers scalable capabilities to meet rising export demand.
Therefore, this partnership not only enhances Ducol’s international footprint but also strengthens its manufacturing leverage and operational efficiency.
Leadership Commentary
Aamer Farid, Managing Director, Ducol Organics & Colours Limited, stated:
“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, we remain focused 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.”
Strengthening a Resilient International Platform
Overall, this partnership reflects Ducol’s continued commitment to building a resilient international construction chemicals platform through calibrated market expansion and capability-led collaborations.
By combining its strengthened manufacturing base with Qualibit’s regional execution expertise—supported by Polybit’s distribution network—the company aims to create a sustainable pathway for export growth. At the same time, Ducol will maintain operational discipline and strategic alignment across markets.
Going forward, both companies will continue to evaluate opportunities to deepen their collaboration in line with evolving market conditions and shared long-term growth objectives.
