December 2007

Helios has acquired the company Avrora in Ukraine

2007-12-19 10:17:00

Helios Domale, d. d., has acquired Ukrainian paint maker Avrora. As a result Helios has gained a new production location to add to its current sites in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and in Russia. According to Helios, Avrora's sales are approximately €4,8 million. This will raise Helios' total sales in Ukraine to approximately €10 million.

Avrora, which is located 160 km from the capital Kiev employees 100 employees. It specialized in the production of coatings for the metal industry. As a result of the acquisition, Helios has gained a distribution and logistics center in Ukraine.

Helios also said it will be a supplier of automotive coatings to a large car factory opening in the vicinity.

PPG to acquire Brown Brothers from Unipart Automotive

2007-12-19 10:16:00

PPG Industries, through a European subsidiary, has agreed to purchase the bodyshop distribution business of Unipart Automotive. The transaction is expected to close on or about Jan. 31, 2008. The business will operate as a subsidiary of PPG under the name Brown Brothers Distribution UK Ltd. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition includes 34 distribution branches that supply refinish paint to bodyshops. In addition, acquired assets are to include inventory, selected equipment, brand names and customer lists. Following the change of ownership, approximately 475 Unipart Automotive bodyshop employees will transfer with the business under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) regulations.

John McGowan, PPG market director, United Kingdom and Ireland, said, "This acquisition will enable us to continue to provide customers with compelling solutions in automotive refinish." He added that the acquisition offers PPG growth opportunities in adjacent markets, although third-party distributor relationships will still be a crucial part of its U.K. operations.

"We are continuing to accelerate our profitable growth in coatings by making strategic acquisitions, such as this one in the United Kingdom, which is an important market," said J. Rich Alexander, PPG senior vice president, coatings. "By acquiring Brown Brothers, PPG will be able to leverage new opportunities and strengthen its presence in the U.K. bodyshop business."

Dennis Henderson, managing director of Unipart Automotive, said, "This year, our strategic focus has been on developing and growing the business in our core propositions." When reviewing options for the paint and refinish side of its business following an internal review, Henderson said, "We came to the conclusion that the best opportunities for the business would be under the ownership of a key industry supplier, and because of our long relationship with PPG - one of the largest and most reputable refinish suppliers - it was the natural choice. We firmly believe this decision is in the best interests of all key stakeholders, and it will lead to a more profitable and secure future for the paint and refinish business."

Benjamin Moore acquires Insl-x

2007-12-17 08:34:00

With an eye to expanding its share of the North American coatings market, Benjamin Moore & Co. has announced its intent to purchase select assets and brands of Insl-x Products Corporation, a coatings manufacturer based in Stony Point, NY.

According to Denis Abrams, president and CEO, of Benjamin Moore, the acquisition is a strategic move that provides Benjamin Moore with several strong brands and a breadth of coatings products, including Insl-x, Coronado, Bruning, Trinity Lacquers and Lenmar.

"Insl-x carries a strong reputation for delivering a wide range of premium products and for superior customer service," Abrams said. "This acquisition allows Benjamin Moore to expand its overall product portfolio assuring that our customers remain strong and profitable. We are pleased that the Insl-x company will continue to operate under the guidance of its president, Jim Weil, whose father founded the company in 1960. This acquisition yet again underscores Benjamin Moore's on-going commitment to its customers.

"Ensuring the continuation of outstanding service to Insl-x loyal customers is a top priority for Benjamin Moore," continued Abrams. "Consequently, moving forward the Insl-x service team and Insl-x product offerings will remain intact."

While financial terms of the deal were not released, Abrams did share that the Insl-x management team and the company's employees will continue in their current positions. Manufacturing and distribution of all Insl-x products will continue at their respective locations.

PPG receives approval from EU regulators to acquire SigmaKalon

2007-12-12 09:03:00

PPG Industries' proposed acquisition of SigmaKalon Group from Bain Capital has been approved by European Union regulators. The total transaction value, including assumed debt, is approximately €2.2 billion.

PPG completed the process of consulting with and obtaining advice from the relevant employee representative bodies in early October. The company anticipates that the acquisition will close within the next 45 days.

SigmaKalon Group is a worldwide coatings producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands. SigmaKalon produces architectural, protective and marine and industrial coatings, and is a leading coatings supplier in Europe and other key markets across the globe.

CMW's new factory in China for high-tech industrial coatings

2007-12-12 08:56:00

Cashew of Japan, Manfield of Hong Kong and Weilburger of Germany, partners in the three-way joint venture, CMW Holding Ltd, attended the celebrations to mark the official opening on Nov. 19, 2007 of the new plant of CMW Coatings (Wuxi) Ltd. Located in the Yangtze River Delta the factory is in Jiangsu province, approximately 120 kilometers from Shanghai.

Chairman of the board Tim Rand referred to the event as the culmination of seven years combined effort by the three partners, with Weilburger and Cashew operating worldwide to support CMW by developing specification business with global customers while Manfield expanded operations throughout China.

CMW's business operations had begun in 2000 with toll manufacturing by Pinefield Chemical in Shenzhen. Five years later the company built its own manufacturing facility in Guangzhou. This improved support and service to customers in Southern China and the business grew rapidly. This latest milestone provided fresh impetus in the supply of specialist products and service to business in Eastern and Northern China.

Addressing the invited audience of customers and suppliers, Yuen Shu Wah, managing director of the CMW Group said, "Thanks to the support of our investors, top-quality, innovative products with technology from Germany, Japan and Hong Kong are made available to our clients; PVC-free AC/ UV coating systems, anti-bacteria UV varnishes, soft feel coatings, UV Pad-printing inks, water-based plastic coatings and water-based baking enamels, to name just a few.

"Our corporate policy is to ensure consistency in all CMW activities in China regardless of the location of factories or service centers. With proper co-ordination and concerted effort, we are able to provide the best professional service to our customers.

"Through its capable management team and with the close support by our distributor CTCL and business partner Cashew, CMW Wuxi has achieved excellent results and has made a profit in less than one year since operations began."

CMW Wuxi employs 380 people on its 20,000 m2 site and has an annual production capacity of 4,700 tonnes with a maximum batch size of 3,000 kilos. All operations of the company are fully integrated into an ERP system.

CMW is a leading supplier of high-end factory-applied coatings. It has an established market position in non-stick and high temperature coatings to the many cookware, bakeware and domestic appliance manufacturers located in the neighbouring Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong provinces. It also specializes in coatings for plastics for teltronics (TV, audio, video) and mobile phones for global customers in Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing. The mobile phone market continues to boom and recent approvals for supply to Sony Ericsson and Motorola point to this remaining an area of accelerated future growth. Planning has already begun for second phase construction at Wuxi designed to double production capacity in two years.

DuPont's new R&D center in India

2007-12-10 08:41:00

DuPont has announced plans to invest more than Rs100 crores to construct its first research and development center in India. The DuPont Knowledge Center will be located in Hyderabad and is expected to accommodate more than 300 scientists and other employees.

"The DuPont Knowledge Center in India will focus on discovery research as well as applications development in a variety of areas," said DuPont senior vice president and chief science & technology officer Dr. Uma Chowdhry. "This location will allow us to engage some of the world's top scientific talent in bringing better innovation to both global and local DuPont customers faster."

DuPont has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICICI Knowledge Park, Hyderabad, for a long-term lease that will allow DuPont to construct its own R&D facility on 15 acres of land in the park. The groundbreaking is slated for March and is expected to be fully operational in early 2009.

The DuPont Knowledge Center at Hyderabad will provide the needed research and development capabilities for DuPont to assist in business growth in India and other surrounding countries. It will be the sixth major DuPont R&D facility outside the U.S. Other major DuPont R&D facilities are located in Shanghai, China; Utsunomiya, Japan; Hsinchu, Taiwan; Wuppertal, Germany and Meyrin, Switzerland.

Research at the site will focus on "integrated science"—the addition of biology to traditional strengths in chemistry and materials science—to develop the company's application pipeline in India and other emerging markets. The site will initially focus on molecular biology, bio-informatics and polymer synthesis, with further R&D in the company's application pipeline across all five of its business growth platforms.

"The establishment of the DuPont Knowledge Center in India is consistent with our company strategy of going where the growth is," said Balvinder Singh Kalsi, president, DuPont India. "Our intent is to leverage Indian science and engineering talent for the benefit of DuPont customers and shareholders."

DuPont has appointed Homi Bhedwar director of the India Knowledge Center. Prior to relocating to Hyderabad, Dr. Bhedwar held R&D leadership positions in DuPont Electronic & Communication Technologies' businesses at the company's headquarters in Wilmington, DE. Most recently, he led a range of initiatives designed to support the company's high-growth businesses.

The DuPont Knowledge Center is expected to house research programs for several businesses in addition to molecular biology research for DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

Henkel expands trial of Bonderite new generation coating into Ford production facility

2007-12-05 09:16:00

After a successful trial, Henkel is participating in expanded testing of its new Bonderite conversion coating process in the Ford Motor Company Twin Cities manufacturing facility in St. Paul, MN. Henkel’s new Bonderite conversion coating process is the automotive industry’s first non-phosphate conversion coating for multi-metal bodies. The technology reduces costs, improves the efficiency of vehicle assembly pretreatment operations while reducing the environmental impact.

This new coating eliminates the problems associated with the conventional zinc-phosphate pretreatments. It eliminates pretreatment sludge, reduces landfill requirements and simplifies wastewater treatment. This Bonderite conversion coating is free of phosphate, VOC and CO2 equivalent emissions resulting in minimal environmental impact and is applied at room temperature reducing utilities and natural resource requirements. With this coating, the pretreatment footprint can be reduced 20-40% in a Brownfield site as well as in a Greenfield operation.

“We are excited to provide the automotive industry a new option for paint pretreatment that not only uses less energy, making it better for the environment, but lowers manufacturing costs and improves productivity by shortening the process,” said Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive North America, Henkel. “We’re confident that this new Bonderite coating can streamline the paint pretreatment process to create the fastest, most efficient automotive body pretreatment application in the world.”

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes receives global technical approval from General Motors

2007-12-05 09:15:00

General Motors (GM) has announced global approval of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp.'s (SWAFC) ULTRA 7000 and AWX Basecoat/Clearcoat System for use in GM collision repair facilities around the world.

The approval is the result of extensive technical evaluation and rigorous product testing to meet the GMW15406 Standard. GM engages in this process to provide continuous and ongoing product quality improvements to help ensure customer satisfaction. These established automotive refinish standards are required of all GM service centers performing warranty repairs.

Emaar Industries & Investments acquires majority stake in Caparol

2007-12-05 08:56:00

Emaar Industries & Investments (EII), a subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has acquired a majority stake in Caparol LLC, the Dubai arm of German decorative paint manufacturer the Deutsche Amphibolin Werke (DAW) Group. The Caparol brand is the leading brand within the DAW Group.

With the partnership, EII takes its number of business subsidiaries to 13. As a strategic growth-facilitator, EII will now steer the market expansion of Caparol, which plans to move into Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Egypt and South East Asia. Dubai will serve as the regional hub of the company, and the production capacity will almost be doubled with the building of a new production facility, which will be the first major local investment of the new business.

"EII's growth model is focused on recognizing and capitalizing on promising potential in the manufacturing industry. This is done through a three-pronged approach of strategic capitalization, lending industrial and managerial expertise and facilitating expansion into strategic markets," said Ahmad Khayyat, CEO Emaar Industries & Investments.

"Caparol derives synergies from the current construction and real estate growth in the region, and its extensive product range effectively meets the demanding requirements of the market. A true leader in innovative products, Caparol has an accomplished track-record in innovation through R&D, and has over 200 European patents to its credit. The company also has a sound environmental policy, which is of crucial importance in today's world. Our partnership with Caparol is aimed at maximizing the company's productivity by expanding to a new and bigger facility, and facilitating expansion to new and promising markets."

Caparol, headquartered in Ober-Ramstadt, Germany with operations in over 50 markets around the world, has a turnover of approximately €1 billion. The Dubai operation, Caparol LLC, was established in 1998. In 2006, Caparol LLC was awarded the ISO 9001:2000 certification for its quality management system.

The Caparol product range includes: Façade and insulation technology, cladding and rear-ventilated façade (VHF), exterior paints, interior paints, enamels and glazes. To meet the evolving needs of the construction sector, the company is involved in the research and design, production and marketing of customised products. A core strength that DAW/Caparol technology brings into the Middle East is in thermal insulation where for over 30 years Caparol has implemented leading effective solutions onto buildings through Europe and other countries in which it operates with the Caparol systems.

Caparol prides itself on bringing German quality and high tech solutions to the decorative paint market. This result is that the Caparol product range always excites and motivates architects, property developers, interior designers and home consumers to try something new and uniquely positions the Caparol brand to combine aesthetics with technological solutions.

"Caparol's pillar of growth is our dedicated approach to research and development to create a truly diversified product range," said Dr Ralf Murjahn, Owner, and Caparol. "Decorative paint is one of the growing sectors, and we expect strong regional demand - in tune with the growth of the construction sector. We already have a number of prestigious projects in the country where the Caparol experience has brought high tech German technology (such as in thermal insulation solutions) and combined that with innovative decorative paint solutions that inspire".

He added: "EII has a proven track record in facilitating companies to maximize their potential, and our partnership with EII will provide us with the expertise and strong brand association needed to expand our market share and strategic targets."

The partnership with Caparol is a key addition to EII's extensive portfolio of companies and joint ventures in the manufacturing industry. Within two years, EII has evolved as a strong platform for growth for promising enterprises in the manufacturing and industries sector.

Teknos opens new powder coating factory in Rajamäki

2007-12-05 08:52:00

The official opening of Teknos' new powder coating factory took place on November 15 in Rajamäki, Finland. The opening ceremonies including evening reception gathered 700 guests from all over Europe. Greetings from the Finnish government brought Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. The new powder coating factory is 10,000 square meters and is the largest of its kind in the Nordic countries. The new facility cost approximately €17 million.

The demand for powder coatings has grown in all Teknos market areas in recent years, so the creation of new capacity is timely, according to the company. Teknos is the market leader for powder coatings in the Nordic countries and Russia.

Akzo Nobel awarded approval for major Shell contract

2007-12-03 07:38:00

Akzo Nobel has been selected to globally supply a full range of coatings products for application to Shell's worldwide retail network of service stations and business signage.

The second biggest oil company in the world, Shell is active in 130 countries and operates approximately 45,000 service stations and several thousand business sites including offices and manufacturing plants. The redesign will include all of these locations, with Akzo Nobel having been chosen as one of only two approved suppliers for the five-year project.

The redesign calls for exact color matching on a host of different objects and surfaces, such as signage, metal and plastic façades and sidings, roofs, steel construction, and internal and external doors and windows. These surfaces will be coated using a variety of technologies, including powder, coil and liquid coatings, which means Akzo Nobel's car refinishes, industrial finishes, powder and decorative coatings businesses will all be involved. Auxiliary materials supplied by Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals have also been specified by Shell and their contractors.

For the purposes of the project, Akzo Nobel color standards have been introduced within Shell and will be used to ensure the necessary color conformity. Akzo Nobel has also won an official Shell specification for decorative products for the worldwide redesign and maintenance of Shell's gas stations.

nCoat forms collaboration with German coating firm

2007-12-03 07:35:00

nCoat, Inc. has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with the European engineering firm Target Electronic Service GmbH (Target). The LOI formalizes a business relationship between Target and nCoat, specifically for the purpose of collaborating together for expansion of each of their business interests in the U.S. as well as in Europe. To help facilitate this expansion, nCoat expects to increase the common capital stock of Target by nearly 30% within 90 days following the execution of this LOI.

Both parties propose to collaborate in areas of mutual technical and business benefit, including furthering development of both Target and nCoat's international revenue and operating footprint in their respective primary markets. Preliminary collaboration plans include cross sales opportunities to existing coating customers, exploration of opportunities for Target to use nCoat coating products with Target application services and the development of joint engineering collaboration for future product and service offerings.

Target primarily provides the application of protective coatings (conformal coatings) on electronic assemblies (circuit boards). The company principally uses proprietary processes and currently coats in excess of one million assemblies annually.

November 2007

Henkel partners with DuPont to distribute e-coat

2007-11-29 08:12:00

Henkel has formed a collaboration with DuPont to distribute DuPont’s CorMax electrocoat to the North American automotive parts supplier industry. This alliance expands Henkel’s product offerings, providing customers a strong option for e-coat technology. With DuPont’s electrocoat technology, Henkel can now offer customers a single point of contact for service, troubleshooting and ordering their surface preparation and coating solutions.

“This collaboration builds upon our commitment to provide a full-range of coating solutions for the automotive supplier industry,” said Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive, Henkel North America. “We have an extensive team of sales and service providers in this industry that are now able to provide our customers a complete coating solution, from pre-treatment to e-coating.”

Because customers can now partner with one provider for all of their coating solutions, this agreement enables them to consolidate their supply base to become more efficient. Henkel’s strategic partnership with DuPont has already resulted in agreements with key automotive parts suppliers.

“We are pleased to partner with Henkel to bring CorMax to the automotive components market,” said Dave Lazzeri, business director, Americas, DuPont Coatings Solutions. “With Henkel’s expertise in coatings and surface treatments, we have a channel that will allow us to expand the reach of our e-coat solutions.”

DuPont opens office in emerging market of Serbia

2007-11-26 10:57:00

As part of its growth strategy for emerging markets, DuPont has opened its first office in Serbia. The Serbia office represents DuPont's growing market reach in Central Europe, following facility openings in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and the Baltic countries. More than 500 DuPont employees are based in the region.

"Eastern and Central Europe are important markets for executing DuPont's strategy of going where the growth is," said Ian Hudson president DuPont Europe, Middle East and Africa. "While this marks our first office in Serbia, DuPont has had a sales and marketing presence in the country since 1987. Central Europe is a critical growth area for us as we expand our market reach."

Key DuPont markets for the region include agriculture, food processing, construction, automotive and refining and petrochemicals. Construction is among the three fastest growing sectors of Serbian industry, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit Report, published in June 2007. The Belgrade site will create a base for newly developed distribution channels and offer accessibility to customers in the rapidly growing markets of Serbia and Montenegro.

Biggest ever newbuilding contract signed by Jotun in China

2007-11-26 10:54:00

Jotun COSCO Marine Coatings (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd, (JCMC) signed contracts for 30 NB's with Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (old yard) and Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd (new yard), both yards belonging to the Jiangsu yard group. The vessels to be built include 10 x 2,500 teu for Seaspan Ship Management, Canada and 20 x 4,250 teu for Reederei Rudolf Schepers, Reederei Karl Schulte, Hammonia Reederei and Reederei Thomas Schulte—all from Germany and Seaspan Ship Management, Canada

The vessels will be built at the Jiangsu yard group's two construction sites close to Jiangyin city in the Jiangsu Province, some 200km north-west of Shanghai.

The total volume of marine coatings is 6.85 million liters. This represents the biggest single contract ever signed in the history of Jotun.

Hi-Tech Industrial Coatings acquired

2007-11-26 10:49:00

Surface Technology plc, a subsidiary of Norman Hay plc, has acquired 100% of the ordinary shares in Calmbay Holdings Pty Limited, trading as Hi-Tech Industrial Coatings in Perth, Western Australia.

Hi-Tech provides specialist spray coatings and finishes for metal components destined for the oil and gas, mining and general industrial markets.

"We are very pleased to welcome Bob Needham, Mark Huxley and their team to the Norman Hay Group," said Victor Bellanti, CEO of Norman Hay. "Their Hi-Tech Industrial Coatings business is a perfect fit with our Surface Technology and Armourcote operations. The oil and gas exploration and extraction industries which we serve are becoming increasingly active in the waters off the western coast of Australia, stretching up to the Malaysian Peninsula. Our companies specialize in providing coatings to protect components working in these hostile maritime environments.

"This acquisition continues our strategy of adding surface finishing businesses to our group, wherever there is a demand from the international oil tool industry for our specialist skills," he added.

Barloworld To Unbundle Freeworld Coatings

2007-11-20 13:23:00

Barloworld confirmed its intention to dispose of its interest in coatings through a distribution of the ordinary shares of coatings held by Barloworld to the Barloworld ordinary shareholders. The unbundling will have a number of benefits, including: unlocking the value gap between Barloworld's intrinsic value and its market value; and the creation of a more focused Barloworld Group, the company reported.

Rohm and Haas Participates at CHINACOAT 2007

2007-11-20 08:39:00

Rohm and Haas will participate in the upcoming CHINACOAT 2007 show in Shanghai, from November 21st through 23rd. The company will feature its latest technologies, including those specifically designed to meet the needs of this fast-growing, important market. These include new paint binders, elastomeric wall coatings, and rheology modifiers. On November 22nd, Rohm and Haas and DuPont will host the "2007 Forum on Coatings" at the Shanghai Renaissance hotel in Pudong. During this session, Rohm and Haas will deliver a speech recapping its latest technologies and products. Rohm and Haas's booth at the show will use a theme that describes the end- use characteristics these technologies bring to customers' products: "professional, care, comfort and protection." The advanced technologies to be showcased at the exhibit include: Next generation paint emulsion binders: Primal TM DC-418 is based on new chemistry that enables significantly better interaction between the polymers and inorganic particles. This not only improves the overall properties of the paints, but leads to improved performance and cost benefits for paint manufacturers. Technology for elastomeric wall coatings: Rohm and Haas will also introduce two new products to Elastine(TM) series at this show. i.e. Elastine(TM) 3828 and Elastine(TM) 3808. The new elastomeric acrylic copolymers were specifically developed at the company's state-of-art research center in Shanghai. This cost-effective, high-performance product can be used in a wide range of cement-and non-cement based water-protective barrier coatings that have low environmental impact (low odor and low VOC). Dispersant: Orotan(TM) 963 is a new dispersant introduced by Rohm and Haas to the China market that can be used in a wide-range of waterborne architectural coatings. This innovative product provides improved early water resistance, which helps prevent the paint film from showing discoloration and water marks. This is especially important if the freshly painted surface is exposed to rain before it is fully cured. Additional advantages include paint color acceptance and washability, and cost savings since Orotan(TM) 963 dispersant exhibits excellent pigment dispersing capability. Rheology modifiers: Acrysol(TM) AP-10 and AP-50 replace HEC with higher efficiency to reduce the formulation cost and provide better flow, scrub resistance and spatter resistance. Bruce Hoechner, vice president and general manager for the company's paint and coatings materials business in Asia Pacific, stated, "We are proud to showcase our new technologies and new products here at CHINACOAT. It demonstrates our commitment to bring China tailor-made, environmentally advanced, cost-effective coatings solutions to our customers' doorsteps. We are also pleased to be able to demonstrate the capabilities of our research center in Shanghai (CRDC) to increasing meet local clients' requirements. As a result, we believe the China coatings industry has ever more confidence in Rohm and Haas's ability to meet their needs."

Rohm and Haas Polska opens a warehouse near Warsaw

2007-11-12 15:53:00

Rohm and Haas Polska has opened a brand new warehouse located in Mszczonów, 50 km south of Warsaw. This warehouse will be used as a platform for the supply of Rohm and Haas products to the customers in Poland and in Central Europe.

The main purpose of the new warehouse in Poland is to serve as 24/7 supply center for direct Polish and Central European customers. It is the first Rohm and Haas facility of that type in Central Europe. The in-capacity of the warehouse will start with 1,000 tons of stored materials. Products stored in the warehouse will be supplied from Rohm and Haas manufacturing plants in France (Lauterbourg, Chauny, Semoy), UK (Grangemouth, Dewsbury, Jarrow), Italy (Mozzate, Mozzanica, Parona, Romano) and Sweden (Landskrona).

Establishing a warehouse in Poland is part of the company's strategy for Poland and the region, which was officially launched in October 2006 by opening the Rohm and Haas office in Poland. Rohm and Haas Polska has been created as a platform to manage sales and development in the Central European countries, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Hungary. Creation of the warehouse in Poland will allow Rohm and Haas to further develop and expand its presence in Poland.

"Opening this warehouse is a significant move forward on the Rohm and Haas Polska growth path. Since we officially launched our office in Poland we can already see how substantially it has been developing. This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the industry and to the market in Poland and in Central Europe. It is the next step in strengthening our position in this region, which we believe has a strategic importance and meaning due to its growth rate and dynamics," said Gilbert Pfau, country manager for Rohm and Haas Polska. "Establishment of a warehouse in Poland will enable Rohm and Haas to meet the increasing demand of our current and future customers with a local supply of performance products specifically tailored to the regional needs."

The newly opened warehouse will trigger significant improvements in customer service. Moreover, Rohm and Haas Polska announced that it has put into place people and innovative tools like SAP and e-commerce to support direct business transactions, improve on-time deliveries, allow lower delivery delays and direct invoicing in the local currency.

"Logistics services are a strategic tool for the creation of strong partner relationships with our customers. Presence on the market and innovative logistic solutions are key to a prospective development. Local business warehouse and tools like SAP and e-commerce will guarantee a more efficient supply chain," said Jean-François Mayer, vice president and regional director for Central Eastern Europe and Turkey.

3M completes acquisition of Bondo Corp.

2007-11-12 08:23:00

3M has completed its acquisition of Bondo Corp., a manufacturer of auto body repair products for the automotive aftermarket and various other professional and consumer applications.

Bondo's brand complements 3M's line of auto body repair products for the automotive aftermarket. Bondo brand products are designed for both auto body repair professionals and enthusiasts. Products include body filler, fiberglass repair materials, under coatings and adhesives.

3M's Automotive Aftermarket Division is dedicated to improving the productivity and profitability of auto body repair professionals. Products include abrasives and accessories, masking tapes, panel bonding adhesives, general adhesives coatings and sealers, paint finishing polishes and compounds, and paint application systems.

SSCP Co. Ltd., Korea takes over SCHRAMM Coatings GmbH

2007-11-09 07:51:00

The forthcoming acquisition of Offenbach, Germany-based SCHRAMM Coatings GmbH, effective November 16, 2007, is the result of a longstanding and successful collaboration between the two companies in their core automotive industry business in Asia. For this business segment a joint venture was established in Korea in 2005 and in Hong Kong/China in 2007.

The takeover allows SSCP Co. Ltd and SCHRAMM Coatings GmbH to collaborate further strategically and develop technological synergies, which will allow it to gain a stronger global market presence. The Offenbach location will remain in operation with a plan for increased investments in place. In the future, the companies SCHRAMM Spain, SCHRAMM SSCP Korea, SCHRAMM SSCP Hong Kong/China as well as the joint venture SCHRAMM CASHEW in Japan will also belong to SCHRAMM Coatings.

SCHRAMM Coatings GmbH in Offenbach has belonged to the GREBE Group since 1983, serving worked the GROUP’s business areas related to the automotive industry and their suppliers, the coil coating industry and electro insulation varnishes.

With the sale of SCHRAMM Coatings GmbH by GREBE Holding AG, the companies of the GREBE Group will still belong to the leading manufacturers of industrial coatings throughout the world. Based on the existing, well-established global structures with the German parent companies WEILBURGER Coatings GmbH and WEILBURGER Graphics GmbH, their affiliated companies in Italy, Great Britain, Poland and India, as well as their joint ventures WEILBURGER MANFIELD Limited, Hong Kong/China, GREBE CASHEW (JAPAN) Limited, Tokyo/Japan, PT WEILBURGER Coatings INDONESIA, Gresik (Surabaya)/ Indonesia, PT CASHEW GREBE INDONESIA, Cibitung (Jakarta)/Indonesia, the GROUP will still show their strength in future and further extend current market positions.

The expansion into strategically important markets will remain a primary objective of the Group’s globally oriented marketing strategy.

PPG lifts capacity of factory in China's Tianjin

2007-11-07 09:27:00

PPG has boosted annual production capacity of its factory in Tianjin, a municipality in North China, from 30,000 tons to 70,000 tons.

Its new factory, which started operations October 30, covers an area of 60,000 square meters with total investment of $10 million.

Until now, PPG has invested more than $60 million in Tianjin and more than $300 million in China. It will expand its Tianjin factory again in the next few years to enable annual production capacity to surpass 100,000 tons.

Akzo Nobel shareholders approve acquisition of ICI

2007-11-07 09:23:00

Akzo Nobel N.V. shareholders gave strong support for the company's proposed acquisition of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (ICI).

At an Extraordinary General Meeting held in Amsterdam, shareholders voted 79% in favor of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close on January 2, 2008, subject to the outcome of ICI's court meeting and EGM-which will both be held tomorrow-and certain other conditions precedent.

Commenting on the approval, Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers said, "We have taken a major step towards creating a global industrial leader in coatings and specialty chemicals which will provide significant benefits for shareholders, employees and other stakeholders.

"This deal is about growth. It's about combining the expertise, technologies, products and brands that both companies have developed, and achieving leading positions across different global markets to create a strong platform for future growth."

Sureshield Coatings Company established

2007-11-07 09:19:00

Due to fast-growing global demand for specially formulated coatings that provide antimicrobial, anti-fingerprint and easy-to-clean characteristics to enhance the performance, aesthetics and durability of metal products and surfaces, Horizon Business Group has announced the creation of Sureshield Coatings Company.

This spin-off company will allow consumers and manufacturers to easily identify with the Sureshield brand, which has been established to market the company's portfolio of more than 150 antimicrobial, anti-fingerprint and easy-to-clean coatings for metal.

With this spin-off, Sureshield Coatings Company is launching a comprehensive website that provides a unique, tailored experience to different types of users, including manufacturers, building designers and facility managers, and consumers.

As a leading developer of coatings that inhibit the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria, molds, mildews, and fungi on the coating, Sureshield Coatings Company (a member of Horizon Business Group) offers a comprehensive selection of powder, liquid and coil coating options that are designed to be easily integrated onto any consumer or commercial metal product.

"Many major manufacturers already recognize the value of upgrading their product offering to include easy-to-use coatings that resist unsightly fingerprints, make cleaning stainless steel and other metals easier and address user and industry concerns regarding microorganisms that cause odors and stains," said Sureshield Coating Company's president Michael Jacobs. "We work closely with market leaders in many different industries to help them incorporate Sureshield coatings as a low-cost, high-benefits addition to their global product lines."

Sureshield is available in clear, solid and transparent colors, which are designed to resist fingerprints for the life of the product, making it ideal for: major and small appliances, computer products, foodservice equipment, office products, office and healthcare furniture, medical products, HVAC & air handling equipment, commercial laundry equipment, plumbing fixtures, lab equipment, and doors & windows. In addition, Sureshield coatings can be pre- or post-applied to any type of metal to keep metal surfaces looking cleaner and easier to clean. This makes Sureshield ideal for use in residences, restaurants, hotels, bus or train stations, airports, stadiums, office buildings, laboratories, hospitals and other facilities.

Jotun Paints awarded major contracts for bridge protection in Dubai

2007-11-07 08:28:00

Jotun Paints has secured several major projects from the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) for the coating protection of a number of bridges and flyovers across the emirate.

The RTA's decision to award the projects to Jotun was influenced by the company's prior experience in similar projects, both locally and globally.

"The unrivalled technological innovation of Jotashield Tex Ultra and the quality of our technical support team have enabled us to secure these contracts with the RTA, with whom we are keen on building a long and mutually beneficial partnership," said Niru Naik, brand manager, Jotun Paints.

Jotun has worked closely with reputed contractors including Dutco Bealfour Beatty, BeSix Construct, Wade Adams, Al Naboodah Contracting, Taisei Corporation, WJ&P and Bin Hafeez General Contracting for the several projects initiated by the RTA. Jotashield Tex Ultra offers UV resistance and superior flexible concrete/plaster protection system that helps link cracks up to 1.4 mm and protects concrete from salt, dirt and corrosion. The pure acrylic paint is durable, long-lasting and environment-friendly, complementing the company's commitment towards the environment.

"We have witnessed a huge response in the market since the launch of this product, as leading property developers have also become more aware of the unique benefits of the Jotashield Tex Ultra paint, such as the plaster protection system that prevents cracks and boosts longevity," said Naik. "Further we have successfully created a niche, by implementing a communication strategy that includes conducting specialized seminars for architects, consultants and ministries on the distinct advantages of Jotashield Tex Ultra over conventional paint solutions, as well as closely working with our paint contractors."

October 2007

NPCA, FSCT merger negotiations renewed

2007-10-29 15:17:00

During today's opening general session at the National Paint and Coatings Association's (NPCA) 120th annual meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, NPCA president Andy Doyle announced that merger discussions with the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT) are back on the table after a representative from FSCT presented a proposal for merging the two organizations at NPCA's board of directors meeting. This latest announcement follows a proposed merger initiated on behalf of NPCA earlier this year that failed to see the two organizations come to an agreement.

"The boards of both organizations have endorsed and agreed to begin a merger process that will lead to a final proposal by March 2008," Doyle said.

FSCT's executive director, Joseph Pontoski, confirmed the announcement during a phone conversation. "FSCT has presented NPCA's board of directors with a document that addresses NPCA's previous merger proposal for FSCT to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of NPCA," Pontoski said. "Ultimately the membership of FSCT and NPCA will decide the matter. The leaders of both organizations will be meeting very soon to develop a document to present to the membership of both organizations.

"If negotiations are successful the intent would be to combine the American Coatings Show (ACS) and the International Coatings Exposition (ICE) in 2008," Pontoski continued.

"Assuming that we're able to agree to a merger, ICE will be cancelled and combined with the 2008 American Coatings Show," Doyle said.

A representative of the FSCT's Board of Directors presented the following statement at the NPCA's Board of Directors meeting.

On behalf of the FSCT I would like to make the following statements.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. President and members of the NPCA Board, thank you very much for allowing me to address you today.

For the past 85 years FSCT has successfully provided for the educational and professional development of our members and the entire coatings industry. Through our world class publications, conferences and exhibitions, the FSCT has served as the technical arm of the industry. This role becomes even more critical as the regulatory environment continues to affect changes upon our industry.

It is clear through our interactions with our members and the industry that there is tremendous concern and confusion about the separate paths that the FSCT and NPCA are taking. This divide will prove detrimental to all our companies, our members, and ultimately to each of our respective associations.

While the FSCT Board of Directors agreed with many of the points addressed in the NPCA merger proposal submitted to us last Spring, the timelines specified did not allow us to adequately address these proposals with our membership in accordance with our Bylaws. Beyond all that, the structural changes in our industry point to the need for a single, strong, effective industry association.

With this in mind, we the Board of FSCT have agreed to endorse a merger of the FSCT and the NPCA. We commit to educating our members on the benefits of this merger in order to affect an affirmative vote.

The FSCT Board proposes the following:

1. The FSCT will merge with the NPCA and become the technical and scientific arm (including technical publications) of the NPCA, as a wholly owned subsidiary, preserving the mission and purpose of the FSCT through the NPCA's acquisition of its assets and liabilities.

2. An immediate effort will be made to combine the International Coatings Expo and the American Coatings Show in 2008. Concurrently, the FSCT and the NPCA will work together to determine how best to honor any related contractual commitments and upon the successful completion of the merger, any remaining financial obligations will be satisfied by the newly combined organization.

With agreement on these points, the FSCT commits to the following action plan:

- FSCT representatives will meet with NPCA by December 31, 2007 to complete the details of the merger and to develop an implementation plan for its completion.
- A plan to promote and explain the details of the merger will be developed by January 31, 2008.
- A final merger plan will be presented to the FSCT and NPCA membership for vote by March 1, 2008 with approvals to be completed by April 1st 2008.

The FSCT believes that this merger of the FSCT and the NPCA would result in the strengthening of both organization’s programs and resources and provide the highest level of benefits and services to our members and the industry."

Charles E. Bennett receives NPCA's Heckel Award

2007-10-29 15:16:00

During the honors luncheon of its 120th annual meeting, NPCA presented Charles E. Bennett, CEO of Cook Composites and Polymers, with the George Baugh Heckel Award, the association's highest honor.

Bennett has spent much of his life devoted to the industry, beginning in 1979 with a position at Guardsman Products. He held various positions at Guardsman, and was CEO and president upon his departure in 1996. At that time, he founded Polymer Products, Inc., a company that manufactured coatings resins. Two years later, he sold the company took his current position of CEO at Cook Composites and Polymers in Kansas City.

Bennett's involvement with NPCA has been extensive, including stints on the membership committee, Coatings Care committee, budget and finance committee, chairman of the industrial coatings committee, and more than ten years on NPCA's board of directors.

Tikkurila companies to merge

2007-10-25 08:01:00

Kemira Coatings (Tikkurila), which is responsible for Kemira’s paint and coatings business, has prepared a merger plan according to which Tikkurila Paints Oy and Tikkurila Coatings Oy will merge into their parent company Tikkurila Oy. The planned effective date for the merger is January 1, 2008. Under the merger agreement, all assets and liabilities as well as rights and obligations of the two subsidiaries in question will transfer to Tikkurila Oy as a universal succession.

Atlantic Coatings, Xiom form JV

2007-10-24 13:10:00

Atlantic Coatings recently formed a joint venture with Xiom Systems to provide mobile polymer powder coating services to the marine industry throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Chuck Bell, president of Atlantic Coatings began his architectural and decorative powder coating operation serving the Mid-Atlantic in 2006. Strategically located in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island, Bell says his company now plans to focus most of its offerings on the marine industry with its new partnership with Xiom Systems.

Xiom of West Babylon, N.Y., has developed both a mobile application system and special polymer formulations specific to recreational and commercial marine applications.

“What we are most excited about is the polymer formulation for anti-fouling,” said Bell. “The antifouling formulation has tested to be incredibly effective at keeping growth off the hull bottom, while also being very sensitive to the environment.”

Instead of a liquid paint, the polymer formulation is a powder that is applied thermally to the bottom of a vessel. The system can be used to apply the anti-fouling coating to metal, fiberglass and wood hulls as well as metal and composite running gear such as props and rudders.

Bell said he’s in the “BETA” stage right now and has one unit ready to be mobilized. The process doesn’t require oven curing, which makes it a unique powder coating. The anti-fouling coating is solvent-free and features controlled, minimal leaching. A report from the Florida Institute of Technology said anti-fouling properties should last five years.

“The anti-fouling product uses a capillary leach where the cuprous oxide particle is actually bound to the polymer, so when it’s applied what you have is a microscopic latticework,” said Bell. “In the testing that’s been done, it’s been proven that this product has a very slow leach rate. After six months of immersion, the active ingredient, cuprous oxide, showed negligible leaching, from 51.8% cuprous oxide to 51.5%.

PPG reports record 3Q Sales

2007-10-24 13:09:00

Both of PPG’s coatings segments reached third quarter sales records, the company reported. Performance and applied coatings segment sales for the quarter increased $163 million, or 20%. Industrial coatings segment sales for the quarter increased $90 million, or 11%.

In addition, Charles E. Bunch, PPG’s chairman and CEO said the company is accelerating the transformation of its business portfolio. “We recently announced the pending acquisition of SigmaKalon and the divestiture of our automotive glass and fine chemicals businesses,” he said. “These pending transactions will dramatically enhance our focus on coatings and optical and specialty products and significantly shift our geographic presence. When these deals are completed, more than 50% of our sales will be outside the U.S. and Canada.

“Looking ahead, we expect the North American economy to soften further,” Bunch continued. “But it should still provide slight growth. Equally important to PPG, the economies outside of North America will continue to provide consistent opportunities for solid growth.”

PPG acquires Coatings Resource Corporation

2007-10-17 08:49:00

PPG Industries has acquired certain assets of Huntington Beach, CA-based Coatings Resource Corporation (CRC), producers of paints, lacquers and varnishes for use on metal and wood industrial and consumer products, including audio-visual equipment, sporting goods and automotive interiors. It also produces injectable colorants, blowing agents, processing aids, UV stabilizers and antioxidants used on various types of plastics. CRC operates one manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach and employs approximately 30 people.

The acquired assets include inventory, accounts receivable, key sales and technical personnel, selected equipment, formulations and customer lists. CRC's manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach will not be acquired by PPG but will toll manufacture products for PPG for the foreseeable future.

"This acquisition enables PPG to accelerate growth in key strategic markets for its industrial coatings business," said William Wulfsohn, PPG senior vice president of coatings. "CRC's extensive range of water-based and low-VOC technologies will broaden PPG's existing portfolio of environmentally responsible decorating solutions."

"We are very excited to complete this transaction with PPG," said Jeff Laird, CRC president. "Combining PPG's global reach with CRC's technology will offer a compelling value to the global industrial coatings market."

Specialty Coating Systems acquires Parylene Japan K.K.

2007-10-16 10:06:00

Specialty Coating Systems, Inc. (SCS) has completed its acquisition of Parylene Japan K.K. (PJKK). PJKK, a joint venture between SCS and Three Bond Co., Ltd., was established in 1990 to provide Parylene conformal coating services and technologies in Japan.

Specialty Coating Systems will do business in Japan as Parylene Japan, Inc. (Nihon Parylene Kabushiki Gaisha in Japan) and will continue to be led by president Eddie Narita. The 10,000 square-foot Tokyo facility is ISO 9001:2000 certified and includes two Class 10K cleanrooms.

"Our customers in Japan will continue to receive outstanding Parylene coating services," said Terry Bush, SCS president. "The acquisition of our long-term joint venture further establishes SCS' foothold in Asia, a key component to SCS' worldwide growth strategy."

Pony forms partnership with PPG

2007-10-15 09:05:00

Pony International has formed a partnership with PPG Industries to continue creating innovative performance and athletic shoes with the latest technologies in state-of-the-art coating systems provided by PPG.

"The partnership's objective is to develop a coating system to perform over multiple substrates, enhance the quality of performance and appearance, provide innovation to design, and be an effective tool to Pony for market differentiation to customers," said Colin Brickley, Pony's public relations and sports marketing director. "The VIVAFLEX color system by PPG provides an exciting palette of colors and finishes derived from PPG's history of color creation in industrial, automotive, architectural and aerospace markets."

"The VIVAFLEX coating system will significantly impact how we design, develop and manufacture footwear," said Nathan Crary, Pony's vice president of development.

ShawCor to provide pipe coating services for the Woodside Pluto LNG project in Western Australia

2007-10-10 10:47:00

ShawCor Ltd. has announced that its subsidiary, Bredero Shaw (Singapore) Pte Ltd., has received a contract with a total value of more than $85 million to provide anti-corrosion, flow assurance, concrete weight and internal flow efficiency pipeline coatings for the Woodside Pluto LNG Project. The pipe will be coated at Bredero Shaw's coating facilities in the Far East and in Orkanger, Norway with the work beginning in 2008 and continuing through the end of 2009.

The coating scope entails 180 kilometers of 36-inch pipe connecting Woodside's Pluto field in Western Australia's Carnarvon basin to Woodside's LNG facility on the Burrup Peninsula, 55 kilometers of 20-inch insulated flow lines supplying gas to a shallow water production platform and 180 kilometers of six inch pipe to provide mono-ethylene glycol which will be used as a hydrate inhibitor in the offshore gas production pipelines.

The Pluto LNG Project is operated by Woodside, Australia's largest publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production company. Bredero Shaw has provided pipeline coatings for oil and gas projects from facilities in the Far East for over 20 years. With recent investments at its Kuantan, Malaysia facility and Batam, Indonesia facility, Bredero Shaw continues to serve the needs of the growing Far East and international pipeline markets including Australia.

H.B. Fuller to sell joint venture stake

2007-10-09 09:35:00

H.B. Fuller announced that it will sell its stake in an automotive joint venture to partner EMS Chemie Holding AG for $80 million in order to focus on integrating and improving product offerings within its core business areas. H.B. Fuller's adhesives are used by a wide range of industries, from appliances and bookbinding to textiles and tissues, while its construction unit makes caulking, coatings and other products.

The company also sells the Protecto line of paint in Central America.

H.B. Fuller entered the venture, known as EFTEC, with EMS Chemie a decade ago. The business makes bonding, coating and sealing products for automakers.

EFTEC's U.S. operations generated $74.5 million in revenue but recorded a loss of $3.4 million over the last 12 months. H.B. Fuller's minority interest in income was $400,000 during that period, the company said.

The European and Asian parts of the venture earned $6.2 million from equity investments.

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

PPG and Bain Capital sign agreement for sale of SigmaKalon

2007-10-08 08:24:00

PPG's offer to acquire SigmaKalon Group from Bain Capital has been accepted. The total transaction value, including assumed debt, is approximately €2.2 billion. The acquisition continues to be subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.

"The process of consulting with and obtaining advice from the relevant employee representative bodies was cooperative and constructive," said Michael H. McGarry, vice president, coatings, and managing director, PPG Europe. "As a result, we completed this phase of the process and are now seeking approvals from several regulatory agencies in Europe and elsewhere."

Based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, SigmaKalon produces architectural, protective, marine and industrial coatings, and is a leading coatings supplier in Europe and other key markets across the globe. The acquisition would give PPG a stronger, more balanced coatings business in Europe.

BASF Coatings expands production and laboratory capacities for waterborne coatings

2007-10-03 10:34:00

BASF Coatings is expanding its production and laboratory capacities for the manufacture of eco-efficient waterborne coatings at its Wurzburg site. This is the company's response to the growing demand in the European and Asian markets, especially from the automotive industry. In Munster-Hiltrup, BASF Coatings is also investing in the construction of a new polyurethane reactor to produce resins required for the manufacture of waterborne coatings. The combined investment totaling approximately €29 million is one of the largest in the company's history.

Jotun increases sales, building new factories in Korea and Libya

2007-10-03 10:29:00

The Jotun Group continues to grow and is now investing in Korea and Libya to meet the steadily growing demand. Jotun has 40 production plants spread across every continent and in the second has decided to invest in new factories in Korea and Libya.

"We see an increasing demand for our products," said Morten Fon, president and CEO, Jotun. "High levels of activity in shipbuilding, oil and gas projects and the construction industry in the Middle East have boosted Jotun's sales this year, so we have decided to build new factories in Korea and Libya."

The factory in Korea, which will be situated close to Pusan, will be the group's biggest ever investment at a cost of approximately NOK 230 million. This factory will primarily produce marine coatings, while the factory in Libya will primarily produce decorative paints and will cost around NOK 100 million. Both factories will be operational in 2009. A new factory will also be completed in India in March 2008.

Growth in end-user markets likely to fuel Asian paint and coatings market

2007-10-01 18:06:00

Research and Markets has published the new Frost & Sullivan Report “Strategic Analysis of the Asian Paints and Coatings Markets."

Since China’s inception into the WTO in 2001, the Asian paints and coatings market has reported tremendous growth. Due to the lack of environmental regulations in Asia, traditional solvent-based coatings seem to dominate the coatings market in the region. However, buoyant economic growth, globalization of end-user industries, and increasing foreign investments have brought quality products to the market. "Local manufacturers have established tie-ups with leading multinational coatings companies to serve their customers better," according to the analyst of the study. "In order to sustain profitability in a market where rising raw material costs and competitive pricing command profit margins, manufacturers should start investing in cost-effective coatings technologies, for which the margins are higher."

The rapid growth in the end-user markets is expected to act as the key driver for the growth of the paint market. Paint manufacturers cater to a variety of end-user industries; the increasing influx of foreign investments into emerging markets has benefited most of the industries. The construction industry has witnessed robust growth over the past few years. The growth of the automotive industry in Asia, which is primarily driven by China, has been bolstered by India and Thailand. China is expected to emerge as the global production hub for electronic goods. Asia accounts for 60% of the global ship building market, and rapid growth in China, aided by moderate growth in South Korea and Japan, is expected to drive the demand for marine coatings.

The report also notes that mergers combined with stringent regulations are likely to boost market growth. There have been a number of mergers, acquisitions and technical co-operations between MNCs and local suppliers in the Asian paint and coatings market. Mergers and acquisitions have been beneficial for international manufacturers trying to penetrate the Asian market in order to tap its potential. The local suppliers, in turn, benefit as they get access to superior technologies and foreign markets. This enables them to support their customers who are penetrating the overseas markets. Consolidation has resulted in the rapid advancement of coating technologies, and is expected to drive the growth of the paints market in the next five years. Numerous unqualified coating suppliers are finding it difficult to compete, as the focus is shifting from lowering prices to consistent supply of quality products.

In addition, mature markets such as Australia, Japan, and South Korea have strict regulations in place. Coating manufacturers in these countries invest consistently in R&D in order to remain competitive in the market. In emerging markets such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, the regulations are lax and the market is price sensitive. With growing consumer awareness and consolidation in the market, manufacturers are investing in high-end technologies. Regulatory bodies in these countries are expected to impose regulations in these markets, slowly and gradually. "With strict regulations in place, the paint manufacturers are expected to move away from low-cost pricing strategy and focus more on quality products," explained the analyst. "Regulatory standards are expected to drive product innovations in the Asian coatings industry in the coming years."

Comex Group to market and distribute No Fire Products in Mexico and Central America

2007-10-01 18:00:00

No Fire Technologies, Inc., a New Jersey-based manufacturer of patented, high performance, intumescent fire protective paints and coatings, has formed an agreement with Comex Group, one of the largest paint manufacturers and distributors in North America. Comex will market and distribute No Fire products in Mexico and Central America for commercial, industrial and residential applications through their network of more than 3,000 exclusive stores.

Initial orders for No Fire A-18 paint, slated for commercial applications, total approximately $125,000. Discussions are ongoing for exclusive marketing and distribution of No Fire products in western U.S. states and Canada, through their retail outlets, one of the largest in the world.

“We are excited about this new relationship with Comex and the potential it offers for penetrating new markets through their extensive retail operations," said Dr. Samuel Gottfried, CEO, No Fire Technologies.

No Fire is a patented, nontoxic, waterborne, intumescent coating that can be applied to a variety of materials using brush, roller or spray, similar in application to ordinary paint. Its properties include zero flame spread index, zero smoke developed value and zero toxicity. It is a high viscosity coating designed for us in applications where expected exposure is either high temperature or long duration, including commercial and residential construction, shipping, storage facilities, nuclear power plants, military, utilities and automotive.

BASF opens new refinish coatings training center in China

2007-10-01 17:52:00

BASF Coatings has opened a new training center in Shenyang, China, for the company's refinish coatings product users. The new training center will strengthen BASF Coatings' competencies in customer training services and in providing enhanced refinish coatings solutions. The new BASF Refinish Competence Center Shenyang opened on September 26.

"I believe the opening of our new training center with international standards will have a great impact on China's refinish coatings industry," said Hans-Juergen Becker, the head of BASF Coatings International Trade (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. "As the after-sales network of global and local OEMs in the country is growing rapidly, establishing the new training center will allow us to further support the professional development of painters and bodyshop staff in China."

The BASF Refinish Competence Center Shenyang will be located in a new vocational school owned by LiaoNing College of Communication (LNCC), and is based on a cooperation with Shenyang German Academy for Economy and Technology. The contract between BASF and SGA allows BASF to use facilities on a regular and frequent basis and to also provide its trainers to SGA for their independent training. BASF Coatings currently has training centers in Kunshan, close to Shanghai, and Beijing, China.

September 2007

RPM's StonCor Group acquires Star Maling

2007-09-27 07:15:00

RPM International Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, StonCor Group has acquired Star Maling, which consists of three divisions: Star Maling, Carboline Marine and Carboline Norge. Star is a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty coatings for industrial and offshore/marine applications in Scandinavia, and has been an RPM joint venture partner since 1972.

Star Maling, based in Lier, Norway, manufactures specialty coatings under the Star Maling and Carboline brands, offering a wide variety of coatings solutions predominately in the petrochemical, offshore drilling and marine markets.

Star Maling has annual sales of approximately $30 million and complements StonCor Group's European initiatives to improve the technical capacity and expertise of the Carboline-Europe organization, as well as to expand the range of customized coating solutions for harsh environmental conditions.

"Star Maling has been an outstanding partner for more than three decades," said David Reif, StonCor's president. "The Star acquisition is essential to expand and strengthen Carboline's global presence and support of multinational customers. Additionally, this acquisition will expand the distribution of our Stonhard and Fibergrate product lines into the Scandinavian market. The entire team is looking forward to working more directly with our long-time partners to service our clients and solve the toughest coatings problems."

Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes secures partnership with Great Wall

2007-09-27 07:14:00

Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes (ANCR) has secured partnership with Great Wall Motor Co.Ltd, a major Chinese car manufacturer. ANCR has been chosen to be Great Wall's supplier for car refinishes products on a worldwide basis. ANCR will provide a wide range of paint refinish products and related service to Great Wall's franchise dealers and bodyshops.

"Great Wall has developed quickly from a Chinese car maker to a worldwide automotive supplier. To attain the high-quality and efficiency of refinishes in the after-sales market, we were looking for a reliable partner that could bring us both high quality products and dedicated services," according to Liu Jun, responsible for international trade division at Great Wall.

Great Wall Motor is one of the biggest car exporters in China, exporting their products to 108 countries and regions.

Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings launches a European portfolio for architectural and industrial markets

2007-09-27 07:09:00

Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings has launched Claymore, their European portfolio of powder coatings for the architectural and industrial markets. The first three collections of the Claymore portfolio will be available as of September 15, 2007, ready to ship everywhere in the European region.

These collections include two ranges of metallic and special effect products called "The Architects' Collection" for the architectural market and "Emotions Collection" for decorative applications and interior design. The third collection is a range of RAL polyester products in gloss, semi-gloss and matt finish for architectural markets. Most of these powders will be promoted under RealCoat, the new brand name that the company is launching simultaneously.

"Rohm and Haas continues investing for its customers in the powder coatings area. With this new launch, we will be able to serve all customers in the European region and deliver these products within a very short lead time in all major countries," said Xavier Susterac, general manager of powder coatings Europe. "This new portfolio will be a very good complement to a range of several thousand products we are already commercializing, and will be available from our plants and a number of warehouses in Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey."

Jotun Paints has launched its second Inspiration Centre in Dubai

2007-09-19 08:43:00

Jotun Paints has launched its second Inspiration Centre in Dubai, located on a 135-square meter area behind Mazaya Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. The new Inspiration Centre's strategic location at the heart of Dubai's business district is a move to improve customer satisfaction and boost market penetration in the UAE, where the paint market is estimated to be worth AED 630 million.

The Inspiration Centre primarily targets villa and house owners who are looking for ideas. Jotun ultimately aims to promote the Inspiration Centre as more than just a paint shop by incorporating different household elements, such as furniture, in helping customers decide on the paint range they want. The Inspiration Centre is also located strategically close to residential areas, facilitating easier access.

At the Inspiration Centre, customers can draw inspiration from different samples of color combinations for their paint requirements. The Inspiration Centre also offers customers comprehensive product information, color consultancy and themes or environment models, while maintaining the highest standards in hygiene practices and evoking a relaxed atmosphere.

PPG to sell fine chemicals business

2007-09-18 08:54:00

PPG Industries has signed an agreement with ZaCh System S.p.A., the fine chemicals subsidiary of Zambon Company S.p.A., Milan, Italy, under which the company would divest its fine chemicals business for approximately $65 million. Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter.

"Following last week's announcement of our potential divestiture of our auto glass businesses, this transaction is yet another step toward achieving PPG's vision of continuing to be the leading coatings and specialty products and services company," said Charles E. Bunch, PPG chairman and CEO.

ShawCor announces $13.8 million pipe coating capacity addition in Regina, Saskatchewan

2007-09-17 08:59:00

ShawCor Ltd. announced that its subsidiary, Shaw Pipe Protection Ltd., will invest $13.8 million in additional FBE pipe coating capacity for the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). This investment is in addition to the previously announced facility expansions in Camrose, Alberta.

The additional coating capacity will be added to the Shaw Pipe Regina pipe coating facility which will be upgraded to provide advanced FBE technology for small and large diameter pipe. The investment will ensure continued high service levels to Canadian customers including IPSCO Inc., which recently announced a significant expansion and Enbridge Pipelines Inc., which has a long-term supply arrangement with Shaw Pipe. The added capacity will be in-service by the end of the third quarter of 2008.

PPG to focus on coatings; sells auto glass businesses

2007-09-14 08:28:00

PPG Industries has signed an agreement with Platinum Equity of Beverly Hills, CA, under which the company would divest its automotive OEM glass and automotive replacement glass (ARG) and services businesses. The total sales price for the businesses being divested is approximately $500 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, an affiliate of Platinum Equity will acquire the businesses' assets. Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter.

"This transaction is a significant milestone in PPG's continued transformation to focus on coatings and specialty products, and it will significantly reduce PPG's exposure to the U.S. automotive market," said Charles E. Bunch, PPG chairman and CEO. "This sale will also provide us with more resources to pursue profitable growth in coatings, aerospace, optical products and opportunities in Asia."

Chemark and Blairgowrie form collaboration

2007-09-12 13:52:00

The Chemark Consulting Group, Inc of Southern Pines, NC and Blairgowrie Associates, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company recently announced their formal collaborative alliance.

In a joint statement, Chemark's and Blairgowrie’s managing directors, Phil Phillips and Dan Watson said, “This alliance has evolved after several years of informally collaborating and finding synergies that compelled forming a more formal arrangement going forward. Chemark will benefit from Blairgowrie’s geographical strengths in China and the Asia/Pacific region while Blairgowrie will be strengthened in more specific details and data bases in the industries of mutual interest. While both companies will continue to operate independently and remain legally separate, we feel by bringing two well-recognized general business management consulting firms together and forming a truly global offering, a value will be recognized by our clients world-wide. We truly believe no other consulting firm will have this capability.”

Founded in 1975, The Chemark Consulting Group, Inc. is a management consulting firm specializing in the coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants and specialty chemicals industries and headquartered in Southern Pines, NC. Chemark has offices in both North America and Europe. The company assists its clients in strategic planning, tactical support, M&A, product introduction positioning, competitive analysis, image studies, operations management, value chain analysis, competitive analysis, customer satisfaction and market research.

Blairgowrie Associates, LLC (BA), founded in 1988, is an independent management consulting company focusing on the chemical industry and its feed-stocks into the coatings, paints, adhesives, sealants and specialty chemicals industries and narrowly on the technical aspects of coatings and paints and the raw materials that find use in these industries. BA’s capabilities overlap those of Chemark's and range from strategic planning, tactical support, M&A, product introduction positioning, competitive analysis, image studies, operations management, value chain analysis, customer satisfaction and market research.

Chase Corporation acquires Long Products

2007-09-12 11:44:00

Chase Corporation, a global manufacturer of specialty tapes, laminates, sealants and coatings, announced that through its wholly owned subsidiary, Chase Protective Coatings Ltd, it has acquired the product lines and manufacturing facility of Long Products of Rye, East Sussex, England. For more than 35 years, Long Products has been a leading manufacturer of waterproofing and corrosion protection systems for oil, gas and water pipelines and has been a major supplier to Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This new acquisition joins Chase's North American based Tapecoat and Royston brands to broaden the protective coatings product line and better address increasing global demand.

Long Products' high-performance tapes, epoxies and cathodic protection accessory products are used internationally on new pipeline projects as well as for regular pipeline maintenance.

"Tapecoat, Royston and Long Products all compliment each other exceptionally well in technology, product range and geography," said Terry Jones, vice president and chief marketing officer, Chase Corporation. "The products, the applications and the global availability, now make Chase even more ideal for solving difficult corrosion problems."

"We are excited to be joining the rapidly growing Chase Corporation as we have seen the focus and commitment toward being the global leader in pipeline corrosion prevention," said Paul Barkley of Chase Protective Coatings. "Most importantly, as part of Chase Corporation, we will have additional resources to better serve our customers."

NPCA's new U.S. Paint & Coatings Industry Market Analysis

2007-09-12 11:37:00

NPCA's new U.S. Paint & Coatings Industry Market Analysis (2006 - 2011), is in final development, and is slated for publication in October. It includes insights such as key buying factors for all segments based on actual customer interviews, technologies used, key advantages and trends, and specific market share information.

This edition offers comprehensive and detailed discussion of 31 market segments profiled; a combination of current, primary "real world" interviews with key industry experts and U.S. Census data
extensive coverage of supply chain and the impact of trends and issues in major market segment along the chain; and projection of growth rates and forecasts through 2011.

Prepared by The Chemark Consulting Group, which has been providing management consulting services in the areas of business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, organization development, and marketing research for small and mid-cap companies, as well as divisions of large-global organizations in the coatings, adhesives, resins, polymers, sealants, additives and specialty chemicals business for more than 30 years, the new market analysis will include more information than any preceding edition. This includes enhanced qualitative input through contribution of industry key players, as well as the latest U.S. Census Bureau industry figures, as reviewed and shaped by industry experts and members.

The study's mainstay chapters covering specific industry segments include architectural, OEM and special purpose coatings. In addition, there are several new, special and expanded chapters, including:

• Nanotechnologies and Smart Coatings
• Growth Niche Opportunities and Analysis
• Investment in Overseas Operations and Outsourcing Offshore
• Renewable Resources Raw Materials and the Economic Case For Substitution, and
• Update on Recent Merger and Acquisition Activities.

Rohm and Haas expands in India

2007-09-06 09:17:00

Rohm and Haas Company celebrated the inauguration of its second, state-of-the-art acrylic emulsions facility in India to meet growing demand for its environmentally advanced products and technology in this important region. The Chennai facility, located in the Sriperambudur industrial area of Tamil Nadu in South India, is opening with the capacity to make 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons a year of specialty materials used in the manufacture of paints and coatings, adhesives, textiles, paper and leather.

The plant, which cost $12 million to build, is a "zero discharge" facility that meets very stringent environmental standards set by the state of Tamil Nadu. The Chennai facility will also operate under the company's "21st Century" program which strives for reliable, cost-effective manufacturing facilities and a competent, motivated workforce continually focused on improvement. The largest and fastest-growing supplier of environmentally advanced acrylic emulsions.

The company also is doubling the capacity of its 35,000 metric ton facility in Taloja, which is located near Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. The combined capacity of Taloja and Chennai (100, 000 to 110,000 metric tons per year) makes Rohm and Haas India's largest and fastest-growing producer of environmentally advanced emulsions and additives for paints and coatings and other waterbased polymer industries. The company also has the leading position for solventless and water-based adhesives used by India's packaging & converting industry.

"India is a critical component of our company's overall growth strategy," said Rohm and Haas chairman and CEO Raj L. Gupta, who is visiting customers, government officials and employees throughout India as part of the celebration of the new plant. "In fact, we believe more than 80% of our sales growth between now and 2010 will take place in the fastest-growing markets of the world - India, China, Southeast Asia, Central and Eastern Europe."

Rohm and Haas has been an increasingly important participant in the Indian market since 1995, when the company opened its first sales offices in Delhi and Mumbai. The company expects to report $100 million in sales revenue for India in 2007, and targets to more than double sales to $250 million here over the next five years.

Rockwood acquires global pigments business of Elementis

2007-09-06 09:13:00

Rockwood Holdings, Inc. has completed the acquisition of the global color pigments business of Elementis. As previously disclosed, Rockwood paid approximately $140 million for Elementis color pigments and specialty paint driers business in North America, Europe and China. The acquired business had sales of approximately $172 million in 2006. The combined business will have annual revenues of approximately $500 million.

"This acquisition helps us further our strategy to grow both organically and by bolt-on acquisitions," said Seifi Ghasemi, Rockwood chairman and CEO. "Rockwood Color Pigments will now have a global production base that offers a full range of pigment products and services for concrete, coatings and other specialty applications. We will draw on Rockwood's strengths in yellow pigments and Elementis' expertise in reds. We will provide our customers global sourcing, through our strong production presence in China, in addition to world class facilities in the United States and Europe."

Andrew M. Ross, President of Rockwood Color Pigments, will head the combined organization.

Valspar acquires Teknos Nova Coil TNC Oy

2007-09-06 09:09:00

The Valspar Corporation has acquired Teknos Nova Coil TNC Oy, a Helsinki, Finland-based manufacturer of high-performance coil coatings widely used in the construction industry, from Teknos Group Oy.

"This acquisition builds on Valspar's growing international presence by expanding our coil coatings solutions in Northern Europe and the fast growing markets of Eastern Europe," said William L. Mansfield, chairman, CEO and president, Valspar. "TNC, with its reputation for quality and technology, is a natural fit with our existing business and provides an immediate platform for growth."

TNC had 2006 sales of €31 million (approximately $42 million). Valspar expects the acquisition to be slightly accretive to earnings in 2008.

August 2007

Columbia Paint & Coatings to merge with Sherwin-Williams

2007-08-29 08:44:00

The Sherwin-Williams Company and Columbia Paint & Coatings Co. have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Following the consummation of the merger, Columbia Paint & Coatings Co. will become a subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams.

Columbia Paint & Coatings Co., headquartered in Spokane, WA, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings in the western and pacific northwestern portions of the U.S. Columbia services the professional painting contractor, builder and DIY markets through 41 company-owned stores. The transaction will be completed upon the receipt of all regulatory approvals.

"Columbia Paint & Coatings has built a respected and admired company with 60 years of history in the paint and coatings industry," said H. H. (Larry) Larison, CEO of Columbia Paint & Coatings Co. "Sherwin Williams is a very well managed and highly respected multi-national company and we at Columbia Paint are very excited about this merger and are confident that it will allow us to provide a stronger level of service and support to our customers, both now and in the future."

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Columbia Paint. Sherwin-Williams has great respect for the Columbia Paint organization and we are excited about bringing Columbia Paint into the Sherwin-Williams family," said Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company. "After the transaction is completed, Columbia's paints and coatings will continue to be provided through Columbia's existing stores. We are looking forward to working with the Columbia organization and we believe we will improve our service to professional painting contractors, builders and DIY customers."

Benjamin Moore acquires Finnaren & Haley Paint & Coatings

2007-08-29 08:41:00

With an eye to solidifying its position in the Philadelphia, PA region, Benjamin Moore has announced its intent to purchase select assets of Finnaren & Haley Paint & Coatings (F&H), a regional manufacturer based in Conshohocken, PA.

According to Denis Abrams, president and CEO of Benjamin Moore, the acquisition is a strategic move that yields the F&H architectural coatings brand name and seven retail locations, five of which are in the greater Philadelphia area, and two in southern New Jersey. Benjamin Moore also will be assisting a group from the Haley family as they continue their business as the Haley Paint Company which will own and operate a select number of paint and decorating stores representing the Benjamin Moore brand throughout the Philadelphia market.

"Finnaren & Haley has a sterling reputation and is one of those tiny gems of a company that shares the values of Benjamin Moore, so we are pleased to continue the brand where it was born. This type of acquisition also underscores Benjamin Moore's ongoing commitment to strengthening and differentiating the independent paint and decorating retail channel," said Abrams. "Ensuring the continuation of outstanding service to F&H's loyal customers is a top priority for Benjamin Moore. Consequently, the addition of these stores into the Benjamin Moore fold is a natural fit. They will operate as part of our Old City Paint & Decorating subsidiary, based in Philadelphia."

Terms of the deal were not released, but Abrams did explain that it does not include acquisition of the F&H factory. Founded in 1913 by two enterprising paint salesmen, Joseph A. Finnaren and Daniel J. Haley, F&H began manufacturing and selling its own brand from a South Philadelphia location and together they carefully grew their business from that corner store where they hand-mixed the paints. In the 70s, the Haley family attained full ownership and a third generation continues to manage the business.

OAO "TMK" acquires pipe coating producer OOO "Truboplast"

2007-08-29 08:39:00

OAO "TMK", one of the world’s largest oil and gas pipe producers, reached an agreement to acquire 100% of share capital in OOO "Truboplast." The consolidation of "Truboplast" into TMK’s structure is planned to be completed by the end of 2007. OOO "Truboplast" is one of Russia’s largest producers of protective coatings for steel pipes used in the oil and gas industry.

The company possesses the latest technology for applying exterior and interior protective coatings on steel pipes and pipe fittings for oil and gas pipelines. The company’s equipment allows for the coating of approximately 2,000 linear kilometers per year of pipes with diameters ranging from 57 to 720 mm, such as tubing, drill pipes, casing, line pipes and large diameter pipes.

Truboplast produces one-, two-, and three-layered exterior coatings, thermo-hydro insulated coatings, and interior protection for the inner part of the weld. Truboplast products are used by major Russian and international oil and gas companies. With the increasing complexity of oil and gas drilling conditions, the application of high-quality anticorrosive coatings becomes vital.

The acquisition of OOO "Truboplast" will give TMK the largest pipe coating capacity in Russia, further strengthening its position in the oil and gas pipe market and increase its share of high value-added premium products. With the development of the oil and gas sector in Russia, a key player in the global energy market, developing oil and gas services has become a priority for TMK in the medium-term perspective.

X-Rite to acquire Pantone

2007-08-24 07:25:00

X-Rite, Inc., a provider of color solutions for measuring, formulating, matching and simulating color, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Pantone, Inc. for $180 million. The deal is expected to close in the fall of 2007.

Pantone, Inc., headquartered in Carlstadt, NJ, is an authority on color inspiration for the design world with the Pantone Matching System, a system for identifying, matching and communicating colors to solve color reproduction problems in the graphic arts market. Pantone has expanded its color matching system to other industries where accurate color reproductions are critical, including digital technology, fashion, home, plastics, architecture and contract interiors, and paint.

Pantone generated revenue of approximately $42 million in 2006. Pantone sells its products, services and technology directly, and through hundreds of licensees in over 100 countries in the graphic arts, fashion, home, interior, plastics, architectural paint, industrial design and consumer markets.

"Larry Herbert and his team have built Pantone into a very successful business and we are delighted that it will now be part of the X-Rite family," said Tom Vacchiano, CEO of X-Rite. "This iconic brand is the perfect complement to X-Rite's business bringing Pantone's expertise and market position in color communication and standards to our color solutions product offerings."

Pantone will become a new business unit within X-Rite. Current Pantone leaders will continue to play key roles in the organization.

Alcro-Beckers to sell its stake in Scanspac

2007-08-21 09:04:00

Alcro-Beckers AB, part of the Finnish Tikkurila that is responsible for Kemira’s paints and coatings business, has signed an agreement to sell its 50% stake in the Swedish filler producer Scanspac to Gyproc AB, part of the Gypsum Activity of Saint-Gobain. Net sales of Scanspac's operations totaled approximately €26 million in 2006.

"This divestment is a perfect strategic fit for both us and Scanspac," said Niklas Frisk, managing director of Alcro-Beckers AB. "With Scanspac becoming part of a large corporation, which specializes in fillers and similar materials, we can now focus our efforts on paint manufacturing only and on concentrating operations in our new plant at Nykvarn."

Scanspac is currently owned 50/50 by Alcro-Beckers AB, a subsidiary of Tikkurila Oy, and maxit Group. Scanspac is the leading filler producer in the Nordic area with production units in Glanshammar and Sala in Sweden. Its customers are paint manufacturers, distributors and retailers who serve professional users and consumers. Scanspac's products are distributed under customers' brands and under its own brands of Dalapro, Gullspack and Breplasta.

Entegris acquires semiconductor coatings business from surmet

2007-08-21 08:53:00

Entegris has acquired of the semiconductor coatings business of Surmet Corporation, located in Burlington, MA. The acquisition strengthens Entegris' leadership in delivering solutions that purify, protect and transport critical materials in semiconductor applications, and gives Surmet customers access to a wider range of global resources.

Surmet is a pioneer in high-performance, high-purity coatings that protect wafer handling and equipment components, such as electrostatic clamps, in the semiconductor manufacturing process, as well as reduce contamination of wafers from the components themselves. These microparticle-free and corrosion-resistant high-performance coatings use an innovative low-temperature plasma process that can be applied on a wide range of substrates.

MetroPaint recycled latex certified earth-friendly

2007-08-21 08:50:00

MetroPaint, the Northwest's only 100% recycled latex paint, has received the first-ever recycled paint certification from Green Seal, an independent environmental standards certifying organization. Green Seal approval means that MetroPaint 100% Recycled latex has undergone extensive environmental and performance testing.

In addition, MetroPaint received certification from the Master Painters Institute (MPI), the leading paint performance certification organization in North America. MPI standards for recycled paint are the same as for new paint. However, MPI requires recycled paint to be sampled and tested numerous times to ensure the high standards are met.

To achieve the Green Seal certification, MetroPaint 100% Recycled latex had to meet stringent environmental standards, including that it contain at least 95% post-consumer content, be filtered to 300 microns or finer, that no harmful ingredients be added, that every batch be tested under strict quality control measures, and that the empty paint cans be recycled.

In order to earn the Master Painters Institute certification, MetroPaint had to meet the same stringent performance standards that new or "virgin" paint meets. Some of those standards include adhesion, hiding power, ease of application, water resistance, weathering and resistance to biological microorganisms like mold and mildew. MetroPaint met or exceeded all of MPI's standards for both interior and exterior paint.

Akzo and ICI have reached an agreement

2007-08-15 10:12:00

After two months of negotiations, the chemicals and paints group of UK-based ICI has agreed to be bought by Dutch rival Akzo Nobel for £8 billion ($16.1 billion).

The board of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) has agreed to the cash takeover, which requires approval from shareholders, after rejecting two previous approaches by Akzo earlier in the summer.

"We will create a leading global coatings and specialty chemicals company with a diversified geographic presence and well developed access to fast-growing markets in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and Latin America," said Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers during a press conference.

Wijers also indicated that "there may likely be job cuts" during the integration of the two groups.

In a joint statement, Akzo Nobel said the board of ICI had accepted a cash offer of 670 pence for each ICI share.

Additionally, Akzo said Henkel, a German maker of household chemicals and cosmetics, had agreed buy the adhesives and electronic materials businesses of National Starch and Chemical Co, which is owned by ICI, for £2.7 billion

"Akzo Nobel has today made a compelling offer which delivers full value for ICI reflecting ICI's strong future growth prospects and strategic opportunities," said ICI chief executive John McAdam.

"Accordingly, the ICI board will be recommending shareholders accept the 670 pence cash offer from Akzo Nobel as it believes it to be in their best interests."

The recommended offer is the culmination of two months of negotiations which saw ICI rebuff two informal offers from Akzo at 600 pence and 650 pence, before finally opening its books to the company following the 670 pence offer.

Middle Eastern and African paint industry report

2007-08-14 09:04:00

Information Research (IRL) has released "A Profile of the Middle Eastern and African Paint Industry." The study illustrates average growth for the paint markets of the Middle East at 14% per annum and steady growth for the African markets, averaging 7% per annum.
    The Middle Eastern paint markets continue to be dominated by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in terms of size, with Qatar emerging as the fastest-growing market in the region and being heavily supplied with paint produced in the UAE. As with most of the markets in the region, overwhelming growth in the construction industry is the key driver for paint consumption. Other aspects underpinning the Middle Eastern paint market growth include the implementation of infrastructure, tourism development, post-war reconstruction and economic diversification as major economies reduce their dependency upon oil revenues and create jobs to reduce unemployment problems.
    Recently, parallel trends have been visible in the Middle East with regard to investments and acquisitions in the chemical area. In the long-term, increasingly significant levels of investment in intermediate and speciality chemicals can be expected to support a burgeoning regional growth market more fully, particularly as production in the Middle East encroaches further into the supply of African markets, according to the report.
    In Northern Africa, a number of the markets are sizeable with demand in the range of 100,000-200,000 tpa.
    Algeria will witness the construction of almost one million new homes in the near future, but its paint production is dominated by the state-owned ENAP, and aside from this the industry is relatively small; approximately 20 paint manufacturers are registered in Algeria.
    Egypt, on the other hand, is a significant and attractive paint market which is full of potential and served by a highly fragmented industry.
    The paint market in Tunisia has been heavily saturated in the recent past; as a result, some of the local producers have turned their attentions to supplying the Libyan paint market instead. Quality considerations are expected to improve in the Tunisian paint and coatings sector in the future.
    Many of these industries continue to be supplied with imported raw materials and some would benefit from investment in local (or at least closer) production of coating resins, and packaging too, the report said.

Increased construction activity shapes rapidly expanding building paints markets in South Africa

2007-08-14 08:59:00

The South African building paints market is expanding due to many local and international influences. South Africa is a suitable base for expansion into Southern Africa and further growth is anticipated as construction activity increases and expendable household incomes rise. As the market experiences high growth, competition is set to intensify even as heightened customer awareness about product safety triggers changes in production processes.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan South African Building Paints Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of $630 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach $947 million in 2013.

"The 2010 football World Cup coupled with rising economic growth and a general increase in building maintenance has led to surging demand for building paints," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Cornelis Van der Waal. "In addition, fierce local competition is keeping prices stable, making paint more affordable for end users. As a result, paint manufacturers now have an exceptional opportunity to boost market share and revenues."

Growth of six to ten percent between 2007 and 2010 is expected in a market that has traditionally grown at the rate of the overall economy. This enhanced demand will however taper off over the long-term and market entrants will have to move swiftly to capitalize on existing opportunities.

At present, many paint companies are unable to expand at the rate of current demand primarily due to legislative changes, growing customer awareness about health hazards as well as a reduction in skills in the local market. In addition, competition is intensifying with the entry of small participants.

"South African customers, though not as aware as their European counterparts, are increasingly conscious that lead in paint is dangerous," said van der Waal. "In addition, there has been increased demand for low VOC paints, particularly in the expanding DIY category."

This trend is expected to strengthen and manufacturers with older technology will have to invest in newer production methods in order to maintain and expand market share.

Increased price competitiveness, improved production processes as well as compliance with local and national health and safety standards are all issues that manufacturers have to consider when launching operations in South Africa. Existing manufacturers will have to creatively solve issues centered on health and safety as well as ensure BEE compliance in a market where the government is a major end user.

DuPont products enhance paint in Thailand

2007-08-13 08:52:00

DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise (DCSE), DuPont Titanium Technologies (DTT) and partner Beger Co., Ltd. recently launched Beger Shield Gloss Enamel Paint in Thailand. The new product is formulated with DuPont Teflon and DuPont Zonyl.

Beger is DuPont's business partner for the research and development of high quality decorative paints. It is the first company licensed to use the Teflon brand for decorative paint. Beger Shield Gloss Enamel Paint is durable, glossy, easy-to-clean and suitable for both metal and concrete surfaces and is targeted to capture the super premium market segment.

"DuPont innovation and technology is a vital part of the quality and development of these products, that have been receiving a tremendous response from consumers," said Vorawat Chaiyosburana, marketing manager, Beger Co.,Ltd. "The partnership with DuPont has allowed us to differentiate ourselves in a highly competitive market."

"Thailand is an emerging market for the decorative paint and coatings segment," said Ruchiyran Tanakorn, sales manager, DCSE, DuPont Thailand. "We work with Beger because of their management's vision."

Kemira Coatings to Build Logistics and Customer Service Center in Moscow

2007-08-08 13:42:00

Kemira Coatings (Tikkurila) has announced plans to build a logistics and customer service center in Moscow. The investment will total approximately €20 million. Kemira Coatings has been exporting paint and coatings to Russia for decades under the Tikkurila brand name. The company also has local production in the country in six paint factories, sold under the Finncolor and Teks brands. The customer service and logistics center will include facilities for customer training.

Berger Paints Invests in Pune Plant

2007-08-08 13:40:00

Berger Paints India Ltd. will invest 500 million rupees to set up an automotive paint plant in Pune. The total production capacity of the plant will be 800 kilo liters per month and will be operational in a year. The company's current automotive paint production capacity is 600 kilo liters per month. The company also announced it was looking at acquisition opportunities in India and abroad.

Further Proposal from Akzo Nobel Rejected by ICI

2007-08-08 13:37:00

UPDATE: Akzo Nobel has confirmed that it has made a further indicative proposal to the Board ICI under which Akzo Nobel would acquire ICI for 670p per share in cash. In addition, ICI shareholders would receive a second interim dividend of up to 5p per share
paid pro rata by reference to where the completion date of the proposed offer falls between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007.

According to published reports, the board of ICI has agreed that Akzo can undertake certain limited due diligence, which is expected to be completed within a few days.

Akzo Nobel was able to make an increased offer proposal after it had entered into an exclusive arrangement with Henkel KGaA for the sale, following completion of its proposed offer, of ICI’s adhesives and electronic materials businesses.

Akzo Nobel and Henkel have negotiated a back to back agreement relating to this proposed sale which, subject to the approval of Henkel’s Shareholders’ Committee, they would intend to execute immediately prior to the formal announcement of an offer by Akzo Nobel.

According to a statement released by Akzo Nobel, the company continues to believe that ICI would represent a highly attractive addition to its coatings business. Akzo Nobel’s increased proposal would provide ICI shareholders with a 40% premium to ICI’s share price of 464.25 pence on March 9th, 2007, the last business day prior to Akzo Nobel’s announcement in relation to the disposal of Organon BioSciences. Akzo Nobel continues to evaluate its options at this time.

July 2007

Jotun launches first Inspiration Centre in Bahrain

2007-07-31 07:06:00

Jotun Paints has launched its first ‘Inspiration Centre' in Bahrain, which provides a showcase of exterior and interior paint concepts for the Arabian home. The manufacturer's latest innovation is aimed at reaching end-users in Bahrain where the booming economy and construction industry have fueled high demand for paint products and pushed the value of the paint market to $20 million.

Stepping into the 750 sq. ft. Inspiration Centre in East Riffa, visitors can view models of living rooms and bedrooms, which have been painted and decorated with Jotun's wide array of decorative paint products. A professional sales team will provide product information and help them choose the paint colors, textures and patterns that will complement the look and feel of their homes. Jotun's specialist painters will also share the latest exterior and interior paint trends and effects as well as take supply and apply contracts from customers.

Ecology Coatings completes reverse merger with OCIS Corporation

2007-07-31 07:03:00

Ecology Coatings, Inc. has completed its reverse merger with OCIS Corporation on July 26, 2007. As previously announced, on April 30, 2007 OCIS Corp. and Ecology Coatings entered into a merger agreement, which called for OCIS to acquire Ecology Coatings in a statutory merger with Ecology Coatings becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of OCIS. On July 26, 2007, Ecology Coatings merged with OCIS and became the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of OCIS, which then changed its name to Ecology Coatings, Inc.

Liquidmetal Technologies forms new subsidiary

2007-07-31 07:00:00

Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc. has completed an $11.1 million financing transaction in which it transferred the assets of its Liquidmetal Coatings division to a newly formed, newly capitalized subsidiary named Liquidmetal Coatings, LLC in a sale transaction. Going forward, Liquidmetal Coatings, LLC, referred to as "LMC," will own and operate the Liquidmetal Coatings business as a separate entity in which Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc. will retain a 69.25% equity interest.

nCoat subsidiary HPC integrates performance coatings into import market

2007-07-31 06:56:00

nCoat, Inc. has announced through its operating subsidiary, High Performance Coatings (HPC), an industry partnership applying heat and corrosion management coatings for import performance specialist fabricator, Full-Race Motorsports of Phoenix, AZ. HPC coats Full-Race premium performance parts with its HiPerCoat coatings which reduce radiant heat from header, exhaust and manifold systems up to 60% and it does not discolor like chrome and stainless steel. Because it reduces underhood temperatures up to 35%, rapid cool down occurs on exhaust and turbo parts to allow immediate work around the engine.

Full-Race components are coated with HPC's HiPerCoat for protection against corrosion, burn-through, and cracking of headers, manifolds and other exhaust components.

HiPerCoat can be applied inside and out to both new and used components. It is recommended for applications with component temperatures up to 1300° F, and is available in high luster polished aluminum, and a variety of semi-gloss colors. HiPerCoat produces a highly burnished finish that maintains its bright appearance and does not tarnish with use while helping manage the extreme heat produced in turbocharger, manifold and exhaust environments.

American Coatings Show launched

2007-07-25 07:28:00

The U.S. National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) and Vincentz Network, publisher of international coatings journals and organizer of the European Coatings Show, have agreed to launch the American Coatings Show and, in conjunction with it, the American Coatings Conference. The American Coatings Show will have a bi-annual schedule, beginning in 2008, at a dedicated, fixed venue. Additional information on the event is available on the internet at www.american-coatings-show.com.

PPG submits offer to acquire SigmaKalon

2007-07-23 06:53:00

PPG Industries announced an offer to purchase SigmaKalon Group, a worldwide coatings producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, from global private investment firm Bain Capital. The total transaction value, including assumed debt, is €2.2 billion. Bain Capital has granted a period of exclusivity to PPG Industries and intends to respond to the offer after discussions with appropriate employee representative bodies. Should Bain Capital accept the offer, the acquisition would be subject to customary conditions, including receipt of regulatory approval.

"The SigmaKalon business has performed well financially and would be a strong complement to our existing coatings businesses," said Charles E. Bunch, chairman and chief executive officer of PPG. "It would give us an excellent footprint in the European architectural coatings segment, where today we have very nominal participation. This acquisition would give us a more balanced coatings business in Europe, approximately doubling our European sales, and expand our global coatings portfolio by more than 40%."

Bunch added that the acquisition would also strengthen PPG's participation in higher growth markets, such as Southern and Central Europe, Africa and Asia, and fits well with PPG's growing presence in protective and marine coatings, spurred by several other recent acquisitions.

National Paint Industries Purchases Harco Chemical Coatings

2007-07-21 09:43:00

National Paint Industries, North Brunswick, NJ has purchased the assets of Harco Chemical Coatings of Brooklyn, NY. Harco, established in 1953 is a manufacturer of clear finishes for the hardwood flooring industry and paint coatings for commercial and industrial applications.

National Paint Industries manufactures a broad line of specialty coatings for the marine, swimming pool, industrial maintenance and wood flooring markets with nationwide distribution under the Garco, Bluewater, National and Wilson Imperial brand names. “We are excited to have a company of Harco’s reputation for premium products and service join our growing family of coatings,” said Mike Schnurr, president, National Paint Industries. “This addition will not only contribute new distribution markets but will enhance our product offering to our existing customer base as well.”

Houghton Partners with Egyptian Coatings to Market ThermadepSM Coating Process to the Metalworking Industry

2007-07-21 09:42:00

Houghton International Inc. has contracted with Franklin, TN-based Egyptian Coatings Co. to sell and market ThermadepSM, a patented, one-step, water-based coating process for metal parts requiring short-term rust protection or other aesthetic properties. Through the partnership, Houghton will market the patented Thermadep process to its global metalworking customer base.

Thermadep protective coatings—available clear and in a variety of colors—are applied by dipping heated parts into a bath of low-VOC, water-based polymer solution. Because Thermadep coatings contain low or no volatile organic compounds, the process can replace oiling, painting and plating processes, making the workplace safer and environmentally friendly.

PPG to acquire Barloworld Coatings Australia

2007-07-20 08:19:00

PPG Industries Australia Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of PPG Industries has reached an agreement to acquire Barloworld Coatings Australia, the architectural paint unit of South African-based Barloworld, Ltd., a multinational industrial brand management company. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. Terms were not disclosed.

Barloworld Coatings Australia, a leading Australian architectural and decorative paint manufacturer, produces Taubmans, Bristol and White Knight brands of architectural coatings. The company operates two production facilities in Villawood, New South Wales, and Glen Waverley, Victoria. Barloworld Coatings Australia distributes products through 85 company-owned stores, a network of sole-brand distributors and numerous independent dealers. In addition, the company's paints are sold through Bunnings, Australia's largest home-improvement retailer, and exported to New Zealand. The business employs approximately 750 people.

Barloworld's plant in Glen Waverley will not be acquired by PPG, but will continue to manufacture Barloworld brand products for PPG until production and distribution activities are transferred to other locations.

PPG Industries Australia Pty. Ltd. is a market leader in automotive, industrial, protective and marine coatings. The subsidiary has manufacturing plants in Clayton, Victoria, and Adelaide, South Australia, and employs more than 800 people in Australia. The purchase of Barloworld Coatings Australia will make PPG the largest coatings manufacturer in Australia.

"We are continuing to accelerate our profitable growth in coatings by making strategic acquisitions," said J. Rich Alexander, senior vice president, coatings. "The Barloworld coatings brands are well-respected in Australia. By acquiring Barloworld's Australian coatings business, we'll be well-positioned to be the leading coatings manufacturer operating in all market segments and channels in Australia."

Greg DeCamp, managing director, Australia and New Zealand, said, "The acquisition of Barloworld Coatings Australia will complement our existing businesses and enable PPG to enter the wider architectural coatings market. We'll be able to bring our global technology, long-term commitment and stability to the Australian coatings market."

ICI to buy Dulux from AECI of South Africa

2007-07-19 08:19:00

ICI has reached an agreement to buy the Dulux business from South African corporation AECI for £52 million in cash.

In addition to buying the Dulux assets in South Africa, ICI is acquiring AECI's shares in the Dulux subsidiaries in Botswana, Zambia, Swaziland, Malawi and Namibia. Completion is expected in the second half of 2007, subject to approval by the regulatory authorities.

Dulux is one of the leading decorative paints brands in the growing South African market, where an expanding economy and a rapidly growing construction market have contributed to Dulux Pty.'s continuing sales growth. In the year ended 2006, Dulux Pty. sales grew 19% to £55.3 million, trading profits were £5.0 million (R70 million), net assets were £17.8 million (R249 million) and the business employed 650 people, including 400 in South Africa.

Accelerating profitable growth is one of ICI's strategic objectives, announced in February 2007. As part of this, a key performance indicator for the Group is to grow its revenues in developing markets, which already account for around a third of ICI's sales, at an average of three times the rate of growth of global GDP.

International Protective Coatings strengthens its high performance portfolio

2007-07-18 09:43:00

International Protective Coatings, part of the Akzo Nobel coatings group, has strengthened its leading position in the global protective coatings market after completing the acquisition of the worldwide Ceilcote business from the German-based KCH Group for approximately €12 million.

Incorporated into International Protective Coatings, Ceilcote is a major international brand used to coat concrete and steel structures in a wide range of industries including petrochemical and power. Ceilcote specializes in high performance, polymer-based corrosion control solutions for both new construction and maintenance projects.

DuPont team achieves safety milestone in China

2007-07-16 14:26:00

The China Refinish Manufacturing Facility (CRMF) project team recently achieved one million hours of safe construction on the new DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) facility in Shanghai, China.

The project has no recordable injuries to date, remains on schedule, and is under budget versus the authorized investment amount. About 550 construction workers and nine construction contractors attended a celebration to mark the accomplishments.

The team continues to find ways to achieve safety excellence while meeting and exceeding project cost, quality and schedule requirements, according to DPC. The project construction is more than 60% complete and remains on schedule toward a late 2007 or early 2008 commissioning.

The new site will provide the DPC Automotive Coatings business a manufacturing presence in the Asia Pacific region.

Jotun to build South Korean factory

2007-07-16 14:15:00

Jotun has announced plans for a new factory in South Korea, the largest single foreign investment ever, and is doubling production. The new factory near Pusan is not the company's largest, but represents its largest investment in a factory at $37 million.

Construction is scheduled to start during the summer and will be completed in January 2009. The current factory primarily produces marine and protective coatings, mostly for newbuildings. The new factory means that capacity can be more than doubled from 18 million liters to 40 million liters when the factory opens and operates two shifts.

SigmaKalon acquires Schoch Holding AG

2007-07-06 09:35:00

The SigmaKalon Group has acquired Schoch Holding AG and its subsidiaries based in Burgdorf, Switzerland. The company is family owned for six generations, employs 67 people and specializes in coatings for metal finishing, bicycles, powder and plastics industries; The company generated a turnover of approximately €15 million in 2006.

With two state-of-the-art production facilities in Burgdorf, Schoch will further strengthen the industrial coatings business unit of the SigmaKalon Group in its strategic plans to broaden the scope of the business unit and enter new markets.

Karl-Heinz Fischer remains the managing director of the Schoch business, while Bernhard Schoch, member of the founding family will take up an advisory role on a consultancy basis.

Akzo Nobel opens coatings plant in Russia

2007-07-06 08:22:00

Akzo Nobel's powder coatings business has opened its first production plant in Russia on a site which offers capacity for future expansion.

The facility is situated in the industrial belt surrounding Moscow at Orekhovo-Zuevo. The €13 million investment places the company at the heart of the Central and Eastern European market for industrial coatings, of which Russia has a 46% share.

"This plant is part of an ongoing expansion of our activities in key geographic regions," said Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers. "We realized some time ago that local production was necessary in order to supply the service expected by our customers, and to keep up with rapidly growing demand. The beauty of this site is that two-thirds remains free for future development, which opens up further strategic opportunities for all our businesses."

Akzo Nobel's powder coatings business has been very active in Central and Eastern Europe during the last few years, an area which has a GDP equal to that of China, according to the company. As well as recently expanding its site at Opava in the Czech Republic—the first phase of a €5 million refurbishment—the business has also inaugurated a dedicated state-of-the-art distribution warehouse in Poland, while another warehouse has been established in Hungary.

Opening a production facility in Russia, however, is perhaps the most significant development, given that in 2006, 80% of the powder coatings used in the country was imported.

"Many of our multinational customers have been investing in Russia and this plant will be able to produce to the high standards demanded by the automotive, domestic appliance and construction sectors," added powder coatings general manager, Rob Molenaar. "This investment continues our strategic goal of locating production close to our customers and will further consolidate our status as the largest global manufacturer of powder coatings."

Two production lines have been installed and are operating at the new facility, with another two scheduled to be up and running by mid-2008.

Rohm and Haas completes sale of European automotive coatings business to Mader

2007-07-03 08:41:00

Rohm and Haas Company has finalized the sale of its European automotive coatings business, including its manufacturing site in Strullendorf, Germany, to the Mäder Group, an independent manufacturer of hi-tech industrial paints and coatings based in Lille, France, with operations throughout Europe.

This transaction completes Rohm and Haas Company's divestiture of its automotive coatings business, which started with the sale of its automotive coatings operations in North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico) and the Asia Pacific region to Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., in October 2006.

The coatings business acquired from Rohm and Haas Germany will be integrated into a new company named Mäder Plastilack GmbH with the intention of building a strong synergy between Mäder's French division, Soritec, located in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire in western France, that is currently dedicated to plastic coatings. The new Mäder Plastilack GmbH will be located in Strullendorf and will also focus on plastic coatings manufacture and contribute to making the company the European leader in interior automotive coatings.

DuPont opens second office in Russia

2007-07-03 08:39:00

As a part of its continued growth strategy in emerging markets, DuPont has opened its second office in Russia. The Saint Petersburg office will focus specifically on the growing automotive industry in Russia. The opening follows significant expansions of the company's offices in Moscow and Kiev in the Ukraine, and the launch of an office in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

"DuPont has had a presence in Russia for more than 30 years," said Ian Hudson, president, DuPont Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The company's innovative solutions, materials and technologies are widely applied in Russia's leading industries, including oil and gas, automotive, medical, agriculture and construction. Eastern Europe is a critical growth area for us as we expand our market reach."

"DuPont plans to focus on growth in the region's most in-demand business segments. Offering state-of-the-art, high-efficiency solutions for the construction and automotive industries will allow DuPont to contribute substantially to the overall development of Russia's northwest, as well as for the country's industry in general," said John Shmorhun, DuPont regional director for Eastern Europe.

Automotive manufacturers use DuPont materials and coatings extensively for a variety of vehicle interiors, exteriors and engine parts. The company's offerings for the automotive industry include more than 100 products, with 30-40% being applicable to cars manufactured in Russia. In the near future, DuPont expects this ratio to increase to a provisional 70%, as Russian automotive manufacturers improve their vehicle quality.

The growth trend is equally true for the construction market. Since 2001, Russia's central and northwestern territories have been reporting annual expansions of construction work volume, as well as growing numbers of completed new developments.

Sherwin-Williams, BioQuest Technologies to create antimicrobial paint

2007-07-02 09:08:00

BioQuest Technologies, Inc., a developer of antimicrobial products, has been contracted by the Lynd Company, one of the top 50 largest apartment management companies in the U.S., to work with the Sherwin-Williams Company on a private label paint. The new private label antimicrobial paint will be a blend of BioQuest's ProShield 5000 and Sherwin-Williams paint. The Lynd Company will use the new private label paint in its apartment communities which are located throughout the U.S.

June 2007

Akzo Nobel opens UK facility

2007-06-29 07:11:00

Akzo Nobel's International Paint business has opened its new €7.3 million R&D technology and administration center at Felling, Gateshead, in the UK.

The facility is part of International's ongoing development plans and follows a previous R&D investment at the site completed in 2004.

It will serve International Paint's worldwide marine, protective and yacht coatings businesses and is now in one central location, replacing previous laboratory facilities which had evolved around buildings dating from the 1920s.

"The opening of the new center at Felling is a major boost to our R&D capabilities," said Felling-based worldwide R&D manager Charles Holleyman.

"We believe that these facilities, together with our technical know-how in formulating and end-use evaluation, will give us a very significant competitive edge in the future development of new products for the marine, protective coatings and yacht markets," Holleyman continued.

The two-story building houses central technical and analytical departments, IT systems and administration, training and conference facilities, together with syndicate and meeting rooms.

R-M and Hyundai seal global cooperation for automotive refinish products

2007-06-29 07:07:00

R-M, BASF's automotive refinish brand, and Hyundai Motor Company have agreed on a close global partnership for the automotive refinish product business. The goal of the cooperation is to develop coordinated refinish products as well as training concepts and additional support for the carmaker's customer service. The implementation of the program, which is targeted on a global level, is already underway.

Both partners are expecting the agreement to lead to sustainable growth of the after-sales market. As a specialist for automotive refinish products and its team of trainers working on site all over the world, R-M is in an ideal position to develop customized training seminars. The employees' experience and requirements are taken into account when drawing up training courses. For instance, the trainers have already developed concepts for special programs that also exclusively combine the images of the two companies, as in the Hyundai - R-M automotive refinish product modules.

With the integration into Hyundai's Technical Recognition Program, R-M also intends to ensure that it quickly becomes part of the global sales network. Through individual support, which can even include planning a network of bodyshops, the partnership aims to maintain the efficiency and service quality in the Hyundai body shops at the same high level all over the globe.

Teknos has sold its architectural coating business in Denmark

2007-06-27 09:12:00

Teknos has sold its architectural coating business in Denmark to Nordisk Aktiv Virke A/S. The agreement will be effective from July 1st 2007.

The divestment covers Teknos' Danish architectural coatings business segment including Teknos Proline shops in Denmark. Employees related to AC business in Denmark continue as old employees at the new owner company. The production of Danish architectural coatings products will also be transferred gradually to the new owner.

The history of Teknos Group's architectural coatings business in Denmark dates back to 2001 when Teknos bought Hygaea A/S paint company. Via the acquisition Teknos got new know-how on the industrial wood and on the UV technology as well as architectural coatings products and architectural coatings shop chain. For Teknos the architectural coatings business in Denmark was new and the architectural coatings markets in Denmark turned out to be different than those in Finland and Sweden. Teknos was not able to find any synergy within the group and neither any common group concept within the architectural coatings products, according to the company.

Teknos had therefore reached the conclusion that it is not wise to continue in so narrow segment and with little market share. In the future Teknos will put the efforts on the markets where it already is strong and where it has potential for growth. Now Teknos continues in Denmark as market leader at the industrial paint markets.

The divestment do not effect Teknos Group's architectural coatings business in other countries. In Finland, Sweden and other countries Teknos continues the business without changes. In these countries Teknos has a strong market position and is also seeking new markets and growth potential in Eastern Europe.

DuPont signs agreement with Hyundai Motors in Korea

2007-06-27 09:05:00

DuPont has signed a global cooperation agreement with Hyundai Motors, the Korean car manufacturer, and will supply approved Hyundai bodyshops with DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) refinish products, training and service.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Motors benefits from the extensive DuPont refinish brands, in-depth practical training for Hyundai's authorized dealers and trading partners, as well as personal on-site consultations from DuPont experts.

"Hyundai Motors sets high standards for professional refinishing to ensure that the quality of the repair is lastingly upheld," said Tae-hwa Hong, business manager, DuPont Performance Coatings, Korea. "This demonstrates our position as a strong partner to meet their high global standards."

"We are delighted with this agreement and appreciate the high levels of support," said YS Jung, general manager, Overseas Service Team, Hyundai Motors, Korea. "We are looking forward to further developing joint programs with DuPont in the future."

PPG Aerospace application support center in Japan expands for growing market

2007-06-27 08:58:00

PPG Aerospace - PRC-DeSoto is meeting the needs of the growing Asian aerospace market with expanded capabilities to package sealants at its application support center in Handa City, Japan, south of Nagoya City.

The facility has received registration to SAE AS7202 and Boeing D1-9000 quality standards. Registration to AS7202 ensures sealant repacking meets the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program requirements of value-added distributors.

"We have served the Japanese aerospace market for nearly two decades with a facility in Tokyo for distribution of sealants and coatings," said John Sands, global business platform manager, aerospace sealants. "With the explosive growth in the last few years of Japan as a center for subcontractors to supply subassemblies for the world's major airframe manufacturers, we established an application support center that has premixed and frozen sealant packaging capabilities."

The application support center has added equipment to produce PRC seal caps, unique small caps molded from liquid PRC sealant that cures to a flexible shell, then is filled with more sealant and frozen to retard curing until the customer applies the seal cap over a fastener.

The Handa City application support center also is a Boeing-approved process source listed in Document D1-4426, which ensures PPG's processes conform to Boeing's quality standards.

"The application support center is able to repackage our core Boeing specification products and deliver to customers in packaging designed for easy application without waste," he said.

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace - PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants and packaging and application systems.

nCoat to acquire Metallic Ceramic Coatings

2007-06-27 08:46:00

nCoat, Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Metallic Ceramic Coatings, Inc. (MCCI), which operates in the marketplace under the brand of Jet-Hot Coatings.

"The acquisition of MCCI/ Jet-Hot, combined with High Performance Coatings, Inc. (HPC), our first acquisition in 2005, doubles our size and creates a highly competitive force in automotive, trucking and aerospace coatings," said Paul Clayson, CEO of nCoat. "We can now add nano-coatings to the product mix of MCCI/Jet-Hot and cross sell the best products of both companies. With the 25 years of market experience of HPC and the 27 years of market experience of Jet-Hot, nCoat now has a depth of engineering and technical expertise not previously known in this market."

nCoat signed a stock purchase agreement to buy all capital stock in MCCI for $5 million cash and $1 million in nCoat common stock, or roughly one times projected 2007 revenue. Under the agreement, the acquisition is scheduled to close on June 29, 2007.

MCCI/Jet-Hot, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, develops, produces and applies a variety of high performance coatings products that include insulation, corrosion resistance, and abrasion and impact resistance, as well as lubricity properties. All coatings are applied at one of three regional production facilities located in Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Arizona.

Jet-Hot Coatings first launched operations in the military aerospace industry on jet-fighter engines and submarine parts subjected to high temperatures, cyclical stress loads and corrosive environments. Early applications included protecting parts on aircraft-carrier launch systems for the U.S. Navy and armored vehicles for the U.S. Army. Within five years, products were released to the automotive aftermarket. Jet-Hot's intellectual property base includes a popular Sterling formula, which includes silver powder.

MCCI sells Jet-Hot products in multiple industries including performance motorsports, automotive and over-the-road trucking, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. Approximately 60% of MCCI/Jet-Hot's $5.5 million annual revenue is generated in aftermarket high performance coatings applications.

"MCCI has done a superior job in branding their motorsports coatings under the Jet-Hot label," said Clayson. "The founder of MCCI/ Jet-Hot, Mike Novakovic, has had a vision to drive aftermarket sales that have given Jet-Hot a strong market presence."

DuPont Performance Coatings opens new training facility in Canada

2007-06-19 07:46:00

DuPont Performance Coatings has officially opened its new, state-of-the-art training facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada.

The facility serves customers located in eastern Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and northeastern U.S., and supports a range of industrial segments including collision repair, aviation, industrial coatings, commercial fleet and OEM heavy-duty truck and bus.

"DuPont is proud to make this world-class training facility available to our customers and distribution partners in Eastern Canada and across North America," said Ray Anderson, director of DuPont Refinish, Americas. "It's a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the industries we service and to maintaining our leading market position in Canada."

Construction of the training center was completed in December 2006. The center features a 12,000-square-foot production area with dedicated paint facilities for DuPont Refinish, Standox and Spies Hecker brands, an oversized booth that can accommodate up to 12 students, and the latest equipment for waterborne and solvent-based technologies.

Akzo Nobel's ICI takeover bid rejected

2007-06-18 10:41:00

Akzo Nobel has confirmed that it has approached the board of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (ICI) with a view to entering into discussions about a possible cash offer for ICI. However, the approach has been rejected.

Akzo Nobel believes that ICI would represent a highly attractive addition to its focused coatings and chemicals business following the announced sale of Organon BioSciences N.V. earlier this year. Akzo Nobel will continue to evaluate all strategic opportunities, including ICI.

There can be no certainty that any further proposal will be made to the board of ICI or that any offer or transaction will result, according to the company.

Japan's first Eco Mark for automotive refinish paint goes to BASF Coatings

2007-06-18 10:27:00

Eco-friendly products from the R-M automotive refinish coatings system by BASF Coatings were certified as "Eco Mark Paints" and recognized as suitable for environmental preservation by the Eco Mark Office of the Japan Environment Association. The R-M brand is the first automotive refinish paint in Japan to receive the Eco Mark certification.

The emission of VOC is used as the measure for Eco Mark certification of automotive refinish paints, and the European VOC emissions regulation standard was adopted as the reference value for certification (enacted by the Japan Environment Association in April 2007). Certification was granted to the R-M brand because its eco-friendly automotive refinish paints has already cleared the VOC emissions regulation standard in Europe.

“We are very proud of our eco-friendly products certified as Japan's first eco-mark refinish paints, “ stated Kazuyuki Nakatsubo, business manager, automotive refinish and commercial transport coatings solutions, BASF Coatings Japan. "Boosted by this Eco Mark certification, we intend to position eco-friendly products as the main line of our portfolio. The advantages for all parties are obvious. Consumers can now easily decide on environmentally-friendly products. We will further support the widespread use of eco-friendly coatings in Japanese refinish market."

The certified automotive refinish coating products by BASF Coatings Japan include Onyx HD the waterborne paint, HydroFiller, HydroxyPrimer and the Stop Multi putty.

Akzo Nobel sets $2 billion revenue target in China

2007-06-18 10:22:00

Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers has announced new strategic targets for China, which outline the company's ambition to achieve revenues totaling $2 billion by 2012.

Rapid expansion in recent years has seen the company significantly increase both its presence and its sales in China, and the chairman-who expects 20% of revenues to originate from the Asia Pacific region by 2012-is confident that this accelerated growth momentum will gain further impetus as the investment continues.

"China is clearly fundamental to our global strategic vision and we are fully committed to expanding our activities in what is one of the world's most important emerging markets," said Wijers. "We have revised our sales target for China a number of times in recent years and this reflects not only the extent of our ambition, but also the confidence we have in the sustainable success of our businesses.

"By hitting our targets we will have quadrupled our revenues in China in well under ten years. We also expect the Asia Pacific region to have almost doubled its contribution towards the company's global revenues in the next five years.

"We have a balanced approach to investing and although we will always keep our financial discipline, we are looking to accelerate growth both organically and through selective acquisitions in order to increase profitability and create value," Wijers continued. "It's all about being fit for the future and firmly establishing ourselves as one of the world's leading and most respected industrial companies."

The last few years have seen significant Akzo Nobel activity in China, where the company's 2006 revenues totaled $800 million. As well as recently announcing a €250 million investment for a new chemicals multi-site in Ningbo, Akzo Nobel has also opened new coatings facilities in Suzhou, Langfang, Tianjin and Jiashing, bringing the total number of plants to 22 and the number of employees to almost 5,000.

DuPont refinish training center opens in India

2007-06-18 10:18:00

DuPont Performance Coatings recently opened its second refinish training center (RTC) in Bangalore, India. Equipped with state-of-the-art training materials, the center will focus on three major DuPont brands—DuPont Centari, DuPont LE and Standox—for the refinish segment.

The center will cater to customers and bodyshop outlets of leading car makers based in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa. The goal is to improve color matching skills and day-to-day troubleshooting, including proper surface preparation and spray techniques.

Customers also will receive coaching on the "quick repair" paint offerings that allow minor collision repairs to be completed in the same day with DuPont's Hypercure technology.

Sika opens new production facility in Turkey

2007-06-13 09:02:00

Sika has opened a new production plant in Turkey. The 19,000 square- meter facility, located in a modern industrial park in Tuzla on the Asian side of Istanbul, employs 40 people in manufacturing admixtures, mortars, coatings as well as resins for flooring. Its modern equipment not only makes the new plant a state of the art facility but also contributes to a substantial increase in Turkish production capacities.

Turkey is a significant market for Sika and an important production base for supplying customers also in Central Asia and the Gulf region. The new plant represents another step in Sika's expansion in growth markets in the IMEA—India, Middle East, East Africa—region.

Akzo Nobel opens new deco site in China

2007-06-13 08:59:00

Akzo Nobel has opened a new decorative coatings site in Langfang, northern China, to boost its presence in the country's coatings market.

The addition of the new facility-situated just south of Beijing-means that Akzo Nobel now operates three deco production sites in China, the other two being located in Suzhou in the east and Guangzhou in the south.

Board member Leif Darner conducted the opening ceremony, which was also attended by decorative coatings business unit manager Rinus Rooseboom and Wilfried Brouwer, who is general manager of the company's decorative coatings activities in the Asia Pacific region.

"Establishing strong leadership positions in global markets is essential to our growth strategy and it's highly significant that we are gathered here in China, which has a vital role to play in the future of our company," said Darner. "It's always exciting to inaugurate a new facility because it's a clear indication that our company is thriving and that we are running a successful business."

The site, which has been in pilot operation since February and provides new jobs for more than 70 people, will help to meet increased demand and allow Akzo Nobel's decorative coatings business unit to further improve service to its customers in the north of the country, where there are a number of major population centers.

DuPont opens training facility in Canada

2007-06-11 14:48:00

DuPont Performance Coatings has opened a new training facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada, which will serve customers located in eastern Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic Provinces and northeastern U.S., and supports a range of industrial segments including collision repair, aviation, industrial coatings, commercial fleet, and OEM heavy-duty truck and bus.

The training center features a 12,000-square-foot production area with paint facilities for DuPont Refinish, Standox and Spies Hecker brands, an oversized booth that can accommodate up to 12 students, and the latest equipment for waterborne and solvent-based technologies.

The center also houses a 6,000-square-foot office area, cafeteria and two large classrooms equipped with technology to facilitate long distance training via satellite.

The center also hosts French and English technical training courses, SMART management seminars and distributor training courses.

Akzo Nobel, Lloyd's Register form partnership

2007-06-11 09:11:00

Akzo Nobel's International Paint business has teamed up with Lloyd's Register to offer shipyards in China step-by-step advice on how to prepare to meet the requirements of the new Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC).

With the shipping industry looking to increase vessel safety and lifecycles by preventing corrosion, this new partnership has been offering interested Chinese shipyards a free consultancy, or "gap analysis" survey.

This survey compares their current processes for coating a ship's water ballast tanks with those that will be required under the new PSPC regulations adopted late last year by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

To date, Lloyd's Register (the world's first classification society) and International Paint have completed gap analyses for four of China's biggest private and state-owned shipyards and have agreements in place to extend this service to many other leading yards in the country.

"The gap analysis we are jointly offering not only gives yards a clear strategy for meeting the challenges of this key regulatory development, it also gives them an idea of which areas need the greatest attention," explained Nick Brown, Lloyd's Register's general manager for business development China. "From there, the yards can start to calculate the extra costs involved before negotiating contracts with prospective buyers.

"Chinese yards in general have been reluctant to sign PSPC contracts before fully understanding these extra costs and so have proven keen to fully understand the impact of new regulations as they look to maintain their international competitiveness," Brown added.

Many yards in Korea, for example, have already begun accepting PSPC-compliant contracts for new vessels. And while ships have yet to be built to the new PSPC regulations, some yard executives believe the process may add 10% to construction costs.

"This is a logical collaboration designed to help yards in China gain the most complete understanding of the new regulations," added Aidan Metcalfe, general manager of International Paint Shanghai. "The workshops also provide a very practical platform for the shipyards to consider their approach to managing the standard across the many functions which are affected.

"International Paint and Lloyd's Register see this as an opportunity to work more closely with our customers providing value beyond either paint supply or normal classification society activities," Metcalfe added.

Tripartite teams formed by Lloyd's Register, International Paint and the shipyard spend two days in each yard assessing the gap between current coating practices and PSPC requirements, which targets extending the coating lifecycle of vessels to 15 years.

Lloyd's Register and International Paint then jointly deliver a presentation to yard senior management and departmental managers. This is a key aspect of the analysis. The main objective is to help the yard understand that, to maximise shipbuilding efficiency, all departments (such as design, procurement, quality, steelwork, outfitting and production) need to consider the requirements of the PSPC, not just the paint department.

Following the presentation, a "gap analysis" report is issued to the yard. A joint commitment to revisit the yard as they develop their procedures, infrastructure and resources is made by Lloyd's Register and International Paint.

Michelman makes capital investments and organizational developments in Europe and Asia

2007-06-06 08:30:00

Michelman announced that it has made significant changes to its international organizational structure, specifically in Europe and Asia.

Michelman International SARL has been formed and located in Luxembourg. This new European holding company will give Michelman the agility and capabilities to grow more readily throughout Europe and Asia. A new sales, marketing and customer service office will also be located in Luxembourg.

Concurrently, significant capital for increased manufacturing and warehousing capacity is being invested in the company's Aubange, Belgium facility. The investment will allow Michelman to satisfy the ever-increasing demand in the European, Russian, Mediterranean, EU-nation and North African markets for its coatings, emulsions and dispersions.

Michelman Asia-Pacific's business center located in Singapore includes manufacturing operations, sales, marketing and customer service responsibilities. The operation will remain in this Asian hub, but will be moving to a new location twice the size of the current facility. The additional space is needed for new equipment to better serve the Asian market, as well as staff additions.

Peter Roggeman, formerly EMEA commercial director at Michelman has been promoted to managing director of Europe and Asia. Roggeman will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and management of the company's European and Asian operations.

Sherwin-Williams completes the acquisition of M.A. Bruder, Inc.

2007-06-06 08:27:00

The Sherwin-Williams Company announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act has terminated, enabling Sherwin-Williams to complete its acquisition of 100% of the stock of M.A. Bruder & Sons Incorporated, headquartered in the Philadelphia, PA area. With sales of approximately $146 million, M. A. Bruder is a leading manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings in the eastern and southeastern portions of the U.S. M. A. Bruder services the professional painting contractor, builder and do-it-yourself markets through 132 company-owned stores.

"We are pleased to welcome M.A. Bruder into the Sherwin-Williams family. This is a very talented organization and a business that we have long respected," said Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company. "We look forward to continuing to serve MAB customers with the high quality products and outstanding customer service they have grown to expect from MAB stores. We also believe Sherwin-Williams can provide additional resources to further enhance the strengths that have made M.A. Bruder so successful over the years."

Carboline acquires Finnaren & Haley Marine & Industrial assets

2007-06-05 06:24:00

Carboline Company has acquired the marine and industrial assets of Finnaren & Haley, a national supplier of marine, industrial and architectural products.

Finnaren & Haley is a well established, privately-held paint manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Conshohocken, PA. The marine and industrial coatings are sold throughout the U.S. and internationally, and consist of a full-line of new construction and maintenance coatings that are specified, sold and applied to U.S. government vessels, tug boats, barges, work boats and other shipyard customers/owners. Key customers are located throughout the U.S. Finnaren & Haley marine coatings are also included as specifications for Army new construction, maintenance and for the Army Corps of Engineers.

With the acquisition of Finnaren & Haley’s marine and industrial products, Carboline will have a complete product line and large sales organization to serve national marine owners and shipyards.

“We are excited about the opportunity the Finnaren & Haley product line offers us," said Richard M. Wilson, president, Carboline Company. "Carboline now has the products and specifications to be a leading supplier of specialty marine products. This acquisition supports our long-term strategy of maintaining our leadership position in the industrial and marine coatings markets in North America and internationally."

May 2007

ShawCor plans further expansion in Canada

2007-05-24 10:47:00

Shaw Pipe Protection Limited, a subsidiary of ShawCor, has entered into an agreement to purchase approximately 250 acres of land in Camrose, Alberta, Canada, adjacent to the company's new coating facility, which is nearing completion.

The purchase of this land will permit increased pipe storage and be available for expansion of the new state-of-the-art pipe coating facility in Camrose. This is in addition to previously announced investments to increase fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) pipe coating capacity.

The combination of these investments will provide Western Canadian customers with high levels of quality and service as well as increased coating and yard storage capacity to meet the requirements of upcoming projects.

Ford opens doors of paint shop of the future

2007-05-24 10:43:00

Ford Motor Company opened the doors of its "paint shop of the future," becoming the first automotive company to paint vehicles using the industry's newest paint technology—a 3-wet, high solids-based system.

A fleet of Ford Econoline vans are painted for U-Haul with industry-first paint technology at the Ohio Assembly Plant. The new technology is environmentally friendly, delivers high quality and helps the company cut costs.

After three years of development and more than a year of in-plant testing, the new system was recently introduced on a fleet of Econoline vans for U-Haul and will be on U.S. highways later this summer.

The Ford paint technology uses a high solids-based paint formulation that produces fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2s) emissions than do water-borne and medium solids-based paints currently used in the industry. This formulation contains more color pigment and, therefore, requires less paint to cover a vehicle. Furthermore, the new formulation allows three layers of wet paint to be applied one on top of another and baked once, eliminating two paint ovens and resulting in a smaller, more energy-efficient paint shop.

"We want to take the lead in doing the right thing," says Timothy Weingartz, senior technical specialist for Ford's Advanced Paint Material Development. "The high solids-based paint is greener in the end."

Water-borne paint requires air conditioning to get the water out of the paint, which means using more energy and releasing more CO2s from the paint shop. Removing water from the paint is necessary to get a quality paint job.

According to Ford's validation tests high solids-based paint provides better long-term resistance to chips and scratches than does water-borne paint.

Approximately 400 U-Haul utility vans will be monitored over the next year as Ford collects real-world data on its technology.

"It's a large vehicle," said Michael Vandelinder, chief engineer for global paint engineering, explaining why U-Haul vans are being used. "The amount of paint needed to cover the vehicles will allow Ford engineers the opportunity to confirm laboratory testing results and validate a high quality paint job."

Tikkurila to establish a sales company in China

2007-05-24 10:40:00

Kemira Coatings (Tikkurila), the company responsible for Kemira's paint and coatings business, is increasing its market position in Asian paint markets by establishing a sales company in China. Tikkurila (Beijing) Paints Co., Ltd began operating on May 22, 2007 in Beijing. At the same time, Tikkurila is to acquire the sales company CEIEC-Feelings operating in China from its owners CEIEC, CEIEC-OTC and a number of private investors. The business operations of CEIEC-Feelings and 50 employees will be transferred to the new company.

CEIEC-Feelings have been operating since 2002 as the importer of Tikkurila's decorative paints in China. Net sales for 2007 are estimated at approximately €2 million.

The acquisition aims at consolidating a basis for a powerful development of Kemira's market position in the rapidly growing decorative paints market in China.

Akzo Nobel acquires Chemcraft

2007-05-24 10:34:00

Akzo Nobel is to significantly broaden its position in the North American wood coatings market after signing an agreement to acquire Chemcraft Holdings Corporation, North America's largest privately-owned manufacturer of industrial wood coatings.

Established in 1976, Chemcraft operates nine manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada and Brazil, employing approximately 500 people. The company's 2006 revenues were $145 million.

"This is a strategically important acquisition which will enable us to add scale and value in a number of key North American wood coatings markets," said Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers. "Chemcraft is a perfect fit with the activities of our industrial finishes business and will considerably enhance our presence in several complementary markets."

"This transaction is an excellent fit with our strategic goals, and supports our long-term commitment to the North American market," added Robert Taylor, president and general manager of Akzo Nobel's global industrial finishes business. "Chemcraft is a dynamic, customer focused organization which is perfectly aligned with the way we do business. Bringing these two successful businesses together will enhance our ability to better serve our wood customers."

BASF Coatings and Termo Teknik expand partnership

2007-05-17 14:02:00

BASF Coatings and the Turkish company Termo Teknik, one of Europe's largest radiator manufacturers, have expanded their sales relation. The new agreement designates BASF Coatings SPA (Italy) as the supplier of white waterborne e-coat for the Termo Teknik plant in Corlu, Turkey. At this plant, four million steel radiators, 500,000 heated towel racks, and 50,000 wall-mounted hot water heaters are produced every year. In addition, BASF Coatings is now also the powder coatings supplier for Termo Teknik in Turkey.

One of the reasons for expanding the partnership was product optimization. For nearly a year, employees at the BASF Coatings powder coatings lab worked intensively to optimize Termo Teknik's product.

"By experimenting with various raw materials, we came up with a new formula. The goal was to increase quality without losing sight of the price level," said Natale Colombo, technical manager of the powder coatings lab in Verbania.

According to the company, thanks to a new powder coatings formula, Termo Teknik can cut the material consumption by 20%, since less paint needs to be applied, with a highly improved performance.

SigmaKalon acquires a majority stake in Surinamese market leader

2007-05-17 13:59:00

SigmaKalon has acquired a controlling interest in Varossieau, the market leader in decorative coatings in Surinam.

Through this transaction, SigmaKalon will own a 51% stake in Varossieau. The remainder of the shares will be in the hands of a number of Surinamese investors.

Varossieau was established in 1959. Today it has 56 employees. The company owns a manufacturing facility and three shops in Paramaribo. It sells decorative coatings, under the brand Historex. Varossieau is the market leader in Surinam with 63% market share. In 2006, its sales were €5.1 million.

SigmaKalon and Shanghai IVY Chemical Co., Ltd. join forces to create JV in the Chinese decorative coatings market

2007-05-17 13:50:00

SigmaKalon and Shanghai IVY have formed a joint venture which will sell decorative coatings in the Chinese market. The joint venture company will be called SigmaKalon IVY ( Shanghai) Paints Co.Ltd (SK IVY).

IVY has contributed its coatings business, run by Shanghai IVY Chemical Co. Ltd. to the joint venture, whilst SigmaKalon will contribute its Chinese decorative business, run by its affiliate SigmaKalon Shanghai Co. Ltd.

The SK IVY joint venture is owned 85% by SigmaKalon and 15% by IVY. Olivier Krau ,general manager of SigmaKalon Shanghai Paints Co.Ltd, has been appointed as managing director. Francis Wong, the founder of Shanghai IVY Chemical Co.Ltd, has been appointed as general manager.

IVY was established in 1994 with HongKong capital and today it has 300 employees and a manufacturing facility in Songjiang, Shanghai and sells both solvent and emulsion based coatings , under the well-known IVY brand. The IVY brand is the market leader in wood coatings in the greater Shanghai region with a large market share.

SigmaKalon Shanghai Co. Ltd has a factory in Jiading, Shanghai and sells decorative coatings in the professional façade coatings market under the global brand Seigneurie. SigmaKalon is a leading player in the high-end façade coatings and exterior wall insulation market. SigmaKalon's China decorative paint business has 120 employees.

BASF Receives 2007 European Coatings Award

2007-05-08 13:39:00

BASF AG has received the European Coatings Award 2007 for the new AQAGloss binder for high-gloss water-based coatings. The prize is presented every two years on the eve of the European Coatings Show (ECS), Europe’s leading trade fair for paints and coatings, and goes to the best scientific presentation of new product technologies. BASF’s presentation of AQAGloss at the ECS show cases an innovation in the field of water-based coatings. “AQAGloss is a brand-new dispersion-based binder for the manufacture of high gloss water-based coatings and thus a genuine alternative to conventional solvent-based architectural coatings," said Jan-Peter Sander, head of BASF’s Adhesive and Construction Polymers regional business unit and thus responsible for the architectural coatings business in Europe. The product’s advantage? Paints based on AQAGloss can already meet the environmental standards of the future (EU Directive 2004/42/EC and emissions tests based on the guidelines of Germany’s Committee for Health-Related Evaluation of Building Products - AgBB), since thanks to their environmentally friendly properties they contain only small amounts of film-forming auxiliaries. In addition, they contain no heavy metals (driers).

Jotun Paints Launches "Lady" Brand into the Middle East Market

2007-05-07 09:14:00

In a move that reflects the increasing participation of woman in their homes, Jotun Paints has launched the 'Lady' interior brand into the Middle East market. The launch of the interior brand follows two years of extensive research in the regional Dubai-based R&D laboratory in close collaboration with Jotun Norway to come up with an interior paint brand which provides unrivalled home painting solution. Discerning female consumers and families now have high-quality acrylic paints in a matt finish that offers unique benefits such as easy clean, neutral scent and color last. Cleaning stains and dirt off painted walls will not leave any spots or affect the quality of the paint finishing. Further, the solvent-free paints do not leave any trace of odor after 6 hours of application, and the colors are guaranteed to last for years.

3M Completes Acquisition of E Wood Holdings

2007-05-07 08:36:00

3M has completed its acquisition of E Wood Holdings PLC, a North Yorkshire, UK-based manufacturer of protective coatings for the oil, gas, water, rail and automotive industries. This acquisition provides 3M enhanced access to key markets, including the rehabilitation of existing oil and gas pipelines. "E Wood's expertise in liquids technologies for pipes and rehabilitation coatings for existing pipes in oil, gas and water markets complements 3M's core corrosion protection product offering of external powder coatings for new oil and gas pipelines," said Richard Scott, general manager, 3M Corrosion Protection Products. E Wood sells high-performance coatings under the "Copon" brand. Its "Thortex" and "Thistlebond" brands include a range of industrial maintenance products for the protection of buildings and machinery equipment operating in industrial and marine environments.

Rohm and Haas announces sale of European automotive coatings business to Mäder

2007-05-02 08:24:00

Rohm and Haas Company has signed a definitive agreement to sell its European automotive coatings business, including its manufacturing site in Strullendorf, Germany, to the Mäder Group, a leading independent manufacturer of hi-tech industrial paints and coatings based in Lille, France, with operations throughout Europe. The transaction is expected to close later this year.

This transaction completes Rohm and Haas Company’s divestiture of its automotive coatings business, which started with the sale of its automotive coatings operations in North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico) and the Asia Pacific region to Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., in Oct. 2006.

The business manufactures a comprehensive range of automotive coatings with a focus on interior water-based products, which are supplied to high-end OEMs. In addition, the business also produces specialty coatings with applications in the general industrial and optical media markets. The business had sales of $25 million in 2006 and sales of $7 million in first quarter 2007. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The coatings business acquired from Rohm and Haas Germany will be integrated into a new company named Mäder Plastilack GmbH with the intention of building a strong synergy between Mäder’s French division, Soritec, located in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire in western France, that is currently dedicated to plastic coatings. The new Mäder Plastilack GmbH located in Strullendorf will also be focused on plastic coatings manufacture and contribute to making the company the European leader in interior automotive coatings.

Mäder’s Soritec division has developed a strong position in automotive coatings business in France, Spain and Italy with Renault and PSA. Mäder Plastilack will commercialize products developed for German OEMs and capitalize on its market position in Germany and Eastern Europe. Together, these two sites will be able to serve all the European car manufacturers.

In the optical market, Mäder Group, as a producer of UV curing resins, will look to build Mäder Plastilack business in Europe and Asia. Mäder will also look to build Mäder Plastilack’s general industrial coatings market in cosmetics in France.

ACCESSA Coatings Solutions and NCP Coatings Inc. align to form strategic partnership

2007-05-01 07:53:00

ACCESSA Coatings Solutions and NCP Coatings Inc. have aligned to form a strategic partnership whereby ACCESSA will serve as the sales and distribution partner for NCP’s general industrial and Military CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings) product lines. These general industrial and CARC products join ACCESSA’s current product segment offerings.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the strategic partnership with NCP," said Vince Todd, president of ACCESSA Coatings Solutions. "This new relationship will provide ACCESSA additional coatings dynamics to further penetrate the general industrial markets."

These lines include a variety of primers, both solvent and water-based; acrylic and alkyd enamels, epoxies and urethanes; water-based enamel and urethane topcoats; and military CARC primers and topcoats.

“We are very optimistic about the benefits of forming a strategic partnership with ACCESSA," said Ben Hannewyk, CEO of NCP Coatings. "Our respective, positive attributes will compliment one another and allow us to be a greater presence in the coatings industry.”

April 2007

Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes inaugurates extension of R&D Center in Bangalore, India

2007-04-30 11:54:00

A new 2,800 square meter extension to Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes' International Research Center in Bangalore, India was opened on March 28. The €2.6 million extension more than doubles the size of the research center, which became operational in 2002.

The International Research Center in Bangalore is one of three main research and development centers operated by Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes. The Bangalore Center, along with facilities in Troy, MI and Sassenheim, the Netherlands, is involved in a range of activities related to car refinishes product development and maintenance for international markets, management and innovation in color and colorimetry plus color formula development.

The opening ceremony in Bangalore was attended by Akzo Nobel car refinishes general manager Jim Rees, international R&D manager Klaas Kruithof and Bangalore International Research Center managing director Sudhakar Dantiki.

"With this extension of our existing facility, we now have a center that is equipped with both the people and the equipment to meet any future challenge in color," remarked Sudhakar Dantiki. "We have expertise in colorimetry, product development and services, all under one roof, allowing for the interaction to improve both our products and our services."

"Over the past five years, we've built a world class research center in Bangalore," said Klaas Kruithof. "Expanding the Bangalore facility was a logical choice for us because in India we can draw on a large pool of highly educated people with the technical skills we require, ranging from physical and organic chemistry to (applied) IT competence and mathematics. I look forward to further strengthening our position in R&D and color in India in the coming years."

BASF Coatings and Hyundai form global partnership

2007-04-30 11:48:00

BASF Coatings has formed a global partnership to provide refinish coatings products as well as training services and support for Hyundai Motor Company's aftermarket network. Terms of the partnership were not disclosed but the program rollout is already in progress.

BASF's training programs are especially designed for Hyundai's global network and are co-branded as Hyundai / BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Training Modules. The integration of this new partnership into Hyundai's Technical Recognition Program ensures a smooth and efficient rollout of the program within its global distribution network.

"This partnership is a milestone for both partners," said Mutsuo Aoki, BASF group vice president, regional business unit coatings Asia Pacific. "It allows us to offer Hyundai the best mix of high quality products and the advanced skills to apply them; and in turn helps them to be more successful and increase customer satisfaction."

The new cooperation also ensures the transfer of expertise, sharing of information on latest technology and trends, as well as courses customized specifically for an employee's level of expertise.

Dyna-Tech Adhesives acquires QureTech

2007-04-30 11:43:00

Grafton, WV-based Dyna-Tech Adhesives, Inc., manufacturer of water-borne, UV and EB adhesives and coatings, has acquired the QureTech Division from K.J. Quinn, Inc. The company was located in Seabrook, NH.

"The acquisition of QureTech provides a synergy for our business going forward," said David P. Allen, president, Dyna-Tech Adhesives. "The merge of our product lines will strengthen our capability to serve our customers and markets.”

New EPA study shows millions of gallons available for safe disposal, reuse or recycling

2007-04-26 09:22:00

A new EPA study estimates that about ten percent of the U.S. house paint purchased each year—about 65 to 69 million gallons—is ultimately discarded.

Leftover paint is the largest volume material collected by most
household hazardous waste collection programs and represents a high cost for local governments. Despite existing collection efforts, large volumes of leftover paint remain stored in basements and garages across the country. Yet, leftover paint offers significant potential for reuse and recycling.

The study was released at a national meeting of the Paint Product
Stewardship Initiative (PPSI) on April 18 and 19 in Washington, D.C. This initiative brings together paint manufacturers, retailers,
recyclers, EPA officials and representatives from more than two dozen state and local agencies to find better ways to manage leftover house paint. The PPSI has just completed a two-year, $1 million research program laying the foundation for a nationally coordinated solution.

"This new study fills a critical information gap by defining the scope
of an environmental problem that every American can identify with—what to do with leftover paint," said EPA deputy administrator Marcus Peacock. "The data will help the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative determine the amount of paint available for collection, recycling, reuse and safe disposal."

PPSI is spearheaded by the Product Stewardship Institute, a national nonprofit organization that works in partnership with government, business and other stakeholders to reduce the health and environmental impacts of consumer products.

On March 21, the National Paint and Coatings Association's board of
directors adopted a resolution to support PPSI and work toward the
development of a nationally coordinated system for managing leftover paint.

At last week's PPSI meeting, the stakeholders began the task of fleshing out the details of a nationally coordinated system, including possible roles for paint manufacturers, retailers, government agencies and consumers. The goal is to implement a state-level demonstration program over the next two years, and then to expand that approach to the national level.

Akzo Nobel strengthens protective coatings portfolio

2007-04-23 07:59:00

Akzo Nobel has strengthened its position in the global protective coatings market after signing an agreement to acquire the worldwide Ceilcote business from the German-based KCH Group for close to €12 million.

A major international brand used to coat concrete and steel structures—particularly in the petrochemical and power industries—Ceilcote specializes in high performance, polymer-based corrosion control solutions for both new construction and maintenance projects.

"This deal underlines our strong commitment to delivering on Akzo Nobel's ambitious growth strategy," explained CEO Hans Wijers, who is also the board member responsible for coatings. "As the world's leading coatings company, we are always looking to explore significant expansion opportunities in both mature and emerging markets and this is an important acquisition which will further enhance our portfolio and consolidate our global presence."

"Ceilcote has an enviable track record of providing coatings solutions to a range of markets, specifically the power generation industry, but also mining, wastewater and chemical processing, and we have long recognized the need to fully service these markets," added Bill McPherson, general manager of Akzo Nobel's marine and protective coatings business. "The Ceilcote product line is a welcome addition which will both complement and extend our International Paint portfolio of products for the protection of assets in aggressive chemical environments."

Established in Cleveland, Ohio, in the U.S. in 1926, Ceilcote, which employees 36 people, is a global operation, with a regional sales office situated in Singapore. Last year, the company relocated its main manufacturing facility and headquarters to a new facility in Berea, OH.

PPG acquires Champion Coatings

2007-04-18 08:32:00

PPG Industries has acquired certain assets of Champion Coatings, Inc., Houston, TX and a manufacturer of high performance coatings for the rail, marine and overland industries. The company operates one manufacturing facility in Houston and employs approximately 35 people.

The acquired assets include inventory, accounts receivable, selected equipment, brand names, formulations and customer lists. Champion's existing plant in Houston will not be acquired by PPG, but will continue to manufacture Champion products for PPG for the foreseeable future.

PPG, with last year's acquisition of Ameron's Performance Coatings and Finishes business, has become a growing participant in the protective and marine coatings business.

"We are continuing to accelerate our profitable growth in coatings by making strategic acquisitions," said Rich Alexander, senior vice president, coatings. "By acquiring Champion, PPG will be able to leverage new opportunities and strengthen its overall presence in the global protective and marine coatings business."

Airbus starts painting first A380 for Singapore Airlines

2007-04-12 07:25:00

Following timely completion of the cabin installation of the first A380 for Singapore Airlines, Airbus has started the paintwork on this aircraft. The A380 will stay approximately three weeks in the company's paint-shop in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to the actual painting, most of the other work in the paint-shop includes cleaning, grinding, masking and unmasking the 3,100 square meter surface of the A380.

Approximately 3,600 liters of chromate-free paint is used for three layers of paint—primer, customer-paint, top-coat—for an A380. Only 600 to 1,000 kg of paint stays on the aircraft. Each layer measures only about 0.120 mm and is able to withstand differences in temperatures of approximately 100°C.

Airbus is applying the most modern and environmental friendly techniques for the A380 painting process. Electrostatic pistols are used to minimize paint mist. Used air is cleaned and washed through a multi-stage cleaning process to ensure that paint particles are disposed separately.

A380 launch customer Singapore Airlines is to take delivery of its first A380 in October this year.

Tikkurila acquires two Russian coatings companies

2007-04-12 07:16:00

Kemira has recently strengthened its market position in Eastern European paint markets. Tikkurila, which is responsible for Kemira's paint and coatings business, acquired 70% of two St. Petersburg, Russia-based paint companies by the name of Gamma and Ohtinski zavod poroshkovyh krasok.

Gamma is one of the most significant producers of metal industry coatings in Russia with net sales of approximately €8 million and a staff of 110. Ohtinski zavod poroshkovyh krasok manufactures and markets powder coatings under its own OHTEK brand. The company has net sales of approximately €3 million and it employs 50 people.

The acquired companies will continue their operations as new companies under the names of Gamma Industrial Coatings and Tikkurila Powder Coatings. The whole personnel will transfer to the new companies. The present management will continue both as management and minority shareholders of the new companies.

The acquisition will considerably increase Kemira's sales and market position in the Russian metal industry coatings market, according to the company.

The next generation of color from Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings

2007-04-11 09:00:00

Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings has recently launched its latest color collection—RTS Gen II—following the success of the first generation of Ready of Ship (RTS) products in 2004.

The Generation II RTS Color Palette is comprised of over 244 ready to ship products. The collection has been enhanced to include forecasted trend colors and appearances, as well as approved OEM and end-use specified products. In addition, new product and technology offerings have been added such as Britebond Soft Metals, three metallic effects offered in gold, nickel and copper, and fourteen of the top selling RAL colors in low-ETM TGIC polyester. There are six new Britebond reverse hammer tone products that have also been added in response to the popular look and feel of a by-gone era. Customers can also choose from a series of newly formulated metallic-vein look finishes in a hybrid chemistry that overcome several of the appearance and application issues previously associated with this finish, according to the company.

The collection contains many traditional technologies such as epoxy, polyester, hybrid, acrylic, silicone and nylon powder coatings, as well as many of the innovative powder coatings products developed from Rohm and Haas Powder Coatings such as Britebond, HY, Mor-Temp, The Original Wrinkle, Textra and Grafaway.

Akzo Nobel is awarded a technical approval from GM Europe

2007-04-11 08:53:00

Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes has received approval from General Motors Europe (GM) on the Sikkens brand paint system. The approval extends to GM's collision repair centers as well as collision repair centers doing work on GM products as Chevrolet/Daewoo, Vauxhall and Saab.

Based on the long and successful partnership as a private label supplier to GM's Opel brand and the existing technical approval from GM North America (GM4901M), GM Europe granted Akzo Nobel a technical approval for their Sikkens brand paint system for GM's brands Chevrolet/Daewoo, Vauxhall and Saab. Combined with the approval of GM North America, that has to be renewed with significant effort year after year, this in fact means a global technical approval that enables Akzo Nobel to enter into national contracts with GM's national sales companies.

NPCA responds to lead-poisoning lawsuit filed by Ohio Attorney General Dann

2007-04-09 13:22:00

The National Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (NPCA), released a statement strongly opposing the decision by Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann to sue ten companies over the issue of lead poisoning. Instead of pursuing current, effective measures that have made major progress in eliminating childhood lead poisoning, the attorney general has, with less than three months in office, chosen to pursue unfounded and ill-conceived litigation, according to the NPCA.

The coatings industry has a long history of being proactive in the campaign to eliminate childhood lead poisoning. Over 50 years ago, in 1954, the association and its members established, in cooperation with the American Academy of Pediatrics, a consensus standard that eliminated the use of lead in consumer house paints and on articles accessible to children. In 1971, the industry testified in favor of the first federal standard on the use of lead in paint as part of the Federal Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act passed by Congress. Shortly thereafter, the industry supported the eventual ban of lead in consumer paints by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1978.

For decades — going back to the 1960s — as the use of lead in paint declined, the industry engaged in constant public outreach efforts to alert the public to the dangers of lead exposure and the risk of childhood lead poisoning. Hundreds of thousands of safety brochures and posters have been provided, free of charge, to community health centers and lead-poisoning prevention programs all over the country.

As new evidence on health risks associated with childhood lead exposure was discovered, NPCA, on behalf of the paint industry, participated in two Presidential Task Forces (under George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton) seeking to advance public awareness and extend the knowledge of targeted, feasible and effective lead hazard control strategies. These efforts helped advance the understanding that the mere presence of lead-based paint does not constitute a hazard, and led to a shift in government-led practices toward correcting deteriorated paint conditions brought about by deferred or careless maintenance practices.

In 2003, NPCA, on behalf of the paint industry, entered into a landmark, cooperative agreement with 50 state attorneys general — from 46 states (including Ohio), Washington, D.C., and three territories — to increase public awareness of lead-based paint hazards and to train renovation and remodeling contractors (including painting contractors) to safely work with old, lead-based paint. These efforts under this agreement, which continue to this date, resulted in:

• New product labeling on over 2 billion containers to alert consumers and contractors to the potential dangers of deteriorated lead-based paint and provide lead-safe work practice instructions (including the toll-free EPA Lead Hotline number and website);

•The distribution of over 4 million EPA lead hazard awareness brochures (in English and Spanish) at paint retail point-of-sale locations;

•Ongoing free classroom training sessions (using the government-approved curriculum, with classes in English and Spanish) that have reached over 12,000 individuals throughout the country (in all 50 states) on lead-safe work practices for renovation and remodeling (attendees include contractors, housing officials, property managers, private homeowners and many others).

Finally, NPCA, on behalf of its members, continues to focus on a number of ongoing efforts by government agencies at all levels and in Congress to refine and bolster effective policy measures that work toward the elimination of childhood lead poisoning by the year 2010. NPCA feels strongly that, rather than bringing costly, time-consuming litigation, the actions described above — which have been supported by public health experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as allied state and local agencies — remain the best hope for achieving that goal.

GM approves new AWX waterborne paint system

2007-04-05 07:33:00

General Motors recently approved the AWX waterborne refinish system from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes for North American collision repair centers. The AWX system has undergone the extensive certification process to meet the GM4901M standard. GM sets this standard to assure that vehicles repaired at their dealerships use automotive refinish products of the highest quality.

SWAFC recently introduced AWX, a waterborne basecoat/clearcoat system. Utilizing a proprietary resin system that behaves like the solvent borne systems of today, AWX is designed to meet the strict VOC-emissions limits recently adopted in California, while adhering to the environmentally-friendly guidelines soon to be implemented in Canada and throughout the Midwest and Northeastern U.S.

AWX ensures up to a 50% reduction in VOC emissions while reducing hazardous waste generation, according to the company.

SEI Chemical, 21st Century Coatings join forces

2007-04-04 10:53:00

SEI Chemical of Northridge, CA has purchased 21st Century Coatings Limited of Vancouver, BC, Canada. According to company sources, the buyout is effective immediately.

Together the two firms' offer diverse lines of high-end industrial coatings that utilize fluorinated and unique silicone resins systems that are proven in the fields of anti-corrosion, anti-microbiological, anti-graffiti, anti-stick, marine and high-heat applications. Depending on the product line, company offerings are sold in both industrial and consumer markets.

Sherwin-Williams buys Nitco Paints to enter India

2007-04-04 06:49:00

Sherwin-Williams has agreed to buy Nitco Paints to enter the Indian market. A privately-owned manufacturer based in Mumbai with sales of approximately $18 million, Nitco Paints makes exterior specialty paints and coatings used in the construction of office buildings, high rise apartments, shopping malls, hospitals and schools.The terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

"We are excited to be entering the dynamic, growing Indian market," said Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams. "This acquisition is another positive step in our overall global strategy of steady growth and expansion."

Nitco Paints customers will continue to be supported by the existing organization and manufacturing facility.

Nitco Paints said that the acquisition by Sherwin-Williams would give the company additional resources, which would further enhance the company's participation in the growing Indian market.

Asian Paints ME to market its products under Berger brand

2007-04-02 10:02:00

Asian Paints ME has decided to market all its products under the Berger brand in Oman. The announcement was made during the recently held dealer meetings in Muscat and Salalah.

This is being done to bring in more synergies within the three group companies currently operating in the AGCC.

Asian Paints group is represented in the UAE and Bahrain as Berger Paints and according to the company it was logical to move towards a Berger platform in Oman as well.

Though the company name remains unchanged, all the products will come under the Berger umbrella brand; this will involve changes in all the elements namely can designs and dealer signages.

NPCA board of directors resolution to ongoing industry activity in the PPSI dialogue

2007-04-02 09:43:00

The board of directors of the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) has approved a resolution authorizing the association to continue with the Paint Product Stewardship Initiative (PPSI) dialogue for the purpose of pursuing the development of a new nationally coordinated system for the management of post-consumer waste paint. The board further authorized NPCA to work with the dialogue participants to develop a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for activities required to develop the system. As part of the MOU, NPCA member companies expect to commit to undertake a “pilot project” to work through critical issues and gather information that will be needed to develop a supportive, functional system. The NPCA board of directors and/or the NPCA executive committee will consider final approval of the MOU at its July 2007 meeting in Washington, DC.

In approving this resolution, the NPCA board of directors noted that there are many important considerations that must be addressed in a definitive way to allow for continued industry support.

• Consumer education must be a cornerstone of the system, to reduce the volume of leftover paint and the cost of its management
• Collecting or recycling latex paint in rural areas is not cost-effective
• Collecting or recycling latex paint in cans less than one-third full is not cost-effective
• Oil-based paint should be collected for disposal (due to its ignitability)
• There should be no mandatory “take back” at retail locations – although retailers and manufacturers may take back product voluntarily
• Industry expects to partner with government to share the cost and responsibility of managing post- consumer paint
• Where available, existing government collection infrastructure should be utilized
• Where non-existent, industry acknowledges it may need to subsidize a new collection system (e.g., such as the “Product Care” system in British Columbia)
• Paint collection and management must be as cost-effective as possible
• Costs should be fair, transparent to the consumer, and collected at retail
• An industry-run organization is needed to collect and allocate funds with full accountability

Finally, in moving forward with the development of the MOU, the design and establishment of a feasible pilot project, and in the ensuing expansion of activities towards a new nationally coordinated system, NPCA member companies expect to assign additional expert support personnel to the dialogue, including those with expertise in operations, distribution and marketing, to optimize the outcome.

SigmaKalon sells Manage site to Arpadis Group NV

2007-04-02 09:36:00

SigmaKalon has sold its Manage site, including all production facilities, to Arpadis Group NV, that will continue the manufacturing activities. Arpadis Group NV is a growing international organization in the distribution of chemical products serving the paint, resins, polymers, personal care, polyurethane and food industries.

Arpadis is a toll manufacturer of coatings, through a subsidiary—Schoonjans SA. SigmaKalon, BU Industrial Coatings, will continue the production of coatings through toll manufacturing in Manage. All production staff will be employed by Arpadis, without any changes to their employment conditions. The administrative, commercial and R&D staff, approximately 40 employees, will remain employed by SigmaKalon.

March 2007

DPC Argentina opens Color Exacto center

2007-03-28 14:37:00

DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) in Argentina recently opened a new Color Exacto Center in Buenos Aires.

DPC has 38 centers located in Argentina.DPC Argentina plans to open at least ten more centers this year to reach more clients and continue with its expansion.

“The expansion plan shows DuPont’s commitment with the project,” said Marcela Tocelis, DPC leader for southern cone. “Our customer’s positive recognition and satisfaction is the result of professionalism, high quality of products and simplicity for creating colors.”

All Color Exacto Centers have systems that allow body shoppers to obtain “exact colors” immediately. All centers offer DuPont Chroma and DuPont Duxone product lines.

DuPont Financial Services will finance the construction of a second Bellía & Lianza (B&L) body shop for car care in Rosario, Argentina. The expansion aims to satisfy the growing demand of refinished car products. B&L is one of DPC Argentina’s main customers.

3M to acquire E Wood Holdings

2007-03-28 14:36:00

3M and E Wood Holdings PLC announced an offer to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of E Wood Holdings PLC, a North Yorkshire, UK-based manufacturer of high performance protective coatings for oil, gas, water, rail and automotive industries.

The offer values E Wood shares at approximately £40.17 million, or $78 million. The transaction is expected to close in April, subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, and obtaining the requisite E Wood shareholder acceptances.

E Wood’s expertise in liquids technologies for new pipes and rehabilitation coatings for existing pipes in oil, gas and water markets complements 3M’s core corrosion protection product offering of external powder coatings for new oil and gas pipelines. This acquisition provides 3M enhanced access to key markets, including the rehabilitation of existing oil and gas pipelines, and the protection and rehabilitation of water pipelines and infrastructure.

“The combination of 3M’s corrosion protection technologies and global presence with E Wood’s strong product line of specialty coatings for industrial markets positions 3M as the premier source of protective solutions for oil, gas and water infrastructure,” said Richard Scott, general manager, 3M Corrosion Protection Products.

E Wood sells high performance coatings for use in the oil, gas, water, rail and automotive industries under the Copon brand. Its Thortex and Thistlebond brands include a range of industrial maintenance products for the long-term protection of buildings, structures and machinery equipment operating in industrial and marine environments.

Cytec opens new coatings applications laboratory in India

2007-03-21 10:26:00

Cytec Industries Inc. has opened its new liquid coatings resins and additives applications laboratory in Mumbai, India.

This new facility will help to proactively serve the fast growth of the Indian economy. Its location within the industrial area of Thane will enable Cytec to offer faster responses as well as more innovative and customized solutions to meet the needs of its customers in India.

"The Indian market for coatings is targeted to grow at a double digit rate and is very important to Cytec," said Wen Chyi Lim, business director, liquid coating resins and additives Asia Pacific.

"This new laboratory will serve the application needs of our customers in the Indian subcontinent region," Lim added. "We will be able to provide superior service in various market segments including automotive—car refinishing and OEM—heavy duty, general industrial, packaging, coil and many others."

The laboratory operations are planned to commence following its official opening.

Sika divests bituminous coatings production in Germany

2007-03-20 09:04:00

In keeping with its plan to strengthen its focus Sika is selling its production of bituminous coatings and withdrawing from the business of supplying coatings to the cast iron pipe industry. Together with the Sika operation in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, these customers will henceforth be served by Walter Maeder Aqualack GmbH, a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based Walter Maeder AG.

Walter Maeder Aqualack GmbH will retain all 27 employees in production and logistics at the Gelsenkirchen site. To assure continued utilization of the plant and to keep its jobs secure, Sika has agreed with Walter Maeder Aqualack GmbH to have some Sika product lines produced on a tolling basis. The divested product group achieved sales of about CHF 5 million per year. The parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Sherwin-Williams to acquire M.A. Bruder & Sons

2007-03-20 09:00:00

The Sherwin-Williams Company has entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase of 100% of the stock of M. A. Bruder & Sons Inc., headquartered in the Philadelphia, PA area. With sales of approximately $146 million, M. A. Bruder is a leading manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings in the eastern and southeastern portions of the U.S. M. A. Bruder services the professional painting contractor, builder and DIY markets through 132 company-owned stores. The transaction will be completed upon receipt of all regulatory approvals.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement to bring an organization and business that we have long respected into the Sherwin-Williams family," said Christopher M. Connor, chairman and CEO of The Sherwin-Williams Company. "After the transaction is completed, M. A. Bruder's customers will continue to be supported by the existing stores and manufacturing facilities of M. A. Bruder. The M. A. Bruder facilities will also bring additional manufacturing capacity to Sherwin-Williams while Sherwin-Williams will bring additional resources to enhance M. A. Bruder's strengths that have made it successful over the years. We are excited about working with the M. A. Bruder organization and we believe we will improve our service to professional painting contractors, builders and DIY customers."

Akzo Nobel announces intended sale of Organon BioSciences to Schering-Plough

2007-03-13 08:23:00

Akzo Nobel has received an offer for the purchase of its wholly owned subsidiary Organon BioSciences N.V. (OBS) from Schering-Plough for €11 billion in cash. As a result, Akzo Nobel will no longer be proceeding with the partial IPO of OBS on Euronext Amsterdam.

The board of management and the supervisory board of Akzo Nobel met, to consider the binding cash offer for OBS from Schering-Plough. It was concluded that this cash offer represents full value to Akzo Nobel, while providing a new home for OBS as it becomes part of Schering-Plough, which is one of the largest pharmaceuticals companies in the world. The board of management and the supervisory board believe that this transaction is in the best interests of all stakeholders, including employees, investors and customers, according to the company.

Parties expect that the transaction could be completed in the second half of the year, after consultation with social partners, and clearance from regulatory bodies.

Akzo Nobel aims to continue to grow in the most attractive areas of its coatings and chemicals portfolios through investments and acquisitions, based on a disciplined and value-driven approach to earnings and returns over cost of capital, according to the company. Consistent with the company's stated objectives, the proceeds of this sale provide room to deliver on its growth ambitions.

Hyundai approves PPG refinish products for its global dealership body and paint program

2007-03-13 08:20:00

The Hyundai Motor Company has named PPG Industries an approved aftermarket supplier for its new "Hyundai Global Body and Paint Program." As part of the agreement, PPG will provide its PPG and Nexa Autocolor refinish brands, including the popular PPG Global Refinish System, Deltron and Nexa Autocolor 2K lines, as well as Envirobase and Aquabase waterborne basecoat systems, to Hyundai dealerships and their authorized repair partners.

Also, in close co-operation with Hyundai, PPG has developed training courses to teach Hyundai dealership paint technicians proper product and application techniques for PPG and Nexa Autocolor products.

"Since 2006 we have worked with PPG to develop this technical training program, which will increase the quality and efficiency of our body and paint operations worldwide," said Chang-Seok Im, director, overseas customer service group, Hyundai Motor Company.

Univar to acquire CHEMCENTRAL

2007-03-12 10:54:00

Univar N.V., announced that its U.S. subsidiary, Univar USA, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of CHEMCENTRAL Corporation for approximately $600 million in cash, including assumed debt.

CHEMCENTRAL, established in 1926, is a privately held company headquartered near Chicago, IL. Based on 2006 consolidated revenues of $1.4 billion and EBITDA of approximately $70 million, the company is one of the leading industrial chemicals distributors in the U.S., with trading relationships in more than 60 countries.

CHEMCENTRAL is a major distributor of both specialty and commodity chemicals and has distribution centers located throughout the U.S., and selected sites in Mexico, Canada, South America, Australia and the Caribbean, with joint ventures in China, Southeast Asia/South Pacific, India and the Middle East. Its sales are derived primarily from its North America operations, with over 90% of 2006 revenues attributable to its U.S. business. CHEMCENTRAL operates 45 stocking locations and four regional centers in North America, with another 25 international warehouse locations, and has approximately 1,000 employees.

Lord Corp. introduces new MetalJacket custom coater in China

2007-03-12 07:52:00

Lord Corporation, manufacturer of MetalJacket coatings, has announce the addition of a new MetalJacket custom coater.

The coater, Wuxi Zhongjie Vibration Isolators Co., Ltd., will help Lord Corporation’s customers meet the growing demand for Lord MetalJacket coatings for both automotive and industrial applications. The Zhongjie application line installed a traditional hoist transfer process and will apply the Lord MetalJacket 1100-2110 system.

“We are excited to add a Chinese partner to the growing MetalJacket team,” said Todd Wallis, global market manager for the MetalJacket product line. “The interest in and transition to Lord MetalJacket coatings continues to be strong due to the improved performance, reduced environmental impact and overall lower operating cost that Lord MetalJacket coatings offer. With our new partner in China, we can support global customers who are asking for a local supplied of Lord MetalJacket coated parts and components.”

BASF Coatings takes over R-M sales activities of DERIS and Château-Arnoux Peinture

2007-03-09 07:56:00

BASF Coatings Services S.A.R.L. has announces plans to take over major parts of Michel DERIS S.A.S. in Sault-les-Rethel, France. BASF Coatings S.A.S. is acquiring Château-Arnoux Peinture S.A.S. in Château-Arnoux, France. Michel DERIS ’s and Château-Arnoux Peinture’s sales activities with regard to automotive refinish paints and non-paint products will be integrated into BASF Coatings Services S.A.R.L., France.

Michel DERIS and Château-Arnoux Peinture had already sold R-M paint products and services of BASF Coatings S.A.S., Clermont (France) from its three sites in Sault-les-Rethel, Gauchy and La Chapelle Saint Luc. (Michel DERIS) and in Château-Arnoux (Château-Arnoux Peinture). In the future, business relations with the R-M brand end customers will be managed and developed by BASF Coatings Services S.A.R.L. with the help of the 14 employees of Michel DERIS and with the help of the 11 employees of Château-Arnoux Peinture who were taken over.

Ecology Coatings opens Detroit office to serve automotive manufacturers

2007-03-08 09:01:00

Ecology Coatings has opened an office in Michigan's Detroit metropolitan area to better serve its customers in the local automotive and manufacturing industries. As part of the company's geographic expansion and preparation for an alternative public offering (APO), Ecology Coatings also announced the addition of a new executive vice president, Adam S. Tracy. Bringing both strategic business and legal experience to the role, Tracy will help guide business development and investor relations for the growing coatings company.

"As Ecology Coatings transitions from a technology innovator to a full-scale commercial operation, we are preparing for increased demand and the integration of sales with marketing campaigns. This new location enables Ecology Coatings to better collaborate with and deliver value to one of our key markets, the U.S. automotive industry," said Richard Stromback, chairman of Ecology Coatings who oversees the Detroit office. "In his new role at the Michigan office, Tracy's ability to create and build industrial business relationships coupled with his legal expertise will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable asset to Ecology Coatings as it seeks to maximize opportunities throughout the marketplace."

"Ecology Coatings is a high growth company, a technology innovator poised to deliver value to the large and growing global manufacturing industry," said Tracy. "I am looking forward to strategically planning and creating scalable, sustainable business operations from the ground up to facilitate the company's continued expansion."

In his role at Ecology Coatings, Tracy is responsible for the management of joint venture agreements and the strategic licensing of Ecology's proprietary technology as well as interactions with government regulators, contracts, SEC compliance and other legal matters. Prior to joining Ecology Coatings, Tracy worked with the Department of Justice and major corporations including Accenture and BP. A licensed attorney, Tracy holds bachelor's degrees in finance and computer applications development from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA and JD from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. With the addition of Tracy, Ecology Coatings' Michigan office currently employs five staff members.

A necessary final step for nearly every manufactured consumer product, conventional coating technologies are time and energy intensive and often contain polluting solvents. Ecology Coatings' award-winning products address that bottleneck by enabling dramatic process efficiencies for manufacturers without compromising environmental and public health. The ultraviolet (UV) curable, 100 percent solids coatings drive 99% reductions in time, reduce energy expenditures of up to 80% and do not release any air pollutants to the ambient environment. Requiring only a few seconds of UV exposure to form a durable high-performance barrier, Ecology Coatings' products are currently being applied to metals, plastics, electronics, composites, paper and more.

PPG to open athletic footwear coatings application center in southern China

2007-03-08 08:58:00

PPG Industries announced at the NW Apparel and Footwear Materials Show that it is opening a state-of-the-art painting services facility in Pingshan, near Shenzhen in southern China. Expected to begin operation in April, the facility will enable PPG to demonstrate the capabilities and benefits of the VIVAFLEX color system for designers and manufacturers of athletic footwear.

"The VIVAFLEX color system provides an exciting palette of colors and finishes that lend a uniform appearance when applied to most flexible materials used in athletic footwear, such as synthetic leather, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU) and thermoplastic urethane (TPU)," said Gary Long, PPG director of coating services. "This will be PPG's first VIVAFLEX color system application center, and it will also serve as a showcase of our coatings expertise for the athletic footwear industry."

The facility will offer masking capabilities. Long said PPG's operational goal for the center is to work with customers in the region to reduce cycle time and costs associated with small-quantity orders, and to provide enhanced order flexibility.

Sermatech and Rolls-Royce sign 10-year agreement

2007-03-08 08:51:00

Sermatech International has signed a 10-year strategic agreement with Rolls-Royce plc, Rolls-Royce Corporation and Rolls-Royce Deutschland & Co KG, valued at approximately $40 million.

The agreement calls for Sermatech to provide a range of coating and surface treatment services directly to Rolls-Royce facilities globally. Sermatech will utilize its 11 facilities worldwide and its extensive coating capabilities including slurry coatings for smoothness and corrosion protection, thermal sprayed TBCs and MCrAlYs, vapor and slurry diffusion coatings, and special processes including brazing, welding and heat treatment.

Sermatech's facility in Chanwong City, Korea, will support Rolls-Royce's growing business in the Far East market, in particular Japan and China.

Greenkote acquires Industrial Powder Coatings

2007-03-08 08:19:00

Coating company Greenkote has completed the acquisition of the assets and certain liabilities of Industrial Powder Coatings (IPC), Inc.

Established in 1999 Greenkote offers metal coating services from its plants in Israel and Germany.

Founded in 1976, IPC is one of the largest custom coating companies in the U.S. IPC’s extensive service portfolio includes powder coating, e-coating, zinc and nickel chrome plating, and nylon and plastisol deposition (dip coating). IPC operates five plants in the Southern and Midwestern U.S. and Mexico. The company serves a vital role to many suppliers and OEM’s within the appliance, industrial and automotive markets throughout North America and has a strong competitive position in the highly fragmented, outsourced coatings industry. IPC’s sales revenue were $25 million in 2006.

Greenkote financed the purchase through U.S.-based debt and an equity placing in London via Charles Street Securities, Inc.

The North Amercian entity will trade as Greenkote-IPC Inc. Arie Laor the chief executive of Greenkote Plc will be relocating to the U.S. to lead the new enity.The board of Greenkote Plc is being enhanced with the appointment of Jim Thomson, the CFO of IPC.

Greenkote aims to capitalize on the core IPC operating and sales infrastructure to offer it’s proprietary technology into the North America and Mexico markets later in 2007. The new combined entity operating in the Americas is known as Greenkote IPC Inc..

The Greenkote coating process currently offered through its plants in Israel and Germany, improves the properties of a wide range of metals, alloys and powders by giving them added qualities such as increased resistance to both low and high temperature corrosion as well as improved wear resistance and better bonding to rubber and plastic. It is used mainly in the automotive, construction, medical, and aerospace industries.

“We are delighted that we have been able to acquire IPC. We believe that this acquisition will significantly accelerate the entry of our technology into the North American market and we will position Greenkote-IPC as a technology driven U.S. industrial company," said Greenkote’s CEO Arie Laor. "We look forward to continue IPC’s working relationships with personnel, customers and suppliers as we introduce the innovative Greenkote technology into the geographic and industrial markets served by IPC.”

Bob Ziegler resigns from FSCT following 30-plus years of service

2007-03-07 09:04:00

The FSCT board of directors has announced the resignation of Robert F. Ziegler as executive director of the FSCT, effective February 15, 2007. Ziegler had served as executive director of the organization since January 2006. Prior to this assignment, he held the position of executive vice president from October 1987.

During his more than 30 years of service with the FSCT, Ziegler acted in varying capacities. Editor and publisher of the Journal of Coatings Technology since 1987, he directed the split of the publication into two major industry journals, JCT CoatingsTech and JCT Research in 2004. Most recently, Ziegler served on the management team that oversaw the merger of the FSCT research journal with the Coatings Transactions of the Oil and Colour Chemists’ Association, resulting in the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research. As general manager of the International Coatings Expo (formerly the “The Paint Industries’ Show”) for the past 20 years, Ziegler oversaw its growth into the largest coatings-related show in North America. In his capacity as executive vice president, he was also responsible for directing staff operations at FSCT headquarters in Blue Bell, PA.

Ziegler began his career with FSCT as assistant editor in 1976, after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Business Administration from Temple University. Over the next 11 years, he gained increasing responsibilities with the organization, including assistant manager of the Paint Show, managing editor of the Journal of Coatings Technology, and staff liaison with numerous Federation committees. In 1987, Ziegler was named by the board to succeed FSCT executive vice president Frank Borrelle upon his retirement.

A task force comprised of members of the board of directors has been formed to find a replacement for Ziegler. Joseph Pontoski, secretary-treasurer and chief operating officer of the FSCT, will assume Ziegler’s responsibilities until such time as a replacement is named.

RPM's Rust-Oleum acquires Tor Coatings

2007-03-02 09:12:00

Rust-Oleum, a subsidiary of RPM International, has acquired Tor Coatings Ltd., a manufacturer and marketer of specialty coatings in the UK. Terms were not disclosed.

Tor is based in Birtley, England and in addition to selling specialty coatings under the Tor brand, they also sell under the Blackfriars, Holdite, Solignum, Ratcliffe and Macroplexx brands.

Tor has annual sales of approximately $45 million.

"This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit with out growing Rust-Oleum business in Europe," said Frank C. Sullivan, RPM president and CEO. "In addition to expanding our technical expertise, we strengthen our coatings presence in the consumer market in the UK and broaden our distribution of industrial and commercial coatings."

DuPont LX Fluorotelomer Products Meet Environmental Commitments Ahead of Schedule

2007-03-01 08:33:00

DuPont has successfully commercialized a new, patented manufacturing process to remove more than 97% of trace levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its homologues and direct precursors from its fluorotelomer products. This achievement meets key commitments of the EPA voluntary stewardship program for product content, three years ahead of schedule. The new LX Platform Products are expected to be drop-in replacements for current DuPont products.

LX Platform Products do not require regulatory re-qualification and will continue to be listed on existing global regulatory clearances, including the U.S. (TSCA), Europe (EINECS), Canada (DSL) and Japan (ENCS), among others. The new products, based on existing DuPont Teflon, Zonyl and Foraperle chemistries maintain superior performance. LX Platform Products will be used for surface-protection in segments such as paper packaging, fluorosurfactants and coatings, leather, stone and tile and others.

“World class science, superior performing products and a commitment to sustainability are the driving forces behind our new LX Platform Products,” said John Moriarty, global market and business director, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise.

LX Platform Products will become available for customers in the first quarter of 2007 and roll-out throughout the year. LX Platform Products are expected to be priced in the same range as current offerings.

To remove the impurities from its fluorotelomer products, DuPont invested $20 million with subsidiary First Chemical to manufacture LX Platform Products. The facility will use an innovative new technology—developed and patented by DuPont—to reduce nearly all trace levels of PFOA at a key intermediate step in the production.

“Our investment in First Chemical clearly demonstrates that we are committed to making fluorotelomer products and minimizing our environmental footprint through scientific innovation and unceasing product improvement,” said Henry Bryndza, technology director, DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise.

DuPont also announced its commitment to eliminate the need to make, buy or use PFOA by 2015. DuPont currently manufactures and uses PFOA as a processing aid to produce a different family of products called fluoropolymers. It is important to note, fluorotelomer chemistry is not made with PFOA, nor is PFOA added during the manufacture of DuPont fluorotelomer-based products. However, PFOA is found at trace levels in some fluorotelomer products as an unintended byproduct of the manufacturing process. The LX technology was specifically designed to address these unintended byproducts.

Edward Donnelly Elected IPPIC President

2007-03-01 08:19:00

The International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) has elected Edward Donnelly as its new president. He was most recently senior vice president of DuPont and for several years was responsible for the DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies business on a global basis. Donnelly just completed his term as NPCA chairman and retired from DuPont. He is IPPIC´s second elected president, succeeding Neville Petersen.

Lubrizol to Expand Presence in China with Shanghai Facility

2007-03-01 08:12:00

The Lubrizol Corporation has announced plans to expand its presence in China by investing approximately $40 million to build a facility in Songjiang, just outside of Shanghai.

The new facility will include manufacturing, commercial and technical capabilities. It will be built on approximately 31,000 square meters of recently acquired land adjacent to the company’s existing Estane TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plant in the Songjiang industrial zone. The company expects to begin construction in the third quarter 2007, and to complete it in the fourth quarter 2008.

Products initially slated for production at the site are primarily resins, polymers and specialty additives used in coatings for paint, wood, plastic, metal and textiles.

February 2007

Insl-x and Invista Collaborate to Formulate StainMaster Paint

2007-02-23 14:24:00

Invista, in collaboration with Insl-x, has introduced StainMaster paint, a new line of paint for the U.S. architectural paint market. The high performance paint utilizes special resins and pigments that allow for thicker coverage and smoother flow on walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

The StainMaster paint line will include primer and ceiling paint and is available in multiple sheen finishes.

"The StainMaster brand commands over 90% consumer awareness and consumers trust the Stainmaster brand," said Ana Torrence, vice president of Home & Hospitality at Invista. "Statistical market research indicates that approximately 80% of consumers surveyed would be extremely likely or very likely to purchase StainMaster paint when it was compared to other well known premium paint manufacturer's products. This demonstrates the strong equity for the StainMaster brand in this category."

Manufactured by Insl-x Products Corp., the paint products are constructed of a 100% acrylic high solids formulation exclusive to the StainMaster paint line.

"Invista sought out a trademark license with Insl-x because of our capabilities in quality control and experience creating high-performance specialty coatings," said Jim Weil, president of Insl-x. "Everyone we have spoken with regarding StainMaster paint shares in our excitement about delivering something new to the paint industry."

Asian PPG Industries to acquire ICI India's Advanced 2K Auto-Refinish business

2007-02-22 08:30:00

PPG Industries has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ICI India Ltd., Mumbai, India, to facilitate the acquisition of ICI's premium automotive refinish business. Upon closing, the business would be acquired by Asian PPG Industries Ltd., a 50% joint venture of PPG and Asian Paints Ltd., also of Mumbai. The closing is scheduled for mid-March and is subject to certain conditions. The transaction is valued at approximately $12 million.

"This acquisition will serve as a platform for continued growth of our automotive refinish business in India, which we manage through our joint venture, Asian PPG Industries Ltd.," said J. Rich Alexander, senior vice president, coatings, for PPG and a director of Asian PPG Industries. "It also fits well with our strategy to pursue growth in emerging regions."

ICI India Ltd.'s premium refinish business includes the 2K brand and employs approximately 60 people in India.

"This is a win-win deal for all stakeholders which can immensely benefit the customers of the Nexa 2K range of products," said M. R. Rajaram, wholetime director, ICI India Ltd. "PPG will get a great platform to further consolidate their leadership position in the auto refinish segment and ICI can focus on its aggressive growth strategy in other areas."

Henkel to merge adhesives and technologies businesses

2007-02-22 08:26:00

Effective April 1, 2007, the Consumer and Craftsmen Adhesives and Henkel Technologies business sectors will be merged to form the new Adhesives Technologies business sector, with total sales of €5.5 billion realized in fiscal 2006.

"The strategic rationale behind the merger of these two businesses derives from the advantages of a unified market approach", said Ulrich Lehner, chairman of the management board of Henkel KGaA. "We expect this move to enable us to better utilize the core competences of both business sectors and to significantly accelerate growth in all regions of the world."

Premium Valspar Paint Gets New Look at Lowe's

2007-02-08 07:55:00

Lowe's Companies, Inc., in conjunction with The Valspar Corporation, announced that its premium-quality paint label for interior and exterior applications, previously sold under the American Tradition, Signature Colors and Duramax labels, will be consolidated under the Valspar name. Inside the can the paint and color palettes will remain the same.

"Together, Lowe's and Valspar have offered superior-quality paint products to consumers for more than 35 years," said Theresa Anderson, Lowe's senior vice president for merchandising. "This evolution of the Valspar brand in our stores simplifies the shopping process for consumers, making it easier to choose the right high-quality paint products for the projects they're undertaking inside or outside of their homes."

Starting this spring, paint departments in Lowe's stores across the country are getting a new look to improve the organization of the Valspar offerings under the Valspar Signature Colors, Valspar Duramax and Valspar Ultra Premium brands. Consumers will see the Valspar name integrated into all stores by spring 2007. In addition, the exclusive Martha Stewart Colors palette will be available only at Lowe's, further enhancing the Valspar Signature Colors portfolio.

3M Acquires Industrial Adhesives Product Line from Chemence

2007-02-06 08:46:00

3M, St. Paul, MN., has acquired the Rite-Lok global industrial adhesives product line from Chemence Inc., a specialty chemical company that manufactures a range of consumer and industrial adhesives. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Complementary acquisitions such as this support 3M’s growth strategy to expand its core adhesives business. “The addition of Chemence’s industrial adhesives, sold under the Rite-Lok brand, broadens our robust industrial adhesives product portfolio,” said Patrick Deconinck, division vice president, Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. “The widely recognized Rite-Lok brand complements 3M’s product line and expands the depth and breadth of our offering in the area of specialty structural adhesives.”

The complete Rite-Lok brand product line includes anaerobic threadlockers, retaining compounds, gasket makers, thread sealants, structural adhesives and specialty cyanoacrylate instant adhesives for industrial use such as metal bonding, plastics and rubber. The product line also includes high-temperature, low-odor industrial adhesives and rubber-toughened flexible adhesives.

Becker Industrial Coatings acquires U.S. paint coil coating manufacturer

2007-02-02 10:00:00

AB Wilh. Becker announced that its North American subsidiary, Becker Industrial Coatings, has completed the acquisition of Specialty Coatings Company, a manufacturer of industrial paints and coatings.

Founded in 1953, Specialty is the leading independent supplier of liquid coil coatings in the U.S. and employs 80 people at two production facilities in Chicago and Southern California. Its products are widely used in applications that utilize coated steel and coated aluminium substrates. Prior to the acquisition, Specialty was owned by the Neems family.

"Specialty's strong position in the U.S. market for coil coating products will be of great strategic value to Beckers," said Jenny Lindén Urnes, chairman and CEO of AB Wilh. Becker. "As the leading producer of coil coating products in Europe, and with a strong presence in Asia, Beckers looks forward to building a platform to develop the coil coating business in the United States."

"We are especially pleased to welcome Jack Neems, who will continue as president of Specialty, and the many valuable and experienced members of the Specialty staff that are joining Beckers," said Ralph Kabalo, president of Becker Industrial Coatings. "We look forward to the contributions they will make in helping Beckers maintain and expand its position as an innovative and environmentally-sensitive leader in coil coating products."

Specialty will become a unit of Becker Industrial Coatings, whose other operations in North America include Becker Industrial Coatings, Inc., based in Toronto. AB Wilh. Becker is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints and coatings. Headquartered in Sweden, AB Wilh. Becker's business units include Becker Industrial Coatings, Becker Acroma, ColArt and Becker Powder Coatings.

BASF Coatings Spa and Honda Italia Industriale form partnership

2007-02-01 08:32:00

BASF Coatings Spa and Honda Italia Industriale Spa have signed a supply contract for electrocoating (e-coating) products and products for coating plastic add-on parts. Honda motorcycles and scooters in Europe and North America are now coated with BASF Coatings’ paints. Honda Italia Industriale is the Italian subsidiary of Honda Motor Co, the world’s largest motorcycle producer. With 800 employees and an annual turnover of €764 million, Honda Italia alone accounts for 40% of the brand’s motorcycle sales in Europe.

The contract covers the supply of e-coating products for the new coating line for motorcycle frames, which started operation in March 2006. The coating line is located at the Atessa site (Chieti province), where 160,000 motorcycles are produced for the European and U.S. market each year. The coating line’s 25-cubic-meter tank now contains only BASF Coatings’ products. This is where the frames of all Honda motorcycle models are coated.

Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings appoints distributor in Israel

2007-02-01 08:23:00

Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings has appointed Univercol Paints Ltd. as its distributor for architectural and other high performance powder coatings in Israel.

The leading manufacturer of powder coatings and industrial liquid paints in Israel, Univercol, based in Natanya, and a member of the Nirlat group, will be the country's sole distributor of the Interpon D range of architectural powder coatings and other products.

"The Israeli market for architectural powder coatings continues to grow," said Leon Ouziel, general manager of Akzo Nobel's European Powder Coatings business. "We regard it as an important region where our Interpon D range of products can meet the demands of the architectural industry. Appointing Univercol as our distributor will give both companies the opportunity to supply the best products to Israeli customers."

January 2007

Chemark, Specialty Coatings form collaboration

2007-01-30 11:35:00

The Chemark Consulting Group, Southern Pines, NC and Specialty Coatings Services (SCS), Louisville, KY have announced their formal collaborative association.

Chemark is a global management consulting firm specializing in the coatings, paint, adhesives, sealants and specialty chemicals industries with offices in both North America and Europe, and associate affiliations in Asia-Pacific and South America. Chemark assists its clients in strategic planning, tactical support, M&A, product introduction positioning, competitive analysis, image studies, operations management, value chain analysis, competitive analysis, customer satisfaction and market research.

SCS is an independent consulting laboratory focused narrowly on the technical aspects of coatings and paints and the raw materials that find use in these industries. SCS's capabilities range from new product analysis, application development and formulation, to a complete gambit of testing programs per market segment targeted.

"While both companies will continue to operate independently and remain legally separate, we feel by bringing general business management skills together with a highly recognized technical capability in a collaborative manner, our offering bundly will be recognized as a value by small, medium and large coatings and paint companies world-wide," said Phil Phillips, managing partner of Chemark, and Mike Jackson, president and CEO of SCS in a joint statement.

BASF Coatings takes over R-M sales activities of Autolacke Handel GmbH

2007-01-30 08:52:00

BASF Coatings Services GmbH will be taking over major parts of the company Autolacke Handel GmbH in Vösendorf, Austria. Autolacke Handel GmbH belongs to the Ludwig Christ Group. Autolacke Handel GmbH’s sales activities related to automotive refinish paints and non-paint products, with 18 employees, will be integrated into BASF Coatings Services GmbH, Eugendorf, Austria. The two companies have not provided information on the purchase price.

Autolacke Handel GmbH had already sold R-M paint products and services of BASF Coatings S.A.S., Clermont (France) from its site in Vösendorf. In the future, business relations with the R-M end customers will be managed and developed by the sales team that was taken over. Order processing, product storage, and supply of R-M customers will also continue to be provided from the current headquarters in Vösendorf. Norbert Grimmeisen will be taking over as head of the R-M sales organization in Austria.

Management activities, human resources, accounting and controlling activities will be centralized at the Austrian head office of BASF Coatings Services in Eugendorf.

Hempel expands with Lacor acquisition

2007-01-30 08:44:00

Extending coverage of the German market Hempel has acquired Lacor. Founded in 1989 and based in Merzig, Germany, Lacor is a leading national and international supplier of protective coatings and industrial paints. Lacor will be incorporated into Hempel Germany.

Lacor brings a competitive product range, a strong market position and access to interesting markets and customers in Germany and surrounding countries, according to Hempel. With the combined strengths of the two companies, Hempel foresees significant business expansion possibilities. The deal represents a positive step forward in Hempel’s newly adopted "One Hempel – Everywhere" strategy, which aims to strengthen Hempel’s market presence in selected areas and segments.

BASF Coatings takes over R-M sales activities of Billakksenteret AS

2007-01-24 13:34:00

BASF Coatings Services AB is taking over major parts of Billakksenteret AS in Lierstranda, Norway. Billakksenteret AS sales activities with regard to automotive refinish paints and non-paint products will be integrated into BASF Coatings Services AB, Sweden

The two companies have not provided information on the purchase price.

Billakksenteret AS had already sold R-M paint products and services of BASF Coatings S.A.S., Clermont (France) from its site in Lierstranda. In the future, business relations with the R-M brand end customers will be managed and developed by BASF Coatings Services AB, through its subsidiary in Asker, Norway, and with the help of the two employees of Billakksenteret AS who were taken over.

Pioneer Athletics Teams Up With SportCoatings

2007-01-19 13:01:00

Pioneer Athletics is expanding its commitment to new, innovative synthetic turf paints and coatings as well as antimicrobial protection to its 22,000 customers worldwide through a new partnership with SportCoatings.

Under this new agreement, Pioneer Athletics will be the exclusive provider of the SportCoatings line of maintenance and restoration products and together they will co-develop innovative coatings designed for synthetic turf systems.

Pioneer will also become the exclusive provider of TurfD, the newest member of the successful TurfAide family that provides six months of antimicrobial protection to synthetic turf systems with one application.

“We are thrilled to add a partner like Pioneer Athletics. There isn’t a company in the paint and coatings industry that can rival their history of quality, reliability and dedication to customer service,” said Craig Andrews, CEO SportCoatings. “Pioneer, added to our existing partnership with General Sports Venue, completes our goal of providing service to all aspects of the turf and sports market.”

“The synthetic turf market is growing exponentially and the partnership with SportCoatings allows us to offer a full range of innovative paints and coatings to our customers,” said Doug Schattinger, president of Pioneer Athletics.

PPG Acquires Architectural and Industrial Coatings Businesses of Renner Sayerlack, S.A.

2007-01-18 14:57:00

PPG has acquired the architectural and industrial coatings businesses of Renner Sayerlack, S.A., Gravatai, Brazil, to expand its architectural and industrial coatings business in Latin America.

“Renner is a very strong, well regarded architectural paint brand in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay,” said Charles E. Bunch, chairman and CEO of PPG. “This acquisition will strengthen our ability to grow our architectural and industrial business throughout Latin America. Moreover, it fits well with our strategy to profitably grow our coatings businesses and continue to expand our presence in emerging regions.”

Renner Sayerlack’s architectural and industrial coatings businesses operate three manufacturing plants in Gravatai, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Montevideo, Uruguay. Each plant also serves as a distribution center. The businesses sell through independent dealers, construction material suppliers and brand licensees, similar to franchise stores. The businesses employ approximately 850 people.

Renner Sayerlack was formed in 2001 by the merger of Tintas Renner and Sayerlack Industria Brasileira de Vernizes. The company participates in the architectural, industrial, wood finishing and high-performance/marine coatings segments in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. The wood and high-performance/marine divisions are being retained by Renner Sayerlack.

“We are pleased to complete this transaction with PPG,” said Thomas Herrmann, chairman of Renner Sayerlack. “As a global leader in the coatings industry, PPG has the resources and commitment to take this architectural business in this region to the next level. In addition, this agreement will allow Renner to focus on wood and high-performance coatings.”

ShawCor Ltd. Announces $8.2 Million Pipe Coating Capacity Addition in Camrose, Alberta

2007-01-17 12:19:00

ShawCor Ltd. announced that its subsidiary, Shaw Pipe Protection Limited, will invest $8.2 million in additional FBE pipe coating capacity for the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB).

This additional coating capacity will be added to Shaw Pipe Protection's new, state-of-the-art pipe coating facility currently under construction as part of a previously announced $30 million expansion program. The new production line will provide advanced FBE technology for small and large diameter pipe and will be in-service by the end of the third quarter of 2007.

Chicago Metallic Announces Sale of Chicago Finished Metals

2007-01-17 12:16:00

Chicago Metallic Corporation announced that Precoat Metals, a division of Sequa Corporation has purchased the assets of Chicago Finished Metals, located in Bridgeview, IL.

"The sale of our metal coating businesses will enable Chicago Metallic to focus more resources on our core commercial ceilings business," said Sandra Wilson, president and CEO of Chicago Metallic. "We also believe this sale is in the best interest of our employees and our customers, as it merges our metal coatings business with one of the premier companies in the industry, Precoat Metals."

Illinois Tool Works to acquire Franklynn Industries

2007-01-11 07:03:00

Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Inc., Glenview, IL, has agreed to acquire mould release and coatings manufacturer Franklynn Industries, Inc.

Franklynn will become a part of ITW Performance Polymers, an international business group of ITW. The company will continue to operate at its current location in Loveland, OH, and at its other international locations. Franklynn supplies a wide range of mould release materials for a number of polymer sectors, including polyurethanes, with a specialty in water-based agents. Franklynn personnel will remain with the business.

Euronav chooses Hempel’s fouling release silicone for two ULCCs

2007-01-08 09:26:00

Euronav has made an agreement with Hempel to apply Hempasil, the company's silicone fouling release system, to its two ultra-large crude carriers, the TI Asia and the TI Europe. The 380-meter tankers, which have a deadweight tonnage of more than 440,000 tons, will drydock for maintenance and survey later this year.

Hempel has worked closely with Euronav, an integrated tanker company which owns and manages a fleet of 36 crude oil tankers, to achieve this partnership. The Hempasil specification is guaranteed for five years and has a potential lifetime of a further five years, according to the company.

Hempasil is a silicone-based topcoat with outstanding adhesion properties incorporating Nexus tiecoat technology, which ensures a chemical bond between the epoxy anticorrosion layer and the silicone-based topcoat.

“This Nexus tiecoat is the key to achieving the excellent adhesion performance, which resists even strong abrasion,” said Hempel’s Torben Rasmussen, product manager, group marine marketing.

“Minimizing maintenance as well as maintaining a smooth hull during the entire service period is vital for efficient operation of our vessels, and a silicone fouling release product helps us to achieve this,” added Paul Moeyaert, general manager, Euronav ship management. “We also believe that the smoother topcoat should give us a reduction in fuel consumption and therefore reduce carbon emissions. This will also help us reduce the amount of biocides released into the sea, making our operations even more environmentally friendly.”

Hempel’s own studies show that the reduced drag from Hempasil can deliver substantial fuel savings compared with premium tin-free antifoulings.

“By blasting back to bare metal and applying a high-quality anticorrosive coating system, we can extend the lifetime of the Hempasil system," said Rasmussen. "When the initial service time of five years has passed, the fouling release performance can be brought back to standard and reactivated by applying a fresh layer of topcoat."

The TI ASIA will drydock in Dubai where a full Hempasil system will be applied.

RPM reports record sales and net income for fiscal 2007 2Q

2007-01-04 08:33:00

RPM International, Inc. has reported record sales and net income for its fiscal 2007 second quarter ended Nov. 30, 2006. According to the company, strong sales and earnings growth in the company's larger industrial segment offset slower growth in its consumer segment.

RPM's record net sales of $809.4 million were up 9.5% from the $739.4 million reported in the fiscal 2006 second quarter. Organic sales growth accounted for 7.5% of the increase, with 1.2% of that amount representing net foreign exchange gains. Net acquisition growth was 2.0% of the total.

Record net income for the quarter grew 185.8%, to $52.9 million from $18.5 million a year ago. Prior year net income included a pre-tax asbestos reserve charge of $15 million, while this year's second quarter included a $15 million pre-tax gain from the settlement of asbestos-related claims against an insurance carrier. Excluding these asbestos items, net income grew 52.1% to $43.1 million from $28.3 million a year ago.

"As anticipated, RPM's second-quarter operating results showed strong improvement over the second quarter of fiscal 2006, when Gulf Coast hurricanes impacted both of our business segments, and we incurred one-time costs of $10.2 million," said Frank C. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer.

The company's industrial segment posted a 13.5% sales increase to $528.6 million from $465.6 million in the year-ago second quarter. Organic sales increased 11.3%, including 1.6% in foreign exchange gains. Acquisitions accounted for the remaining 2.2% of the increase.

Sales by RPM's consumer segment increased 2.6% to $280.8 million from $273.8 million a year ago. Of the growth in sales, 1% was organic, including 0.6% in foreign exchange, and the remaining growth was through acquisitions.

"Our consumer segment continued to share in the sluggish business climate being experienced by our major retail customers," said Sullivan. "This climate is resulting in a continuation of uneven buying patterns and ongoing inventory reductions by the retailers, along with slower retail takeaway by consumers as a result of lower sales of both existing and new homes. We did see a slight improvement in consumer segment demand compared to the first quarter. We continue to anticipate some strengthening of consumer sales during the second half of the year, and are encouraged by recent reports regarding a stabilizing climate for both new and existing home sales."

During the second quarter, three RPM subsidiaries completed acquisitions of complementary product lines.

RPM's Day-Glo unit acquired the daylight fluorescent, phosphorescent and thermochromatic pigments business of The Dane Group in Manchester, England. With revenue of approximately $20 million, this business will operate as a stand- alone business within Day-Glo, and will continue to be led by its existing management team. The acquisition is expected to broaden Day-Glo's geographic market coverage and to be accretive to earnings during the first year as part of RPM.

The company's Carboline unit acquired certain assets of Nu-Chem, Inc., including intumescent fireproofing products for the protection of exposed structural steel, and epoxy intumescents for the petrochemical and offshore oil markets. Tremco Global Sealants acquired Permaquik Corp., a leading supplier of high-performance, hot-applied waterproofing and green roof systems, as well as crystalline waterproofing, epoxies, sealers and expansion joints, based in Mississauga, Ontario. These product line acquisitions will initially add approximately $12 million in annual revenues.

EMU Coatings Research Institute receives $1 million Air Force contract

2007-01-04 07:48:00

The Coatings Research Institute (CRI) of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has secured a one million dollar contract with the Department of Defense to work with the U.S. Air Force and conduct a variety of coatings research projects for the military branch at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. The CRI previously developed coatings for the U.S. Army that are more enviornmentally friendly and protect Army trucks and tanks from corrosion.

"The basic objective is we're building on polyurethane resins we previously developed for the Army," said John Texter, professor of polymer and coatings technology, and EMU's project director on the Air Force contract. "It is allowing us to take the technology developed on previous earmarks and find a better niche in this Air Force application."

Primary research objectives will include the development of a polyurethane primer that is tough but flexible, and able to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures; the development of improved fuel-tank coatings so that certain fuel additives, such as ethylene glycol, cannot degrade the coatings; and the development of an improved pre-treatment, which does not include chromium, to improve corrosion resistance of Air Force planes, including a fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers.

"Getting rid of chromium pre-treatments and heavy metals in corrosive inhibitive pigments is the 'holy grail' throughout the Department of Defense," said Ted Provder, director of the CRI, who will serve on the research team.

"There are so many areas that use epoxy primers," said Texter. "If we are able to replace the Air Force epoxy primers with ours, we will be able to take it into industrial and consumer markets, and make a big splash with it. That could lead to licensing technology that faculty and the University have a proprietary interest in."

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