Fresh Paint
Technologies at the global conference
focused on the titanium dioxide industry.
DuPont is the world’s largest manufacturer of titanium dioxide, a white pigment used widely in coatings, plastics
and paper.
In a keynote speech at TiO 2009, pre-
2
sented by Intertech Pira, Olson said dur-
ing the economic downturn the titanium
dioxide industry must operate more cau-
tiously, keeping inventory at levels only
sufficient to satisfy customer require-
ments, scrutinizing all capital expendi-
tures and avoiding investment in new
capacity without some certainty of a rea-
sonable return.
“Longer term, the industry must
emerge from the recession leaner, more
in tune with customer needs, and better
able to satisfy demand with just-in-time
supply,” added Olson. “It may seem as
though TiO is at the extreme end of the
2
supply chain from consumer goods, but
in tough times, when people stop buying
cars, house paint and washing machines,
we can suddenly find ourselves sitting on
unproductive inventory. That has to
change.”
The titanium dioxide industry is widely regarded as a bellwether business
because it is closely tied to the construction and automotive industries, as well
as a broad range of large consumer goods
such as appliances.
Olson said DuPont is studying a variety of macroeconomic indicators and
leading cyclical indices that can anticipate inflection points in the business
cycle, including spending on infrastructure projects resulting from stimulus
packages launched by many governments around the world.
refinish industry, patch and repair products for the recreational marine market,
and specialty polyester coatings for the
industrial and boat building markets.
“Each year we recognize our best supplier based on a number of key factors,
including field sales and techni-cal/training support, new product planning and program support,” said Rob
Gray, Sherwin-Williams director of associated products and distribution. “In
2008, Evercoat excelled in these areas. In
addition, our sales team voted for
Evercoat as Brand of the Year, in light of
the excellent relationship between our
salespeople and Evercoat’s sales staff.”
On Feb. 2, NAPA Canada recognized
Evercoat as a member of its 2008 Club
95. “NAPA Canada takes the opportunity annually to recognize those NAPA
Suppliers that have provided exemplary
service through the awarding of our
prestigious Club 95 awards,” said Tom
Hunt, vice president of product development. “The recipients of this award are
suppliers that provide consistently high
levels in order fill and shipping performance, which is essential for the NAPA
network to be successful in today’s challenging market.”
METALCOLOUR TAKES
OVER SSAB LAMINATED STEEL
Metalcolour A/S in Nykobing Falster,
Denmark has taken over 100% of the
shares in SSAB Laminated Steel AB.
The Swedish company will be renamed
Metalcolour (Sverige) AB.
SSAB Laminated Steel, which is a
subsidiary of SSAB Strip Products, is
located in Ronneby in southern Sweden.
It has annual sales of approximately € 16
million and employs approximately 30
persons. Under the brand name Dobel,
the company is one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of laminated steel and
aluminium to the ship building industry
and a number of industrial applications.
Metalcolour A/S has annual sales of
approximately € 12 million and employs
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS, NAPA CANADA
PRESENT EVERCOAT WITH AWARDS
At its 2009 national sales meeting in
Dallas, TX, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes presented Evercoat with
its Supplier of the Year award. Evercoat
is a manufacturer of auto body repair
fillers and putties in the automotive
INTERNATIONAL PAINT ACQUIRES ENVIROLINE
AkzoNobel has enhanced its International Paint business through the
acquisition of the Florida-based Enviroline business from Industrial
Environmental Coatings Corporation. Enviroline’s 50-year track record in
providing linings products with long term durability and protection against
chemical attack, corrosion and leaks, is a valuable new addition to
International Paint’s linings offer.
“The addition of Enviroline is an
important step in ensuring we deliver
complete coatings and linings solu-
tions to customers in those industries
served by performance protective
coatings,” said Bill McPherson, general manager of International Paint.
In order to ensure optimum availability of Enviroline coatings and linings to
global customers, International Paint will begin transitioning the production of
Enviroline products from the current Pompano Beach, FL location, to a larger
manufacturing facility in Berea, OH in April, 2009. The phased transition
process will also include changes in branding. Enviroline’s packaging and support documentation will soon be partnered with International Paint’s red,
white and blue colors to establish brand consistency. All of Enviroline product
formulas and manufacturing processes, however, will remain the same, including product names and identification.
