Coatings World - August 2012

Jotun opens a state-of-the-art
powder coatings factory in China

Jotun, one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of paints, coatings, and powder coatings, has revealed the opening of its new state-of-the-art powder coatings factory and regional research and development (R&D) facility in China. Located in Zhangjiangang, Jiangsu Province, the new production facility covers an area of 130,000 square meters with a design that looks towards maximizing on effi-ciencies and reducing energy consumption. The new R&D facility is focused on the creation and development of products for coatings, paint and powder coatings.

According to Jotun senior officials, the opening is part of the company’s continued thrust to develop world class products that add more value to its customers while also highlighting Jotun’s global expertise, product quality and best practices standards. The new production facility was built adjacent to an already operational coatings factory in Jiangsu. The facility is equipped with the most modern equipment and machinery to ensure product consistency, energy efficiency and in compliance with the HSE standards. Products to be developed in the newly-opened factory include Fusion Bond Epoxy powder coatings, hybrid epoxy/polyester powder coatings, polyester powder coatings and other specialized products.

“The opening of these two new facili-
ties proves to be a very strategic move for
us as China is currently positioned as the
world’s largest and fastest growing pow-
der coatings market. The move represents
our commitment towards creating world
class products that add more value to our
customers,” said Bjorn Naglestad, general
manager, Jotun Coatings China. “Both the
factory and the R&D facility reflect
Jotun’s core values and objectives.”
Jotun China is considered to be one of
the leading players in the marine and pro-
tective segments. Since establishing its re-
gional presence in China in 1998, the
company now has a workforce of over
1,500 employees and an annual turnover

From left to right: Morten Fon, president and CEO, Jotun Group; Bjorn Naglestad, general manager, Jotun Coatings China; Xu Jian Bo, Zhangjiagang Government; Bian Dong Fang, Zhangjiagang Mayor; Odd Gleditsch, chairman of the board of Jotun Group; Yao Ling Rong, Zhagnjiagang Government; Esben Hersve, group executive vice president, Jotun Coatings; Martin Chew, group executive vice president, Jotun Powder Coatings; Dong Zhao Ming, general manager, Jotun COSCO Marine Coatings (Qingdao) Co. Ltd.; Olav Marstokk, operations director, Jotun Coatings Zhangjiagang; Julia Zhu, business director, Jotun Powder Coatings China; and Mike Wu, project manager, Jotun Powder Factory.

of more than RMB 3 billion. Jotun China’s target markets include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and applicators operating in diverse industries like, construction, appliances, furniture and fixture, automotive and transport and the oil and gas (O&G) segment.

provide hiding, durability and whiteness characteristics.

PPG signs agreement for titanium dioxide technology with a China-based company PPG Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with Henan Billions Chemicals Co., Ltd. by which PPG will license certain chloride-based technologies to Billions for use at Billions’ titanium dioxide (TiO2) refinement facilities in China. In addition, PPG has signed a long-term purchase agreement for titanium dioxide with Billions. PPG intends to use the chloride-based TiO2 manufactured by Billions for various end-use applications, including paints and other coatings. The TiO2 also would be available for sale to third parties. PPG previously manufactured titanium dioxide using the chloride process at its chemicals facility in Natrium, W. Va., and sold titanium dioxide pigment for coatings and other end-use applications. Titanium dioxide is a raw material widely used in the paint and coatings industry as a pigment to

Fortech expands production and research facilities in Michigan

Fortech Products, Inc., a provider of corrosion-resistant coatings, metal-forming lubricants and contract packaging services for the auto industry, is expanding its production, laboratory and office facilities in Michigan.

The company recently moved into a new 80,000-square-foot headquarters on a 27-acre tract in Brighton, Mich., nearly tripling its production capacity, adding 25 percent more warehouse space, increasing product storage capacity by 75,000 gallons and further expanding its full-service research and development laboratories.

The new facilities are designed to meet growing customer demand for the company’s products and services.

“Fortech sales have grown by more than 25 percent in the last 12 months alone,” said Creighton Forester, Fortech’s CEO and president. “In the months ahead, we also expect to see significant increases in our sales of corrosion-resistant coatings and the lubricants we package for the aftermarket.”