Powder Perspective

PCI Honors 2017 Hall of Fame Inductee >>

The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) held its annual Hall of Fame Banquet during the 2017 Annual Meeting at the Tamaya Resort and Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M., this past summer. Hall of Fame members are selected for their many years of service and dedication to the association. This is an honor bestowed upon the recipient because of their efforts, accomplishments and contributions to PCI and the industry. The Hall of Fame was initiated in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the association as well as to the industry as a whole.

This year’s honoree, Bob Allsop, a 42-year employee of PCI member company Nordson Corporation, was recognized for his service on multiple PCI committees, the PCI board of directors and for serving in all the PCI officer positions, including president.

Bob spent most of his career marketing powder coating equipment worldwide for Nordson Corporation before retiring in 2015. At the Hall of Fame banquet, Greg Dawson, also of Nordson, gave a thoughtful tribute to his friend and co-worker. “I’ve worked with Bob for most of my 29 years at Nordson but didn’t really get to know him until we began planning trade shows and working on PCI business together,” notes Dawson. “In a sense, this organization helped create a great business relationship between two work colleagues that has since grown into a tremendous friendship. We all talk about the value of networking, but sometimes it takes an outside influence like PCI for even co-workers to forge relationships. Well respected and liked by all at PCI for his work, energy and dedication to the industry, Bob’s legacy for us is the introduction of a new generation of work colleagues… Thank you Bob for your dedication and mentoring, this award is well deserved.”

PCI extends its sincere appreciation for the exceptional contributions made by Bob and congratulates him on his Hall of Fame induction. “I am honored and humbled to receive such a distinguished award,” says Allsop. “The thought that I would someday receive this honor never crossed my mind. This is truly an unexpected honor, but one that is appreciated more than you’ll ever know. I’ve often told friends and colleagues that working on behalf of the Powder Coating Institute was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I learned so much from PCI colleagues across the spectrum of businesses that serve this industry… once again, thanks very much for this honor.”

Hammer Earns 2017 PCI/Axalta Scholarship >>

Theodore Hammer is the winner of the 2017 PCI/Axalta Scholarship. Offered to college students pursuing degrees related to powder coating technologies, the scholarship fosters growth and innovation in the industry by identifying recipients who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership potential.

As the 2017 scholarship recipient, Hammer will receive $5,000 toward his graduate degree in Polymer Science from the University of Akron. His academic record, passion for the industry, and dedication to research cemented Hammer as the top choice for the award. Currently, Hammer assists with several industry projects, working on the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins and is focusing his graduate research on ultraviolet-curable powder coatings.

“PCI is very proud to partner with our member, Axalta Coating Systems, to offer this scholarship,” says Trena Benson, PCI executive director. “As the premier industry association, whose mission is the promotion of powder coating technology, these PCI scholarships represent a great opportunity to support the goals of students, like Theodore, who have interest in our industry and can help us to advance our technology.”

“It’s important that we invest in students because they will be influential in the industry in the years to come,” says Michael K. Bollan, Axalta business director, Powder Coatings-Americas. “At Axalta, we are committed to identifying and equipping future leaders with the tools they need to succeed. The PCI/Axalta Scholarship is just one of several ways that Axalta supports science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education initiatives worldwide.”

To learn more about Axalta’s powder coatings, visit www.axalta.us/powder.

POWDER COATING 2018 to be Held in Indy >>

The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) is pleased to announce the PCI POWDER COATING 2018 Technical Conference & Tabletop Exhibition will be held March 12-14, at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, followed immediately by PCI’s Powder Coating 101 Workshop, on March 14-15. PCI’s Executive Director Trena Benson remarks, “We are excited to be headed back to Indy for the POWDER COATING 2018 Technical Conference. This event is the best place for powder coating end users and suppliers to learn, network, and support the entire powder coating industry.”

The event will kick off with the Technical Conference and Tabletop Exhibition on Monday and Tuesday, March 12-13, closing on the morning of March 14. Complete with general sessions and concurrent technical program, attendees will have access to a variety of powder coating information as well as personal interaction with suppliers. The tabletop display area will feature powder coating manufacturers, powder coating application equipment, system houses, chemical suppliers and various services that support the powder coating industry.

Following the technical conference, PCI’s popular Powder Coating 101: Basic Essentials Hands-On Workshop will be offered on Wednesday.afternoon, March 14, and Thursday, March 15. The workshop includes a comprehensive agenda that covers all the basics of powder coating operations and concludes with handson training demonstrations at an area powder coating facility.

Say Hello to PCI’s Newest Members >>

Custom Coaters

Maui Powder Works

Lahaina, HI • 808-667-9690

www.mauipowderworks.com

Reed Custom Coatings

Cleveland, OH • 216-861-2400

www.ohioawning.com

Powder Producer

Alpha Coating Technologies

Addison, IL • 630-268-8787

www.alphacoatingtech.com

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best in the powder coating industry. Representatives from OEMs and custom coaters who apply powder coating and other industrial finishes will attend this event.

Save the week of March 12- 15, 2018, and start planning your trip to Indianapolis. Visit www. powdercoating.org frequently for updates and registration information as it becomes available

Axalta to Supply Powder for Tallest Building in Malaysia >>

Axalta Coating Systems, in collaboration with Euro Façade, Superb Aluminium and Mulia Group, will supply its Alesta® powder coatings for The Exchange 106 tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With completion scheduled for 2018, the skyscraper will be the tallest building in Malaysia, transforming the city’s International Financial District.

The Exchange 106 is the latest flagship project of Mulia Group, Indonesia’s leading commercial property developer, which is renowned for its cutting-edge design, efficient space planning, and operational excellence. Designed to be the most luxurious office skyscraper in the world, the iconic tower will exemplify the most innovative construction strategies.

Euro Façade Tech Sdn Bhd, Superb Aluminium Industries Sdn Bhd, and ultimately Mulia Group, selected Axalta products due to their unique, metallic finish, as well as Axalta’s strong technical support and convenient lead time. The group chose Alesta SD Silver Trophy Grey and Alesta AP Beige Matt to coat the curtainwall aluminum extrusions and back pans of the structure. In addition to their high-performance attributes, the Alesta coatings met the chief designer’s vision and the overall concept of the building.

The Exchange 106 will stand 106 floors high at the southern gateway to the capital. The building is also designed to be environmentally sustainable and will be certified under the Green Building Index (GBI) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

In other Axalta news, recordbreaking teenager William Byron will drive for 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports beginning next season. He will debut at stock car racing’s highest level in the 2018 Daytona 500 and compete for rookie of the year honors.

Byron’s No. 5 Chevrolet team will feature sponsorship from Axalta Coating Systems and Liberty University, which currently support the 19-year-old driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Beginning in 2018, the two primary sponsors will cover the majority of Byron’s Cup races annually. Additional details of the multi-year partnerships will be announced at a later date.

George Koch Sons Buys EFS Assets >>

George Koch Sons, LLC, has purchased the assets of Engineered Finishing Systems. This purchase adds porcelain enamel expertise to KOCH’s portfolio in automated finishing systems, including liquid painting, powder, electrocoat, anodizing, plating, and now— porcelain enamel. With the addition of porcelain enamel and the expertise of key Engineered Finishing System personnel, including Kevin Coursin, who will lead global account sales management in the appliance industry, KOCH provides the widest range of automated finishing systems in the world. For more information about KOCH capabilities, visit www.kochllc.com.

PCI Launches Second Video in Series >>

Dedicated to the promotion of Powder Coating technology, the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) introduces another video that is a part of the Powder Coating, A Better Kind of Paint video series. This second video in the series focuses on expanding awareness about the environmental benefits of powder coating when compared to liquid paint.

Powder coating is stronger, greener, and better than paint for many reasons, most notable is the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous waste disposal. Each of these attributes helps to keep our air and environment cleaner for generations that follow. Trena Benson, PCI’s executive director, says, “Powder coating is a very tough and durable coating that positively impacts our environment.”

To learn more about the environmental advantages and other benefits of powder coating, visit the PCI website, www.powdercoating.org/abetterkindofpaint, and then share the video on social media using #ABetterKindOfPaint.

PPG Foundation Awards more than $290,000 with National Merit Scholarship Program >>

The PPG Foundation announced that it is sponsoring more than $290,000 in undergraduate college scholarships for U.S. students through National Merit Scholarship Corp. in 2017, including 49 new four-year scholarships.

The new scholarships include 35 awards for PPG employees’ children and 14 awards for students who live in communities near PPG facilities. Scholarship winners are selected by National Merit Scholarship Corp. based on Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores and additional criteria, and they receive awards of $1,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.

“The PPG Foundation has partnered with National Merit Scholarship Programs for more than 50 years to reward students for their hard work and achievements,” says Sue Sloan, executive director of the PPG Foundation. “We are delighted to continue our relationship, and our support of students who will become future leaders in industries such as advanced manufacturing.”

For consideration for the program, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year of high school.

Midwest Finishing Systems Expands Its Operations >>

Midwest Finishing Systems, an Indiana-based company that specializes in turnkey powder coating systems, has expanded its operations with a second building located near the company’s headquarters. Continued growth in the powder coating industry created a need for added capacity to keep pace with high customer demand. This expansion more than doubles the company’s current manufacturing footprint, helping to improve efficiency as well as support existing business and future growth. For more information about Midwest Finishing Systems visit www.powdercoating.com

DSM Concludes Acquisition of Outstanding Shares in DSM-AGI >>

Royal DSM, a global sciencebased company active in health, nutrition, and materials, today announces that it has concluded the acquisition of the outstanding 49 percent of shares in its DSMAGI joint venture, thereby gaining sole ownership of the Taiwan-based supplier of innovative, high-quality and environmentally friendly UVcurable resins and other specialty chemicals.

DSM issued a public tender offer to purchase the remaining shares of DSM-AGI Corporation via one of its affiliates on March 3, 2017. This process has now been completed and the company has been de-listed from the Taipei stock exchange.

DSM originally acquired a 51 percent stake in DSM-AGI in July 2011 to strengthen the UV-curing technology platform for DSM Resins & Functional Materials. Making DSM-AGI a wholly-owned subsidiary will allow DSM to more effectively integrate DSM-AGI’s operations and management within its own global organization. Fully leveraging DSM’s operational expertise and R&D capabilities is expected to enhance DSM-AGI’s global competitiveness and allow it to better respond to current and future developments in its industry.

Patrick Niels, president of DSM Resins & Functional Materials, comments, “UV-curing coating systems are among the most sustainable coating technologies on the market. The acquisition of the outstanding shares underlines DSM’s commitment to create a leading position in UV resins, alongside its leading global position in powder coating and waterborne resins. UV resins are in high demand for use in high-performance, low-eco footprint and high efficiency coating applications as well as for specialty applications such as for use in fiber optic coatings. Driving the transition to more sustainable technologies from our leading global market positions has been and will remain a clear growth driver for DSM and a clear value driver for our industry partners.”

Echo’s Green Efforts >>

Echo began its quest to go greener by adopting new biodegradable packaging. The company’s effort continues with the implementation of a recycling program.

As Echo grows, unfortunately, the amount of waste the company produces does as well. They are combating that concern by making it easier than ever for their team to recycle! The production and shipping teams are recycling cardboard and material scraps, while the office teams are recycling mostly paper products and plastic bottles. Recycling bins have been added to the break rooms and warehouses for ease of use, as well as signs that clearly state all the items that can be saved from the landfill.

Arkema Names GE Chaplin Distributor of the Year >>

Arkema Coating Resins has named GE Chaplin of Flemington, N.J., the 2016 North American “Distributor of the Year” for helping build better relationships with customers, outstanding technical expertise and strong financial growth in the past year.

GE Chaplin focuses on flexible and clear PVC products and distributes plastic additives in North America for Arkema. “The team at GE Chaplin works intimately with customers and suppliers to provide the best possible plastic additives solution based on project needs,” Aldo Sousa, senior account manager with Arkema, explains. “That level of service isn’t something most distributors can offer. It requires a combination of a strong technical expertise and the industry relationships needed to match the right technology with the final product.”

GE Chaplin has been in business for 29 years and a distributor of Arkema plastic additives for many years. Arkema selected the company based on internal polling and rigorous performance criteria.

“We are honored to accept this award,” Gregg Chaplin, president and CEO of GE Chaplin, says. “Arkema’s emphasis on customer relationships and technology fits well with our own business approach and helps us better meet customer needs. We look forward to working with them for years to come.”

This marks the first year Arkema awards this honor to a distributor.

“As our coating resins and plastic additives business has grown the past few years, we have seen the increasing importance of reliable and knowledgeable distributors,” Mike Wurst, market manager for plastic additives at Arkema, says. “Today, companies like GE Chaplin are crucial to our business success. This award lets us recognize the role they play as we work together in the industry.”

CHEMARK Consulting Group Expands Its Coatings, Paints Footprint >>

Through a 42-year history of successfully assisting its clients with strategic direction based on accurate analytics, the Southern Pines, NC CHEMARK consulting group is proud to announce its liaison with Specialty Coating Services, Inc. (SCS) of Louisville, Ky., an independent testing and consulting firm focused on providing timely, professional technical services to the coatings and paints industry.

SCS capabilities are provided by a highly qualified technical staff with over 50 years of experience in the development, testing and formulation of environmentally compliant and conventional finishing systems for virtually all facets of the coatings and paints industry.

All research development and formulation is conducted in the SCS state-of-the-art laboratory, which is equipped to compound, apply, and fully evaluate a wide variety of coating technologies. SCS Labs’ client requests may be addressed on a project basis, or via a long-term retainer basis wherein numerous projects may be undertaken individual or simultaneously, as per customer direction.

The combination of CHEMARK assisting clients in the strategic and tactical planning and implementation of new and existing product lines, and now SCS, providing formulation and application coatings and paints knowhow, plus validating test data and benchmark against industry standards, will provide a more robust client benefit.

Contact either CHEMARK Consulting at 910-692-2492 or Specialty Coating Services at 502-327-7252 for additional information.

Hurricane Harvey: How to Help >>

Right before this edition of Powder Coated Tough went to press, Hurricane Harvey had ravaged the coastlines of Texas and Louisiana, causing recordbreaking rainfall and flooding in epic proportions.

All of us at Powder Coated Tough, the Powder Coating Institute and Goyer Management would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone who has been affected by this devastating force of nature.

With several of our member companies in that area, we are hoping for the water to recede as rapidly as it rose and for everyone to get back to business as soon as they can.

Hundreds if not thousands of people will return to find their lives and livelihoods upended, but there are plenty of organizations on the ground to help the victims rebuild in the months ahead.

If you want to help or donate, here are a few places to get started.

Red Cross—www.redcross.org, 800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Salvation Army—disaster.salvationarmyusa.org, 800-725-2769

Southwest Airlines—www.southwest.com

Save the Children—www.savethechildren.org

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund— https://ghcf.org/hurricane-relief

Austin Disaster Relief Network— https://adrn.org/disaster-relief/hurricaneharvey

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center— www.southtexasblood.org, 210-731-5590

Texas Diaper Bank—www.texasdiaperbank.org

Catholic Charities USA— https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/ccusadisaster, or text CCUSADISASTER to 71777.

SPCA of Texas—www.spca.org/give

Austin Pets Alive!—www.austinpetsalive.org/hurricane-harvey-evacuations

PCI Member Zippo Celebrates 25 Years Partnership with Watkins Glen >>

Zippo Manufacturing Company, an OEM member of the Powder Coating Institute (PCI), and Watkins Glen International celebrated their 25th anniversary of partnership and delighted racing fans in 2017. This year’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Zippo 200 took place at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 5.

Fans visiting “The Glen,” the premier road racing facility in North America, for the weekend’s tripleheader were able to stop by the Zippo Hot Spot to spin the wheel and win Zippo swag, have their Zippo windproof lighters tuned-up, and purchase Zippo merchandise, including new

Zippo outdoor products. The famous Zippo Car and Zippo Jeep were also on site for fun photo ops. Zippo signed on as a track sponsor in 1992, and the following year, as the title sponsor of the inaugural Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix. The event featured classic cars with international appeal—a great fit for the classic Zippo lighter, which also has international appeal.

In its first 10 years, the event grew to surpass all other similar races in the United States, becoming the largest and most well attended vintage event in the nation. Zippo continued sponsoring the event for 15 years.

In 2005, Zippo also became title sponsor of an annual, nationally televised NASCAR stock car race at Watkins Glen. The inaugural Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race was run on August 13, 2005, and won by Ryan Newman in the number 39 Alltel car.

News from NAM

NAM’s Outlook Survey Q2

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the manufacturing sector has begun to turn a corner in recent months, trending in the right direction both in the United States and globally after struggling for much of the past two years. In addition, there is a sense that many of the pro-growth policies that businesses have long sought, including tax reform, a major infrastructure package and regulatory relief, among others, might finally come to fruition, albeit perhaps slower than some might prefer. As a result, manufacturing leaders have shown increased optimism since the election.

In March, the Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) rose to an all-time high in the survey’s 20-year history, with 93.3 percent of respondents positive about their own company’s outlook. Three months later, manufacturers remain very upbeat. In the latest report, 89.5 percent were either somewhat or very positive about their own company’s outlook.

This pullback in confidence mirrors easing in other sentiment surveys, even as they continue to present an encouraging assessment of overall conditions. In this case, the percentage who are positive in their outlook has averaged 91.4 percent over the first and second quarters of 2017, the highest consecutive two-quarter average in the survey’s history.

Economic Outlook

NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray reports the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to improve, though at a modest pace. The Markit Flash U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remains above the 50.0 neutral mark, but slipped a little from 53.3 in July to 52.5 in August. Weaker growth in both output and new orders were the key factors that pulled down the latest survey results. Production volumes also expanded at a slower pace. At the same time, increasing input prices for metals, oil, and electrical components pushed production costs higher.

Data from the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank were encouraging, with manufacturing activity expanding at its fastest pace since March 2017. New orders, production, and shipments accelerated strongly, even as hiring and exports continued to reflect lingering challenges. In the report, respondents remained cautiously optimistic in their outlook. They were concerned with increasing input costs, as well as the cost for health care insurance. For more from NAM, visit www.nam.org.

The Powder Coating Research Group Expands into New Laboratory >>

The Powder Coating Research Group has relocated to a new facility in Columbus, Ohio. PCR Group, an independent research and development company, recently moved to 1823 O’Brien Rd. on Columbus’ west side. The new facility boasts a 3,000 sq.-ft. operation including an expanded processing area, two isolated spray rooms, a comprehensive testing lab and conference room. “Our new location gives us greater processing and evaluation capabilities,” says senior testing manager, Nick Page. “In addition, this modern facility offers greater convenience and amenities compared to our former downtown location.”