APRIL 2014 3

F O C U S O N P O W D E R C O A T I N G S

recorded by the specialitychemical products segment whosesales fell by 11% to €4.95 bnreflecting a decline in demandand asset sales (particularly thesale of Chemicals Pakistan in2012). AkzoNobel’s decorativepaints business posted a 3%decline in sales to €4.17 bn.Turnover from performancecoatings fell by 2% to €5.57 bn.

According to the group’spresident Ton Buechner,AkzoNobel was hit by poormarket conditions and difficultieson the speciality chemicalproducts market in 1H 2013.However in 2H 2013 it saw thefirst signs of stability on severalmarkets. In addition to its ownrestructuring measures, thispositive effect allowed the groupto improve its profitability in 3Qand 4Q despite exchange ratefluctuations. AkzoNobel warns thatthe economic climate remainsfragile and that foreign currencymarkets are still volatile. It willtherefore pursue significantrestructuring plans in order to cutcosts still further. It expects thisrestructuring to result in chargesof at least €250 M in 2014.

Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 10Feb 2014, (664), (Website:http://www.industrie.com/chimie/) © ETAIInformation 2014 (in French)

PPG acquires Hi-Temp Coatings inthe US

PPG has signed a definitiveagreement to acquire all of Hi-Temp Coatings Technology’sassets. This company is based inBoxborough, MA and wasfounded in 2001. It specializes inthe production and distribution oftemperature-resistant coatings andinsulation coatings. Its productsare mainly used in refineries,petrochemicals complexes, paperpulp and paper factories and inpower stations. The acquisitionshould be finalized during 1H2014. Financial terms of the dealwere not disclosed. According toTim Knavish (vice president ofPPG’s protective and marine

coatings business), Hi-Temp’stechnology will open upopportunities for growth,particularly in the petrochemicalssegment.

Original Source: Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 10 Feb 2014, (664), (Website:http://www.industrie.com/chimie/ © ETAIInformation 2014 (in French)

Thailand: Dow adds polyetherpolyols facility to existing site

Dow Chemical Company’s DowPolyurethanes business isplanning to build a polyetherpolyols plant at its manufacturingsite in Map Ta Phut, Thailand.The plant, with a capacity of 165ktonnes/y, will use DMC catalysttechnology to produce polyetherpolyols for coating, adhesive,sealant, elastomer, and flex slabapplications. First announced in2006, the new site servescustomers in India, China, andSoutheast Asia.

Original Source: Asian Plastics News, Nov-Dec 2013, 5 (Website:http://www.apn.com.sg) © Asian PlasticNews Publishing and Fulfillment Pte Ltd2013

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings torelocate manufacturing facilitiesin China

By end-2015, AkzoNobel PowderCoatings aims to move itsproduction plants in Suzhou andNingbo, China, to the ChangZhou National High-Tech District.The company’s Ningbo facility isunavailable for future operationsbecause it has been chosen as afuture residential zone in the 2010urbanization plan of the Chinesegovernment. The company willtransfer its operations in theSuzhou facility to Chang Zhou tosupport its integrated businessstrategy focused on ensuringsustainable growth of Chinesebusiness. Until end-2015, theseChinese facilities will continue tooperate as normal with nodisruptions to customer supply.Additional details on thecomprehensive HR plans andrelocation plans for employees in

the Suzhou and Ningbo facilitieswill be revealed in due time.Currently, AkzoNobel has over7700 employees in China. Itsrevenue in 2012 reached €1.7 bn.AkzoNobel Powder Coatingscurrently has six Chineseproduction plants that servecustomers across the region.

Original Source: Coatings World, Jan 2014,19 (1), 8 (Website:http://www.coatingsworld.com) © RodmanPublishing 2014

Cytec expands production of UVstabilizers in China

Cytec Industries has expandedthe production of its CyasorbCynergy Solutions stabilizersthrough the addition of a newpolymer additives production lineat its facility in Fengxian,Shanghai, China. The companybegan its operations at theFengxian facility in Apr 2012 toprovide better service for itscustomers in the Asia Pacificmarket which is rapidlyexpanding. Among the company’sproducts are the Cyasorb CynergySolutions and Cyasorb THT lightstabilizers, which are used toprotect plastics and coatings fromUV light exposure.

Original Source: PPCJ, Polymers, Paint,Colour Journal, Feb 2014, 204 (4593),(Website:http://www.polymerspaintcolourjournal.com/)© Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014

Jotun sets up factory in Batangas

Norway-based Jotun intends toconstruct a manufacturing plant inthe Philippines. The company hasalready bought the land for theplanned factory in Santo Tomas,Batangas. It is expected that theplant will begin its operations aftertwo years, roughly in 2016. Thepaints, coatings and powdercoatings company has existingsales and distribution centre inCebu and Manila.

Original Source: PPCJ, Polymers, Paint,Colour Journal, Feb 2014, 204 (4593),(Website:http://www.polymerspaintcolourjournal.com/)© Quartz Business Media Ltd 2014