Repaint Reporter

4 INSIDe LINe PPG Acquires sPrAylAt industriAl coAtinGs Business PPG recently acquired assets of Spraylat, a manufacturer of industrial liquid and powder coatings. "Acquiring Spraylat furthers PPG's strategy to remain a leading industrial coatings supplier," said Richard Zoulek, PPG vice president, industrial coatings, Americas. "This transaction strengthens PPG's position in key end-use markets such as automotive parts while expanding PPG's overall liquid and powder coatings capabilities." Spraylat industrial products are used in such markets as automotive parts, architectural powder coatings, transportation, and general industrial niches, including mirror, electronic device, metal office furniture and storage, and sign coatings. THe VALUe OF NUMbeR ONe As you hopefully know, our singular vision at PPG is to continue to be the world leader in coatings. Our recent acquisitions of Akzo Nobel's North American architectural brands and Spraylat's industrial coatings business reflect this ongoing commitment (see news on this page). As a result, customers of our products—whether they are for collision, custom, fleet or light industrial work—gain significant benefits by partnering with the number one coatings supplier. One prime advantage that comes easily to mind is product innovation. By employing R&D resources that only a global leader is capable of supporting, PPG continues to be the frontrunner for finding creative, technology-advancing solutions for our customers. Our waterborne speed primers and clearcoat technology, for example, have pushed the envelope and set the stage for the near future when a complete PPG waterborne system will be the standard for performance and productivity. PPG's extensive, broad-based product portfolio is another value of our number one position in the marketplace. Oftentimes product breakthroughs for one market application are actually derived from a PPG advancement originally developed for use in an entirely different industry. Our ultra-durable marine coating technology for example, has found new homes in commercial transportation applications that also require enhanced durability. Finally, and equally important, is PPG's long-term commitment to coatings. Since it is our core business, you can count on PPG as your coatings partner for a long time to come. PPG exPAnds KAnsAs city trAininG offerinGs In an effort to keep pace with the increased demand for training, particularly from new waterborne basecoat customers and MVP business development participants, PPG has doubled the size and expanded the capabilities of their Business Development Center in Kansas City, Mo. Gary Allen, owner of ColorVision, a Springfield, Mo.-based PPG Platinum Distributor, said having a modern, fully equipped business development center in his market is invaluable. "Not only can I keep my associates on the cutting edge of new technologies, processes and procedures, we have the ability to do the same for our clients." As one of PPG's 16 business development centers across North America, the Kansas City facility draws customers from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado. PPG Buys AKzo noBel n.A. ArcHitecturAl PAints In a move consistent with its mission to continue to be the world's leading coatings and specialty products company, PPG recently finalized the acquisition of Akzo Nobel's North American architectural coatings business. With the addition of the well-known GLIDDEN ® , FLOOD ® , CIL, SICO ® and LIQUID NAILS ® brands, the acquisition further strengthens PPG's portfolio of North American brands such as the PPG Paints, PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS ® , PPG PORTER PAINTS ® , LUCITE ® and OLYMPIC ® Paint and Stain lines. PPG also will license the following brands: DULUX ® and DEVOE ® architectural coatings, and SIKKENS ® architectural wood products. With the acquisition, PPG expands its reach in the home center, independent paint dealer and company- owned paint store channels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The company's architectural paint product offerings are now available in more than 15,000 outlets across the region. Greg decamp GM Sales & Marketing, Automotive Refinish USCA 4

• Cover