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Kynar Flex powder coating now available from Atofina Chemicals Inc
F O C U S clear TGIC-free polyester powder coating with a Dutch merchant specialized in the coating of bicycle frames. Farbe und Lack, Jul 2003, 109 (7), 9 (in German)
Results for Becker in 2002: surge in turnover, drop in profits
O N
POWDER
Berger to open Jammu factory in mid-2004 Berger Paints India Ltd (Berger) expects to commission its sixth factory at Samba in South Jammu by Jul/Aug 2004. The 24,000 tonnes/y factory, which is estimated to cost Rup 250-300 M, would mainly produce decorative and powder coatings. The Jammu & Kashmir State Government has extended concessions to the company such as, relief in sales tax and excise duty, and refunding of income tax. Berger realizes about 70-80% of its revenues from decorative paints and retail business. The company is in the process of acquiring technology for protective coatings from Orica Australia, and technology for powder coatings from the Austria-based Tigerwerke Lack-u-Farbenfabrik. Berger is also exploring opportunities in China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Africa and West Asia.
Swedish coatings manufacturer Wilh Becker recorded a 32% drop in profits to SKR 53 M in 2003. The company experienced a significant pressure on prices in European markets. In addition to this, restructuring and expenditure for consolidation measures and on-going marketing projects burdened results. However Becker’s turnover increased by 6% to SKR 6.5 bn. The company recorded above-average results in Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly for powder coatings. Becker recently inaugurated a new production facility in Shanghai in China. Becker Industrial Coatings (BIC) expanded its market leading position with coil coatings; turnover increased by 12% in 2002. The company recorded significant growth in Asia, but experienced price pressure in European markets. Turnover of Becker Powder Coatings (BPC) increased by 4% in 2002. The company expanded its market shares but results remained below expectations. BIC made a further loss in 2002. The Acroma Division claims to be European market leader of paints and coatings for the wood processing industries. However, turnover decreased by 5% to SKR 1.78 bn. Becker sold part of the distribution network in the UK. Turnover with artist’s paints remained almost stable. ColArtGroup achieved a 3% rise in turnover to SKR 1.72 bn. The artist paints market grew by between 1-2% during this period.
A better-than-expected net income of €201 M was reported by Akzo Nobel for 2Q 2003, 20% less than for 2Q 2002 but higher than the €186-€188 M forecast by analysts. Operating profits amounted to €328 M (-20%). The company’s chemicals division reported an operating income of €74 M (-14%) and sales of €1.15 bn (-3%). Sales of €1.43 bn were recorded by the coatings division, 4% less than for 2Q 2002, whilst operating income amounted to €142 M (-12%). The pharmaceuticals division reported sales of €888 M (-13%) and operating profits of €146 M (-25%). The company’s performance was due to cost reductions, exchange rates, generic competition and higher pension charges.
Farbe und Lack, Jul 2003, 109 (7), 15 (in German)
European Chemical News, 28 Jul 2003, 79 (2063) 9
6
Business Line, 2 Aug 2003, 10 (213), 2
Akzo Nobel is ahead of predictions
C OAT I N G S
NEW PRODUCTS Kynar Flex powder coating now available from Atofina Chemicals Inc Atofina Chemicals Inc will introduce Kynar Flex 2850PC, a new grade of PVDF designed for powder coating applications, at the upcoming Semicon West Expo. The new powder coating grade contains no additives and offers the same high purity as other Kynar grades. And just like other Kynar grades, the new powder coating grade is well suited for use in semiconductor manufacture and other high-purity applications. Kynar Flex 2850PC resin conforms to US Pharmacopoeia VI specifications and meets FDA regulations for repeated food contact. One noteworthy attribute of Kynar Flex 2850PC coatings is the smooth, high-gloss surface finish. The finish enhances the low extraction characteristic of Kynar resins and reduces micro organic deposits and growth. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Atofina Chemicals Inc, employs 3000 people and produces highperformance chemicals and polymers. Press release from: Atofina Chemicals Inc, 2000, Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 191033222, USA. Tel: +1 215 419 7000. Website: http://www.atofinachemicals.com (14 Jul 2003)
MARKETS Slovenia: a picture of health: paints Because domestic demand was insufficient to absorb production in the early 1990s, the Slovenian paint industry underwent significant restructuring, leaving nine producers with an output in 2001 of 120,000 tonnes. Since 1998, turnover has risen by 30% to €194 M, making the sector
AUGUST 2003
Results for Becker in 2002: surge in turnover, drop in profits
O N
POWDER
Berger to open Jammu factory in mid-2004 Berger Paints India Ltd (Berger) expects to commission its sixth factory at Samba in South Jammu by Jul/Aug 2004. The 24,000 tonnes/y factory, which is estimated to cost Rup 250-300 M, would mainly produce decorative and powder coatings. The Jammu & Kashmir State Government has extended concessions to the company such as, relief in sales tax and excise duty, and refunding of income tax. Berger realizes about 70-80% of its revenues from decorative paints and retail business. The company is in the process of acquiring technology for protective coatings from Orica Australia, and technology for powder coatings from the Austria-based Tigerwerke Lack-u-Farbenfabrik. Berger is also exploring opportunities in China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Africa and West Asia.
Swedish coatings manufacturer Wilh Becker recorded a 32% drop in profits to SKR 53 M in 2003. The company experienced a significant pressure on prices in European markets. In addition to this, restructuring and expenditure for consolidation measures and on-going marketing projects burdened results. However Becker’s turnover increased by 6% to SKR 6.5 bn. The company recorded above-average results in Eastern Europe and Asia, particularly for powder coatings. Becker recently inaugurated a new production facility in Shanghai in China. Becker Industrial Coatings (BIC) expanded its market leading position with coil coatings; turnover increased by 12% in 2002. The company recorded significant growth in Asia, but experienced price pressure in European markets. Turnover of Becker Powder Coatings (BPC) increased by 4% in 2002. The company expanded its market shares but results remained below expectations. BIC made a further loss in 2002. The Acroma Division claims to be European market leader of paints and coatings for the wood processing industries. However, turnover decreased by 5% to SKR 1.78 bn. Becker sold part of the distribution network in the UK. Turnover with artist’s paints remained almost stable. ColArtGroup achieved a 3% rise in turnover to SKR 1.72 bn. The artist paints market grew by between 1-2% during this period.
A better-than-expected net income of €201 M was reported by Akzo Nobel for 2Q 2003, 20% less than for 2Q 2002 but higher than the €186-€188 M forecast by analysts. Operating profits amounted to €328 M (-20%). The company’s chemicals division reported an operating income of €74 M (-14%) and sales of €1.15 bn (-3%). Sales of €1.43 bn were recorded by the coatings division, 4% less than for 2Q 2002, whilst operating income amounted to €142 M (-12%). The pharmaceuticals division reported sales of €888 M (-13%) and operating profits of €146 M (-25%). The company’s performance was due to cost reductions, exchange rates, generic competition and higher pension charges.
Farbe und Lack, Jul 2003, 109 (7), 15 (in German)
European Chemical News, 28 Jul 2003, 79 (2063) 9
6
Business Line, 2 Aug 2003, 10 (213), 2
Akzo Nobel is ahead of predictions
C OAT I N G S
NEW PRODUCTS Kynar Flex powder coating now available from Atofina Chemicals Inc Atofina Chemicals Inc will introduce Kynar Flex 2850PC, a new grade of PVDF designed for powder coating applications, at the upcoming Semicon West Expo. The new powder coating grade contains no additives and offers the same high purity as other Kynar grades. And just like other Kynar grades, the new powder coating grade is well suited for use in semiconductor manufacture and other high-purity applications. Kynar Flex 2850PC resin conforms to US Pharmacopoeia VI specifications and meets FDA regulations for repeated food contact. One noteworthy attribute of Kynar Flex 2850PC coatings is the smooth, high-gloss surface finish. The finish enhances the low extraction characteristic of Kynar resins and reduces micro organic deposits and growth. Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Atofina Chemicals Inc, employs 3000 people and produces highperformance chemicals and polymers. Press release from: Atofina Chemicals Inc, 2000, Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 191033222, USA. Tel: +1 215 419 7000. Website: http://www.atofinachemicals.com (14 Jul 2003)
MARKETS Slovenia: a picture of health: paints Because domestic demand was insufficient to absorb production in the early 1990s, the Slovenian paint industry underwent significant restructuring, leaving nine producers with an output in 2001 of 120,000 tonnes. Since 1998, turnover has risen by 30% to €194 M, making the sector
AUGUST 2003