WESEL, Germany - ECKART Effect Pigments, a Division of ALTANA AG, has signed an agreement to acquire the production of Metalure pigments from Avery Dennison. ECKART has been the worldwide distributor of the PVD-type aluminum pigments manufactured by Avery Dennison for over 20 years. ECKART will acquire the production located at the Avery Dennison site in Schererville, IN, the technology, and approximately 40 employees. The new production unit will be managed by ECKART America as the third U.S.-based ECKART site. Avery Dennison plans to continue its other operations at the Schererville premises. The transaction is subject to approval by Germany’s Federal Cartel Office.