Cognis is working with the IMCD Group, one of Europe's leading specialty chemicals distribution companies, to establish a joint distribution network for Cognis' ingredients for the paint and coatings industry.
The Thai paint market is estimated at 415,000 tons in 2005 and is expected to grow by an average of 6% per year to reach 557,300 tons by 2010, according to a recent report by Information Research (IRL).
Paul Allen, a member of the executive committee and previously head of Cognis' Nutrition & Health strategic business unit, took over as group vice president of Functional Products on November 1, 2005.
Sweco, a manufacturer of particle-size separation equipment, recently won the International Trade Award of Excellence from the Northern Kentucky International Trade Association for the company's forward-thinking efforts and successful expansion into international markets.
BASF has received approval from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to market its new aliphatic, modified isophoronediamine (mIPDA) chain extender for use in formulating light-stable polyurea coatings.
Dampney Company Inc., Everett, Mass., manufacturer of specialty paints and high-temperature coatings since 1917, has purchased the assets of Alvin Products, Inc., Lawrence, Mass., manufacturer of lab-metal repair and patching compounds since 1950.
On November 17, 2005, Eastman Chemical Company inaugurated its China Lab in Shanghai, China, to support the development of new formulations and performance-enhancing applications for North Asia-based customers primarily in the coatings, adhesives and plastics industries.
Akzo Nobel is investing €24 million to increase capacity at its Bermocoll® production facility in Sweden, which will transform the site into one of the biggest cellulose-derivatives manufacturing plants in the world.