GEO Specialty Chemicals Inc., a supplier of resin products and additives for coatings, announced a collaboration agreement with the University of Southern Mississippi's International Coatings and Formulation Institute (ICFI) involving a research program designed to develop new, environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethane dispersion coatings.

Akzo Nobel announced plans to build a powder-coatings manufacturing plant in Vietnam in a project with a joint-venture partner, Chang Cheng Securities.

Russell-Stanley has joined Containers America L.L.C., a consortium of six regional steel drum companies that offers supply and service capabilities on a nationwide basis.

Nissan has named PPG Industries Inc. to be the sole finishing-products supplier at the automaker's new assembly plant in Canton, MS, when the plant begins operation in 2003, PPG announced.

Rohm and Haas Co.and the Japanese specialty-chemicals manufacturer Chemicrea Inc. announced a global manufacturing and distribution agreement involving the manufacture of certain isothiazolone biocides.

Activities included a "cake-cutting" ceremony with Wllloughby Mayor David Anderson and company founder Newton Zucker.

Deeks will market Cargill's linseed, soya, sunflower, and canola oils, the Dilulin reactive diluent, and related products in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and surrounding areas.

United Mineral and Chemical Corp. has appointed P.T. Hutchins Co., Los Angeles, sales agent in California.

T o jointly develop and commercialize fluorochemical products for surface-modification and surfactant applications.

The M.F. Cachat Co. relocated its corporate headquarters to 14600 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.