John S. Ruch, PPG Industries Inc.'s manager of Corporate Public Information and a veteran of nearly 33 years with the company, announced his retirement, effective July 1.

The civil rights organization was preparing to file suit against former lead-paint producers.

Erin M. Langenkamp's project, titled "Cover It Up," examined the hiding characteristics of different coatings technologies when applied at varying film thicknesses over different-colored aluminum substrates.

Rohm and Haas Co. announced plans to discontinue all manufacturing of Adhesives and Sealants and Organic Specialties products at the company's Moss Point, MS, chemicals plant by the end of this year.

ICI's Glidden Co., Cleveland, said its "Glidden Color Cruiser" interactive traveling exhibit is touring the country visiting Home Depot stores and Glidden paint-dealer locations around the United States.

Hoover Materials Handling Corp., Alpharetta, GA, has appointed ECOTANK S.A., distributor for Argentina. Hoover is a supplier of industrial packaging and services.

Dock Resins Corp., Linden, NJ, recently opened the Philip I. Barbanel Research and Development Laboratory, dedicated to the company's retired founder.

BASF Coatings AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany, said it signed a basic agreement with DaimlerChrysler AG

NeoResins, Wilmington, MA, announced the launch of a new website, www.neoresins.com

Johnson Polymer and Essential Industries announced the launch of a global technical and commercial alliance.