Boeing has qualified a new-generation, high-solids, low-volatile organic compound (VOC) exterior epoxy aerospace primer from PPG Aerospace - PRC-DeSoto. The primer, Desoprime HS CA7700, reportedly exhibits superior adhesion, flexibility and rain-erosion resistance, according to PPG coatings officials.

Hexion Specialty Chemicals, headquartered in Columbus, OH, has won the bidding for chemical-maker Huntsman Corp., Salt Lake City, UT, beating Basell AF.

ITW Performance Polymers, an Illinois Tool Works company, has acquired M&C Specialties Co., a Pennsylvania-based contract manufacturer of custom-fabricated die-cut adhesive components, tapes, and labels to markets around the world.

Plasticolors, Inc. has completed an asset purchase of the UCD™ Colorants products previously owned by Rohm & Haas. The purchase includes the UCD V-Line, Q-Line, HS-Line, E-Line, SF-Line, PS-Line, L-Line, W-Line, and N-Line.

A presentation given by Dow Corning’s Fluorine Technology Program Sales Development Manager Steven R. Block at the 10th Annual International Coatings for Plastics Symposium™ in June, co-hosted by Paint & Coatings Industry and Finishing Today magazines, was awarded “The Best Paper of the Symposium."

Finishing Today Technical Editor Kevin Biller and Managing Editor Christine (Kristi) Grahl were recently honored with APEX® Awards for Publication Excellence from Communications Concepts, Inc.

Robert Ainsworth has joined the Global management team as plant manager for the Paint & Assembly Division.

The Board of Directors of Graco Inc. has named Patrick J. McHale to be the company's president and chief executive officer, and to become a member of the board of directors, effective July 13, 2007.

MetoKote Corp., Inc. has appointed Richard Pettibone to vice president of engineering. Pettibone’s responsibilities include research and development of coating system technologies, engineering, fabrication, and installation of coating systems, quality systems, purchasing, regulatory compliance and the global engineering function of MetoKote.

The Chemical Coaters Association International installed its 2007-2008 officers and national board members during its 2007 Annual Meeting held in Petaluma, CA, June 9-12. Chapter User and Supplier of the Year and 25-year members were also honored during CCAI’s Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting.