Articles by Kristin Johansson

PCI editors visited AkzoNobel’s powder coating manufacturing site, North American headquarters, and a R&D Center, and learned about the company’s coatings innovations, sustainability efforts, digitalization, and commitment to continued value for customers.

In a PCI interview, Christina Mahally of Dow Polyurethanes discusses polyurethanes, how they are used in coatings and other industries, and the current market climate.

Read highlights from The Coating Summit 2022. This auspicious gathering of industry icons to exchange views, share insights, and be inspired provides a unique opportunity for coatings industry executives to gather in one place for interactive sessions that address a wide range of topics, from business strategy and economic forecasts to sustainability and new technology.

In an interview with PCI Magazine, Leland Harrs, managing director, head of chemicals, at Houlihan Lokey, offers a brief update on the current M&A market. Houlihan Lokey is a leading global investment bank in New York with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, financial restructuring, and valuation.

Last month, PCI learned that Valspar donated its fourth mural, painted by local Louisiana artist, KaDavien Baylor, at the Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston. The murals are part of Valspar’s Be Bright initiative, which aims to inject hope and brightness into selected communities. Read PCI editor Kristin Johansson’s insights.

PCI recently traveled to the Powder Coating Summit in Lombard, Illinois, where low-temperature-cure powder coatings were a hot topic. PCI asked Dr. Robert Duan, ChemQuest president, and his colleague, Kevin Biller, to provide some background on the new trends, developments, and drivers pushing this topic to the forefront of the powder coatings industry.

In September, PCI’s editors attended our first meeting as members of the Detroit Colour Council (DCC), which was held at the Detroit Institute of Arts museum. Read more to find out what was discussed and PCI’s takeaways.

As part of our focus on distributors in this issue, PCI met with Univar Solutions’ Chris Fitzgerald, global vice president for Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers, and Rubber & Plastic Additives to talk about the role that distributors play, benefits they offer, challenges they face, and innovation in the coatings industry today.

PCI recently visited Wacker Chemical Corp’s new Innovation Center and Regional Headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Read more to learn about the trip and the new facility.

This interview helps offer insight into a study conducted to explain what drives satisfaction among paint and stain customers.