- In February 2024, Qlayers launched its 10Q coating robot rental program across Europe. This initiative offers companies cost-effective access to advanced robotic coating technology for large industrial surfaces such as storage tanks. The 10Q robot enhances efficiency with a coating speed of up to 200 m²/h, reduces working hours at heights by up to 80%, and minimizes overspray, promoting environmental sustainability. By eliminating the need for upfront capital investment, the rental program makes this innovative solution accessible to a broader range of clients, aligning with stricter overspray regulations and environmental concerns
- In October 2023, Sherwin-Williams announced an agreement to acquire German-based Specialized Industrial Coatings Holding (SIC Holding), which comprises Oskar Nolte GmbH and Klumpp Coatings GmbH. This acquisition aims to enhance Sherwin-Williams' portfolio by integrating innovative foil coatings, radiation-cured, and water-based coatings tailored for the board, furniture, and flooring industries. The move is expected to expand Sherwin-Williams' presence in Europe, Asia, and South America, leveraging SIC Holding's established customer relationships and manufacturing capabilities. The integration of Oskar Nolte and Klumpp Coatings into Sherwin-Williams' Performance Coatings Group is anticipated to accelerate growth in the global industrial wood market, aligning with Sherwin-Williams' strategy to acquire complementary, high-quality, and differentiated businesses
- In December 2022, AkzoNobel completed the acquisition of Lankwitzer Lackfabrik’s aluminum wheel liquid coatings business. This strategic move enhances AkzoNobel’s performance coatings portfolio by integrating Lankwitzer’s approved products for major automotive manufacturers such as Daimler, Audi, VW, Opel, Fiat, and Renault. The acquisition includes a manufacturing site in Leipzig, Germany, and laboratories in Germany and Turkey, expanding AkzoNobel’s global presence. This development allows AkzoNobel to offer a comprehensive liquid and powder aluminum wheel coating solution, reinforcing its position in the automotive market and aligning with its strategic goals. The integration is expected to provide attractive growth prospects for the Leipzig site and its employee’s
- In July 2021, AkzoNobel extended its partnership with Mercedes-Benz for another four years, reinforcing its role as a recommended supplier of vehicle refinish products and services in China and a preferred partner in Indonesia. This collaboration, under AkzoNobel's premium Sikkens brand, was solidified after extensive testing and analysis of the product assortments and services provided. The partnership enables customers to benefit from advanced digital tools such as MIXIT, a cloud-based color retrieval application offering instant access to over two million color formulas, and the compact, hand-held Automatchic spectrophotometer for quicker, more accurate paint jobs with reduced waste. In addition, AkzoNobel's Carbeat digital bodyshop workflow solution enhances production management efficiency and reduces cycle times. For the Chinese market, the company introduced a range of new low VOC products, aligning with industry sustainability trends. This extended partnership underscores AkzoNobel's commitment to providing high-quality, innovative solutions to the automotive industry in these key markets
