In its June 21 edition, USA Today carried an editorial by Andrew Liveris, chairman and CEO, The Dow Chemical Company, which outlines his company’s vision for an “Advanced Manufacturing Plan” to rejuvenate the U.S. economy, regrow jobs and allow the manufacturing industry to compete successfully again in the global marketplace.

The plan calls for action on a number of fronts to establish a broad policy framework that will enable economic growth in this key sector, which employs nearly 13 million people in the U.S. and six million in related fields. As part of an integrated and strategic approach that will incentivize manufacturers to create the jobs of the future, Liveris recommends a focus on:

• New infrastructure that modernizes our nation’s communication networks, electric grids, and air, sea and land transportation systems;
• Investment in R&D, which has proven to lead to economic growth, greater worker productivity and higher standards of living;
• Funding for education to enhance key skills for manufacturing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics;
• A “pro-trade” policy to create reciprocal market access with important trading partners;
• An alternative energy strategy that encourages efficiency, lower carbon alternatives and an expanded traditional supply;
• Smart regulatory reform to ensure product innovation isn’t bogged down by regulations that lack a solid scientific basis;
• Lowering corporate taxes and issuing R&D tax credits to incentivize manufacturing companies to operate in the U.S.; and
• Civil justice reform to control spiraling costs.

The USA Today editorial appeared the same day Dow hosted vice president Joe Biden at its global headquarters in Midland, Michigan, where the company showcased several of its major green tech initiatives.

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Fire protection is a necessity for steel construction in the oil, gas and chemical industry where combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as oil, methane, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can spell disaster. Typically, these fires, that can reach temperatures of 2,012 degrees F (1,100 degrees C), can cause structural steelwork to lose load bearing strength and eventually buckle and collapse

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The event will address the challenges in ensuring the reliability and safety of offshore pipelines, from corrosion prevention to dealing with ageing infrastructure. Topics to be discussed include standards and standardisation, optimisation of maintenance regimes, lifeline extension programmes and new developments in flexible riser monitoring

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Sherwin-Williams has introduced Polysiloxane 1K, a single-component polysiloxane finish coat that provides superior weathering and chemical resistance compared to typical polyurethanes.
 
“Polysiloxane 1K offers excellent long-term color and gloss retention, extending the coating system’s life cycle in harsh environments,” said Brad Rossetto, Vice President, Marketing, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings. “It’s a single-component coating that eliminates the hassle of mixing that comes with two-component coatings. This means less product and packaging waste, saving time and cost.”
 
Polysiloxane 1K is an ideal steel coating choice for maintenance or new construction applications in the petrochemical, power generation, marine and general industrial markets.
 
Fast-drying Polysiloxane 1K utilizes a patented Sherwin-Williams resin and cures with a reaction from atmospheric humidity. It offers low VOCs (<250 g/L), is HAPs free and isocyanate free.
 
Polysiloxane is available in an Extra White base that can be tinted. It provides protection in a recommended range of 1.5 to 2.5 mils DFT. Application can take place in temperatures as low as 40º F and up to 90 percent relative humidity. It dries to touch within two hours at 77º F and can be recoated within four hours.

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Rebuilding Together, a leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, has announced that their longtime sponsor, Sherwin-Williams, will be supplying all the paint and painting supplies for the upcoming event, Fifty for Five.

Fifty for Five is Rebuilding Together's large-scale event occurring August 24 – 29, and consists of rebuilding fifty homes in Gentilly, Louisiana, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For an entire week, Rebuilding Together affiliates, volunteers and community leaders will unite to deliver considerable renovations that will allow many homeowners who have been displaced since the hurricanes to move back into safer and improved homes.

"Sherwin-Williams is committed to helping our communities where we do business," said Bob Wells, SVP Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Sherwin-Williams. "Following the hurricanes, our associates provided paint and thousands of hours of volunteer labor to help our neighbors in the Gulf region rebuild their neighborhoods and we are pleased to continue those efforts now as a supporter of Rebuilding Together's Fifty for Five."

Sherwin-Williams has been a Rebuilding Together President's Circle Sponsor since 2007. During that time, Rebuilding Together and Sherwin-Williams have developed a strong relationship; rebuilding communities by delivering critical renovations to low-income homeowners nationwide.

Sherwin-Williams has continuously donated paint and home-improvement supplies, and recently assisted in launching Rebuilding Together's Greater Los Angeles affiliate.  In addition, Sherwin-Williams has provided valuable lead safe work practices training and education opportunities to the Rebuilding Together affiliate network.

"As a global and environmental leader in paint and coatings products, Sherwin-Williams is a model partner for this large-scale event in helping us generate a meaningful impact throughout the Gentilly neighborhood and New Orleans community," said Gary Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. "We are pleased to continue our rewarding partnership with Sherwin-Williams during this event."

Sherwin-Williams is joining an array of other sponsors, media personalities, partners, community leaders, and volunteers who are committing their time and resources to one of Rebuilding Together's largest outreach events.

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Recently, Mikron Industries, the most innovative solutions provider for window manufacturers, launches new SuperCoat vinyl window coating for window and door manufacturers, especially those competing in the replacement market. The new coating technology features a patented durable color coating system, which is vacuum-applied and cured by ultraviolet light

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Advancements in basement finishing and moisture control products that help enhance a basement's comfort and value, are encouraging homeowners to make this one-time lasting investment to finish their home's basement and prevent future problems

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In July, RCI, Inc. and the Sealant, Waterproofing & Restoration Institute (SWRInstitute) will release the first in a series of several collaborative Webinar programs

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Valspar has agreed to acquire Australian paint maker Wattyl Ltd for approximately $124 million (A$142 million) and also assume its existing debt. The deal will help Valspar build on its presence in the Asia Pacific region and presents new opportunities for growth, Valspar said. It is subject to approval by shareholders and regulatory authorities. Under the deal, Wattyl, which began operations in 1915 and owns the Wattyl Solagard and Estapol brands, will hand over its 30 percent share of the domestic paints market to Valspar.

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The popularity and growth of outdoor kitchens continues to spread across the country. In response to this increasing demand, DANVER Stainless Steel Cabinetry has developed a breadth of cabinetry finishes including powder coat painted wood finishes and painted designer color options to meet any design aesthetic

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