Pro Strip

New project!

It seems that at some point over the last 10 to 15 years, the powder coatings industry quietly decided that certain markets were “mature.” Fabricated metal parts. Enclosures. Racking. HVAC equipment. Appliance components. General industrial widgets. Powder worked there. Everyone knew it. The conversions that were going to happen had already happened—or so we seem to have concluded.

And so, without ever saying it out loud, we moved on. Powder coatings had proven themselves. The technical arguments were settled. Durability, corrosion resistance, transfer efficiency, and environmental performance were no longer in serious dispute. Powder had earned its place. And that place—roughly 12% of the total industrial coatings market—was somehow deemed sufficient.

But there is a difference between technology proving its case and an industry finishing its work. And it is worth asking: have we mistaken stalled efforts for true saturation? I believe we have.

When you look closely at many of the applications we now label “mature,” incumbent technologies are still there. Not at the margins, not as exceptions but in meaningful volumes, in places where powder should already be the default. This is not an argument about powder’s technical fit—that ground was taken decades ago. It is an argument for deliberately returning to growth through conversion.

Powder coatings—setting aside noteworthy advancements that may open genuinely new application spaces—are technically mature. Even so, pe*******on in the markets where powder has long been the best coating solution has somehow stalled in adolescence. It is no longer in infancy, but it is clearly not in adulthood, either.

For an association whose stated mission is to advance the use of powder coatings, that reality might be at least mildly disturbing.

TCI Powder Coatings (Americus, Georgia) has maintained its Committed Badge from EcoVadis for a third consecutive assessment cycle. The EcoVadis framework evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

“We are very excited and proud to receive an EcoVadis sustainability badge for the third submission in a row,” said Tom Whalen, vice president of commercial operations. “Recognizing that environmental impact is central to our innovation, service and performance, we live out our 'Your World Matters' commitment by demonstrating how we care for the planet we all share.”

TCI noted that while all powder coating products are inherently VOC-free, the company's research and development teams continue to work on formulations free of PFAs and TGIC. Technical service staff provide training and troubleshooting support aimed at reducing product use and waste in the field. All shipping boxes remain 100% recyclable, and the company is continuing to implement digital initiatives across its business operations.

Corrosion has long been seen as an unavoidable cost of doing business, but a new global study reveals it’s fast becoming one of manufacturing’s biggest untapped opportunities. The new Cost of Corrosion report from Interpon shows that up to $875 billion in preventable costs could be recovered through smarter protection strategies and highlights the industries turning this long-standing challenge into a driver of innovation and performance.

Published by AkzoNobel’s Interpon Powder Coatings, the global study surveyed 1,000 manufacturing leaders across key industries and regions. Featuring a wealth of global and regional insights, it explores how manufacturers are balancing protection, cost, and sustainability amid rising environmental and regulatory pressures. The extensive detail and insights that lie within this landmark study reinforce Interpon’s position at the forefront of advancing corrosion protection.

Global insights include:

· Hidden costs are significant: Almost a third (32%) say their biggest expense comes from lost customers and product returns, and damaging reputations. Another 28% emphasize the environmental cost of waste and landfill.

· Protection is mission critical: There is universal understanding that anti-corrosion protection is important, and nearly half (44%) view it as essential to their business operations.

The landscape varies by sector and region:

· EV manufacturers are setting new standards, with over half already using advanced powder coatings to boost durability and sustainability.

· Architectural manufacturers are caught between legacy systems and tougher regulations demanding more sustainable, longer-lasting protection.

· Industrial equipment producers face rising pressure to modernize, though many hesitate due to initial investment costs.

· North America, South Asia and Australasia show readiness to leap ahead with advanced technologies, while Europe’s new regulations drive a wave of innovation across markets.

These global contrasts reveal a clear shift: corrosion protection is no longer only about preventing damage but creating long-term value.

Today’s powder coating technologies extend product life, cut waste, reduce energy use, and help manufacturers meet sustainability goals, all while improving performance and profitability.

The new facility will complement Proven Industries' existing 45,000-square-foot operation in Palmetto, bringing total production space to 125,000 square feet that are dedicated to coupler locks, wheel locks, pin locks and towing accessories.

Since 2011, the family-run company has maintained domestic production while many competitors moved manufacturing overseas, a decision that has enhanced its ability to manage quality and mitigate global supply-chain risks.

Proven Industries' steady growth has been supported by ongoing investment in R&D, resulting in multiple U.S. design and utility patents that protect its product innovations. These patents reinforce the brand's position as a design leader in trailer-security technology.

"Our focus remains on delivering superior quality through American manufacturing excellence," said Ron Lee, owner and founder of Proven Industries. "This expansion allows us to meet customer demand while maintaining the hands-on quality control that defines our brand."

The expansion supports Florida's manufacturing sector through additional skilled-trade and support positions across engineering, fabrication, machining, powder-coating, assembly and customer service departments.

By housing both manufacturing and customer support teams in Florida, the company maintains close coordination between production and service, ensuring that customer feedback directly informs product improvement.

Proven Industries' vertically integrated approach-from design through final assembly-enables full control over materials, tolerances and finishes. This operational model ensures consistent quality and reliability at a time when imported alternatives often face scrutiny for durability issues.

The company's customer base includes small-business owners and recreational-vehicle enthusiasts who prioritize product integrity and responsive support. Its U.S.-based service model remains a distinguishing feature in a market increasingly focused on quality assurance and trust.

Construction of the new facility further demonstrates Proven Industries' longstanding commitment to American manufacturing. By expanding within Florida, the company continues to contribute to regional economic development while strengthening domestic production capacity in an essential security segment.

BASF and funds managed by global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG), in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), have entered into a binding agreement relating to BASF’s automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinish coatings and surface treatment businesses (“BASF Coatings”).

The enterprise value of the transaction amounts to €7.7 billion. Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2026. This transaction, together with the already closed divestiture of the decorative paints business, value BASF’s entire Coatings division at an enterprise value of €8.7 billion and an implied 2024 EV/EBITDA multiple before special items of approximately 13x. This represents a significant step in unlocking the value of BASF’s standalone businesses, as the company swiftly executes its Winning Ways strategy. BASF will also reinvest in the coatings business, holding a 40% equity stake and will receive pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately €5.8 billion at closing of the transaction.

BASF Coatings is a global player in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings as well as applied surface treatments for metal, plastic and glass substrates in a range of industries. The business operates in Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific, and generated sales of approximately €3.8 billion in 2024.

Working closely alongside management, Carlyle will support the future growth of the business through investing in its commercial capabilities, innovation pipeline and organizational structure to enhance customer focus. Carlyle will leverage its strong track record and extensive experience in successful carve-outs of industrial and chemical assets, following previous investments in Axalta, Atotech and Nouryon.

“We are delighted to partner with Carlyle, whose sector expertise, carve-out capabilities and collaborative approach will help position BASF Coatings for long-term success,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF SE. “By retaining an equity stake, we are showing our belief in Coatings’ future value creation and upside potential. The passion, expertise, and customer focus of our Coatings team is what makes this business outstanding.”

“The transaction announced today opens a new chapter of opportunity for BASF Coatings, building on today’s success and shaping an even stronger future,” said Anup Kothari, member of the board of executive directors of BASF SE and responsible for the Coatings division.

“BASF Coatings is an exceptional platform with leading technologies, a world-class management team, strong customer partnerships, and a truly global footprint,” said Martin Sumner, global head of industrials, and Tanaka Maswoswe, partner at Carlyle. “We see compelling opportunities to leverage our global platform to support the business becoming an established independent leader. This transaction exemplifies Carlyle’s ability to execute complex carve-outs in partnership with leading global corporates.”

“QIA is pleased to partner with Carlyle to support the next phase of BASF Coatings’ continued growth,” said Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA. “This investment aligns with QIA’s approach of investing in industry leaders and is testament to our belief in the long-term resilience of German businesses.”

Business continuity for customers will be ensured throughout the transaction process. In accordance with legal requirements and local practice, employee representatives will be involved.

he new facility will complement Proven Industries' existing 45,000-square-foot operation in Palmetto, bringing total production space to 125,000 square feet that are dedicated to coupler locks, wheel locks, pin locks and towing accessories.

Since 2011, the family-run company has maintained domestic production while many competitors moved manufacturing overseas, a decision that has enhanced its ability to manage quality and mitigate global supply-chain risks.

Proven Industries' steady growth has been supported by ongoing investment in R&D, resulting in multiple U.S. design and utility patents that protect its product innovations. These patents reinforce the brand's position as a design leader in trailer-security technology.

"Our focus remains on delivering superior quality through American manufacturing excellence," said Ron Lee, owner and founder of Proven Industries. "This expansion allows us to meet customer demand while maintaining the hands-on quality control that defines our brand."

The expansion supports Florida's manufacturing sector through additional skilled-trade and support positions across engineering, fabrication, machining, powder-coating, assembly and customer service departments.

By housing both manufacturing and customer support teams in Florida, the company maintains close coordination between production and service, ensuring that customer feedback directly informs product improvement.

Proven Industries' vertically integrated approach-from design through final assembly-enables full control over materials, tolerances and finishes. This operational model ensures consistent quality and reliability at a time when imported alternatives often face scrutiny for durability issues.

The company's customer base includes small-business owners and recreational-vehicle enthusiasts who prioritize product integrity and responsive support. Its U.S.-based service model remains a distinguishing feature in a market increasingly focused on quality assurance and trust.

Construction of the new facility further demonstrates Proven Industries' longstanding commitment to American manufacturing. By expanding within Florida, the company continues to contribute to regional economic development while strengthening domestic production capacity in an essential security segment.

Powder coating, long valued for its efficiency, durability and environmental benefits, is undergoing a major transformation driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. As manufacturing becomes more digital, intelligent and connected, systems are reshaping the coating process by providing improved visibility and control. What once relied on mechanical design and operator experience is now guided by real-time insight and adaptive systems, resulting in a process that is more consistent, efficient and capable of continuous optimization.

Industry 4.0 is not a single tool or technology, but a shift toward connected, intelligent manufacturing systems that work together as a unified whole. In powder coating operations, where quality is shaped by many interacting factors, this approach brings a new level of predictability and control that was previously difficult to achieve. By embedding digital intelligence into both the technical side of coating and the way operations are managed, Industry 4.0 lays the groundwork for the next generation of powder coating lines that operate more autonomously and consistently while delivering higher quality, improved efficiency and stronger sustainability performance.

******es

Early layout concepts followed more traditional rectangular looped designs, with the washer and dry-off oven on one side and the powder booth and cure on the other. However, as the design progressed, it became clear that a conventional footprint would consume too much valuable manufacturing space.

“We started with a layout that wrapped around one bay, then two bays,” O’Sullivan said. “That’s when we really started to worry about how much floor space this one operation was going to take.”

Through collaboration between the two companies, the layout was refined into a straight-line configuration installed against a back wall in a 25-foot by 345-foot space. The return loop was then against the wall, so all equipment was compressed into one continuous path.

The system minimized its footprint while preserving open space for fabrication and material handling. Most important, it delivered the production volume needed while still being flexible enough to handle the variety of parts a job shop powder coater might want to coat.

“The straight-line design wasn’t the original goal,” O’Sullivan explained. “The design was the outcome of trying to keep as much floor space as possible for manufacturing.”

The Trimac system delivers a part from load to unload in 60 minutes, supporting a lean operation. The system design consists of the following equipment:

5-foot per minute, 4-inch I-beam monorail conveyor system (handling up to a 1,000-lb load)
four-stage pretreatment washer designed for zirconium
multi-zoned Trimac Gas-Cat dry-off oven
environmental (EV) room with 10 automatic guns and booth setup provided by Nordson Corp.
multi-zoned Gas-Cat 10-minute cure oven and a heat dissipation tunnel to deliver parts quickly to unload
The system is designed to accommodate parts up to 3-feet wide by 5-feet tall by 20-feet long.