Alufinish (Andernach, Germany) and Columbia Chemical (Brunswick, Ohio) are combining their sales and service capabilities and resources for the U.S. market in a move that offers an expanded line of products and services to a broader base of customers.

The collaboration will offer processes for the surface treatment of aluminum alloys. The two companies will cover the entire process from pre-treatment to anodizing and coating.

“By combining the experience of our companies, we will be able to offer a high-quality service for equally high-quality products in future,” says Stephan Zegers, managing director of Alufinish.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovation and excellence,” says Brett Larick, president of Columbia Chemical. “By combining our strengths, we will be able to offer unparalleled service and drive further growth for the surface treatment of aluminum alloys in the U.S. market.”

The two companies plan to kick-off their collaboration at the Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar from April 30 to May 2 in Orlando, Fla., U.S. Visit both companies at the Alufinish Booth 120.            

Gema USA Inc. has hired Alicia Czyszczon as the controller for Gema. Czyszczon joins the company from USA Comfort Corp., based in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she served as the controller since 2015.

Prior to joining USA Comfort, Czyszczon worked in multiple accounting positions with Buchanan Group, PrimeSource Staffing, Bullwackers Casino, and LVI Environmental Services. In her role with Gema, Czyszczon will be responsible for the management of accounting functions and accounting staff for Gema U.S. and Canada. With her extensive experience in managing all aspects of financial operations, she will bring valuable knowledge to the Gema North America team, the company says.

Technic has promoted Matt Sylvestre to the position of director/research and development. In his new role, Sylvestre oversees and coordinates all research and development projects at Technic's Cranston, Rhode Island, facility, as well as manage the operations of the R&D laboratory.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Sylvestre began in 1998 at Duracell as a process technician. He steadily ascended to the role of senior scientist, dedicating his efforts to refining the chemistry and efficacy of alkaline batteries. Later, Sylvestre transitioned to Clariant, where he served as a chemist with a focus on organic pigments. Since joining Technic in 2008 as an applications chemist, Sylvestre has been instrumental in the advancement of various R&D projects, notably contributing to the development of low-stress acid copper and immersion plating systems. His extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead Technic's R&D efforts into the future.

“I am confident that my colleagues will join me in extending our congratulations to Matt on his promotion to Director / Research and Development. Matt's exceptional expertise and leadership abilities make him an invaluable asset to our team, and we are fully confident that he will spearhead innovation and drive success in his new role.”

                    –Tom Tyson, Vice President / R&D and Manufacturing

Three upcoming in-person courses on finishing from NASF are now open for registration: “Electroplating and Surface Finishing Parts 1 and 2 (CEF),” “Airline and Aerospace FInishing Parts 1 and 2 (CAF)” and “Zinc and Zinc Alloy Plating,” all offered June 4-7, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta during Sur/Fin 2024. Members and non-members have different rates. The registration deadline is May 23. Visit short.pfonline.com/inpersoncourses. Register five or more employees and receive 10% off. Questions should be directed to info@nasf.org.

PPG announced that Lyndee Brassieur, formerly global director, industrial segment operations, specialty coatings and materials, has been named vice president, environment, health and safety (EHS). She will report to Ram Vadlamannati, senior vice president, operations. Brassieur succeeds Mark Cancilla, who retired from PPG, effective March 1, 2024.

In this role, Brassieur will be responsible for the company’s EHS and product stewardship organizations, leading global initiatives focusing on advancing employee safety, incident prevention, regulatory compliance, environmental performance and fostering a global culture of health and safety. She will work in close partnership with leaders from across the company to define EHS policies, develop a corporate strategy around health and safety, and implement tools and processes to achieve world-class EHS performance.

Brassieur was appointed to her current position in late 2022. Since then, she has played a key role in defining and overseeing the operations and manufacturing strategies at PPG’s SCM global manufacturing locations and leading efforts to bring EHS practices across the SCM business.

Brassieur began her PPG career in 1999 at the company’s Lake Charles facility in Westlake, Louisiana. In her 25 years of industrial experience, she held roles of increasing responsibility and management, with accountability for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement, Six Sigma, Lean, and EHS management.

Brassieur holds a bachelor degree in chemical engineering with a concentration in environmental science from McNeese State University in Lake Charles. 

Massimo Marchesini, chief technical supervisor at Qemtex, a provider of high-quality powder coatings, has called for increased environmental responsibility and innovation within the powder coatings industry. In a recent statement, Marchesini emphasized the need for unified international regulation and addressed the issue of dangerous raw materials still being used in some parts of the world.

“I find it absurd that raw materials declared dangerous and banned for more than 20 years in parts of Europe are used in other parts of the world,” Marchesini says. “Those who work in this sector should pay more attention to the environment, starting with the institutions that could draw up a single international regulation.”

Marchesini also highlighted the importance of research and development in creating more sustainable solutions for the powder coatings industry. He urged producers of resins and powder paints to intensify their research efforts, focusing on developing shorter polymerization cycles at lower temperatures while maintaining the performance characteristics of the paints.

Furthermore, Marchesini emphasized the need for the industry to embrace the principles of the circular economy, giving value to overspray and cyclone products in the grinding phase. This approach would help reduce waste and promote a more sustainable production process.

As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, Qemtex is expanding its global presence with the establishment of a research and development center and satellite laboratories in various parts of the world. These facilities will bring together technicians with diverse expertise to collaborate on creating high-quality, sustainable products for the global market.

“At Qemtex, we believe that innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand," Marchesini says. "By investing in research and development and promoting international collaboration, we can create a more sustainable future for the powder coatings industry while delivering high-quality products to our customers worldwide.”

Two new research labs are being built by AkzoNobel at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands to further propel the company’s pioneering product development. Work is about to start on building a technology center for powder coatings, while a new polymer lab has just opened which will develop resin technologies for all the company’s businesses. The total investment in the Sassenheim site – AkzoNobel’s largest global R&D center – amounts to around €8 million.

The facility already houses the biggest R&D teams in Europe for the company’s Decorative Paint and Automotive and Specialty Coatings businesses. The addition of the two new labs will help the company pioneer product development focused on providing creative solutions for customers.

“Creating the new Powder Coatings lab will enable us to carry out the fundamental research needed to continue to innovate with impact and bring more sustainable products to the market,” explains Roger Jakeman, AkzoNobel’s chief technology officer.

“By developing new technologies for the future, we’ll unlock more customer and application opportunities while supporting multiple options, including low bake cure. This will further enhance our ability to cut carbon emissions across the value chain.” The recently opened polymer lab – part of the company’s research organization – will accommodate 15 scientists. It will mainly focus on the development of more sustainable polymer technologies and new coatings to support AkzoNobel’s ambition to halve carbon emissions across the value chain by 2030.

Jakeman says, “They’re a vital ingredient in the manufacturing process. The new lab will therefore play an important role in boosting our capabilities and strengthen our industry-leading expertise.”

Carla Breuer, mayor of Teylingen, the municipality where Sassenheim is located, adds, “AkzoNobel's investment in these two new research laboratories underlines the company's commitment to sustainable product development in our region and in the Netherlands. We’re proud that this initiative is taking shape in our municipality.”

AkzoNobel employs around 3,000 R&D professionals worldwide in 70 laboratories, with more than €1.25 billion having been spent on research and development over the last five years.

Hubbard-Hall Inc. acquired Prosys Finishing Technology. With this strategic move, Hubbard-Hall expands its product portfolio and welcomes Randy DiSano, former owner of Prosys, to its team as senior product manager under Jeff Davis, SVP—Business Development and Distribution. This acquisition not only enhances Hubbard-Hall's product offerings but also strengthens its commitment to full-line customer support, particularly in the Northeast plating market.

As part of the acquisition, Hubbard-Hall becomes a distributor of Pavco, a leading supplier of plating specialties. Molly Kellogg, CEO of Hubbard-Hall, says, "This is a game changer for us. Randy is the ultimate customer guy – knowledgeable, hardworking and always in the customer's corner. And adding Pavco to our lineup is a big win. They are known for innovative plating chemistry and back it up with top-of-the-line tech service."

DiSano says, "While it was a difficult decision to sell Prosys after 25 years, my brother and I recognized the need for additional resources to continue growing. Hubbard-Hall's strong reputation and commitment to innovation make them the perfect partner to carry forward our legacy. I am excited to join the Hubbard-Hall team and continue serving our customers with the same dedication and expertise."

Additionally, Hubbard-Hall will consolidate the distribution of MetalChem EN products in the Northeast, streamlining operations and enhancing customer service. The acquisition also grants Hubbard-Hall the rights to Prosys's formulas for cleaning and finishing.

HeaterTek LLC has hired Kyle Faulman as national sales manager. Faulman joins the company with over 30 years of experience in the metal finishing industry. Faulman understands the importance of strong relationships with customers and will play a key role in strengthening those connections.