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Contact Us:
MITSUBA SYSTEMS (I) PVT. LTD.,
34/H, Laxmi Industrial Estate,
New Link Road, Andheri (W),
Mumbai– 400 053. INDIA
Tel:  0091-22-2631 8633/2633 4735/56924151/52/53/54     
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Off topic
Revenge of the Sith
Readers might be aware that I am a star wars fan. Here it is, the much-anticipated first look at Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Premiering online to members of Hyperspace, this teaser trailer also debuted in theaters on November 5, 2004. It is now available for everyone for enjoy in QuickTime format. As befitting the final missing chapter of the Star Wars saga, the 90-second trailer begins with Obi-Wan Kenobi from Episode IV reminiscing about his lost apprentice, before revealing new images and moments from Revenge of the Sith.
Release Date: May 19, 2005, Director: George Lucas, Cast: Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Frank Oz

Plot
: After three years of fighting in the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker begins his journey towards the Dark Side of the Force, putting his friendship with Obi Wan Kenobi and his marriage at risk.
Moderator: "Star Wars" fan will immediately recognize the background music. . We invite you to send your messages feedback comments in the new audio format too. Manufacturers can also promote their products through audio messages.

Price, supply concerns command attention at ICE
Raw-material price and supply issues appeared to overshadow the new- product  and technology showcase that traditionally serves as the focal point of the  Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology's International Coatings Expo (ICE). A good portion of the talk on the floor of Chicago's McCormick Place North included some strongly worded opinions from suppliers on the need for  further raw-material price increases.
 
Higher prices, suppliers said, are needed to deliver margins and allow investment  in additional production capacity and required maintenance and upgrades of existing sites. Suppliers said they are being squeezed by rising oil and natural-gas prices  and surging demand following years of price and margin weakness. Also exerting price and supply pressure are the booming economies of Asia, particularly China,
which are absorbing major quantities of raw materials for coatings and other critical  commodities.

The price and supply dilemma was detailed extensively by number of representatives  of major suppliers of coatings raw materials, with some of the most pointed messages coming from The Dow Chemical Co.'s Pat Gottschalk, Global Business director, Solvents & Intermediates. During an interview with INSIDER NEWS, Gottschalk was bluntly outspoken on supply and price issues and what Dow Chemical sees as necessary to address the situation: higher prices to pay for maintenance and upgrading of production
capacity. 
 
Gottshcalk said key feedstock supply has become increasingly tight and costly, with  the price of propylene approximately doubling in 2004 alone. Coatings raw-materials suppliers have been forced to seek to pass the prices along. "We hope they understand, and realize what the implications are going forward," Gottschalk said. Prices have risen 30% to 50% for some oxygenated solvents such as isopropanol, MIBK and butyl Cellosolve, all of which are derived from propylene, he said.  Gottschalk
said major coatings companies have enjoyed strong earnings results over the past five years, while Dow's profits have declined sharply and remain below cyclic averages. The situation cost the company former CEO, Michael Parker, his job, and forced other major cost-containment actions. Addressing Dow's coatings customers, Gottschalk said: "We need to increase our pricing above costs to improve our margins and invest in and maintain our business. We have to have some good quarters, or we won't be
here to supply them (coatings makers), and then they will have a larger issue to deal with."

On a more positive note, Gottschalk said a point at which his company can justify  investment is not far from coming into view. "You pay us more, and we will ensure supply," he said, adding that Dow Chemical anticipates making announcements as early as mid-December about actions that will maintain or expand capacity.
 
"We need capital to invest in our facilities," he said. "We won't be in this business if  we can't get what's needed." He said coatings customers appear to have come to the realization that suppliers aren't singing the same old tune about price increases - that the situation is indeed urgent. A key, he said, is the message sent by Dow's recent move to announce price increases on a monthly basis. "It's clear there's an under-
standing of the seriousness of the issues, and an awareness of the importance of  investing in production. There has been an open discussion of the situation," he said.  Source: INSIDER NEWS (National Paint & Coatings Association and Paint & Coatings  Industry Magazine)

Asian Paints to change strategy
Coatings Flash - November 15, 2004

The global paints major Asian Paints Ltd is putting in place a new business strategy to generate additional revenues by licensing out its brands and technology. As part of a massive review of its global business, the company is taking a re-look at its operations across all its 29 plants, of which five are in India. It has now decided to exit markets which do not fit in with its strategy. The new business plan marks a major shift from the existing strategy of growing through acquisitions. "In an increasingly globalised economy, it is scale of operations and technological excellence that are going to give companies the competitive advantage. It is in this context that we have initiated the review. Wherever we find that the operations are not viable, we will exit," said Jalaj Dani, vice-president (international operations) of Asian Paints. Dani also said the company may not go for any more acquisitions at the moment.
Asian Paints has manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Mauritius, the Middle East, Nepal, Fiji, Tonga, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ningbo and Jamaica. Net sales from the company's international business was INR 4244.50 million (1 EUR = 58 INR) in 2003-04. The international business accounts for 19% of the total sales of the Asian Paints group. As per the new business strategy, Asian Paints will out-licence the brand name and the paint manufacturing technology. Recently, the company licenced out its brand and technology to PT Abadi, a leading paint company in Indonesia. Asian Paints also licensed its technology to Berger Paints, Pakistan. The company has already sold its Malta plant, which it had acquired from Berger Paints in 2002, to a local company called Vangeebee Ltd and also licenced out the Asian Paints brand name and technology know-how to Vangeebee. The company has also decided to shift its focus from China to six other emerging markets: Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Egypt, Bangladesh and Malaysia. Dani said: "China is a very complex market. We want to restrict our product profile in China to only one segment - protective coating - and will focus mainly on Taiwan and other emerging markets."

Goodlass Nerolac Announces FY 04-05 Q2 Results: Records A Growth Of Over 55% In PAT
Mumbai, October 27, 2004 -- Goodlass Nerolac Paints Limited, one of the largest paint companies in the country, has announced growth in profits of over 55% for its second quarter ended September 30, 2004.

At the Board meeting held today, the company declared Gross Sales of Rs. 287.80 crore for the quarter ended 30th September 2004. While the profit before tax increased by 52.17% and stood at Rs. 42.76 crore, the net profit of the company for the quarter increased by 55.76% over the corresponding period last year and stood at Rs. 29.22 crore.

On a cumulative basis, gross sales for the six months ended 30th September 2004, at Rs. 518.30 crore is up by 13% as compared to the gross sales of the corresponding period of the previous year, which was at Rs. 457.94 crore. Net Profit for the first half year of 2004-05 is at Rs. 44.74 crore, up by 61% compared to Rs. 27.71 crore of the corresponding period of the previous year.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. H. M. Bharuka, Managing Director, Goodlass Nerolac mentioned, “Our outstanding performance this quarter has been achieved as a result of renewed vigour and aggressive marketing strategies, both in the decorative as well as the industrial paints businesses. The substantial jump that we have achieved in our bottom line, we feel, is by far the best in the industry. The coming months will see us focus more on strengthening our branding & distribution strategy, and at the same time, increasing investments in R&D and ensuring the best product deliveries to our valued customers.”

Goodlass Nerolac Paints has been at the forefront of paint manufacturing for more than 80 years pioneering a wide spectrum of quality paints. Goodlass Nerolac is the second largest paint company in India and undisputed leader in Industrial segment, having a group turnover of more than 1000 crore. The company has four strategically located manufacturing units all over India and a strong dealer network of over 11000 dealers across the country. The company manufactures a diversified range of products ranging from architectural coatings for homes, offices, hospitals, and hotels to sophisticated industrial coatings for most of the industries.

Asian Paints Q2 net up at Rs48.80cr
Wednesday, 27 October , 2004, 17:22
Asian Paints India Ltd has posted a Net Profit of Rs 48.807 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 as compared to Rs 46.925 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. Total income has increased from Rs 499.639 crore in SQ-03 to Rs 543.944 crore in the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
The Consolidated Results are as follows:
The Group has posted a Net Profit of Rs 48.731 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 as compared to Rs 47.286 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. Total income has increased from Rs 622.239 crore in SQ-03 to Rs 697.061 crore in the quarter ended September 30, 2004. <more>

Asian Paints to hike prices 5%
MUMBAI: A sharp escalation in raw material prices has triggered an increase in the price of paints after a gap of almost six years. Asian Paints, India’s largest paint-maker, has increased product prices by an average 5% with effect from December 1, ‘04.

The company is resorting to such a hike for the first time after 1998.

The prices of petrochemicals, which are the basic feedstocks for paints, have shot through the roof after crude oil prices vaulted to record levels recently.

Asian Paints, which resisted price hikes to cash in on the demand during the festive season, has now increased prices for most product categories. <more>

Paint industry thrives on real estate boom
M Abdur Rahim

Riding on success in real estate sector, Bangladesh's paint industry is witnessing enormous growth.
An official of Rehab (Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh) said the paint industry is drawing local and foreign investments as the industry sees almost double-digit growth annually.

"Use of paint for both interior and exterior decoration is rising, giving a boost to the paint industry," said Ziaul Ahsan, executive committee member of Rehab.

Rehab sources said around 5,000-7,000 apartment units and 4,000-6,000 plots are handed over to buyers a year. Developers have so far handed over 70,000-80,000 apartment units to buyers in the last 20 years. With arrival of Asian Paints, India's largest paint manufacturer, Bangladesh has now become almost self-sufficient in paint. Officials of Asian Paints said annual demand growth at 7 percent prompts the company to make foray into Bangladesh market.

Asian Paints formed a joint venture with local company Confidence Cement in 2002 to set up a hi-tech plant at Gazipur with a capacity of 2,500 tonnes and initial investment of about Tk 15 crore.

Right from the beginning, Asian Paints aimed to pound the citadel of Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd, which has long been dominating Bangladesh market with about 40 percent market share. <more>

Reichhold Announces Price Increases for All Coating Resins Sold in U.S. and Canada; Effective December 15, 2004
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2004--Reichhold announced price increases today across all coating resin product lines sold in the US and Canada. Specific increases include $.05 per pound on all solvent-based coating resins as well as emulsion and dispersion chemistries, with the exception of epoxy resins and curing agents which will increase by $.08 - $.10 per pound. Polyester powder coating resins are also included and will increase by $.10 per pound while GMA acrylic powders are not affected. These increases are applied to both list and off-list prices and are effective for all U.S. and Canadian orders shipped on or after December 15, 2004.

"As industrial demand for coatings-related monomers continues to outstrip supply, especially in the area of acrylates, we are continually being hit with increases on these materials which are key in the production of our resins," explained Reichhold's Product Director for Global Coatings, Tony Rende. "This is only compounded by price hikes that we're seeing across other primary raw materials such as phthalic anhydride, xylene, TDI and linseed oil to name a few," continued Rende. "With crude oil and natural gas pricing hovering around record levels, it's evident that there is no immediate relief in sight for raw material or energy costs.

"While we are sensitive to the fact that we've had to announce more increases this year than in the past, we are simply responding to the burden that's being placed on us by current market conditions and, like anyone else in the supply chain, we have to maintain a profit to stay in business.

"We thank our customers for their business and continued support in these trying conditions and encourage them to contact their Reichhold sales representative if they have any questions regarding this price adjustment," concluded Rende.

HP, Epson present fade resistant dye-based ink-jet inks
While pigmented ink-jet inks have increasingly been used for better light and gas fade resistance of photographic prints, dye-based systems, still superior to pigments in terms of brilliance and colour gamut, apparently are on their way back up. Both Hewlett Packard and Seiko Epson presented fade resistance studies of their new generations of dye-based ink-jet ink systems during the NIP 20 Conference on Digital printing last week. While HPs new ink system was shown to be capable to achieve >100 years of predicted light fastness, Epson's new ink generation claims to feature up to 18 years of predicted ozone fastness on porous glossy photo paper - a vast improvement over the previous generation inks. More information on these developments, plus further highlighted reports from the NIP 20 can be found in a special issue of Jet-Age, the biweekly electronic newsletter focusing on ink-jet materials developments (http://coatings.de/jet-age).

A thriving Tipton powder coating firm today revealed it is creating more than 40 jobs as part of a £2.5 million expansion.
It is the latest boost in the town's fightback against a manufacturing slump that has seen hundreds of workers axed across the country. The news that Spectrum Architectural Coatings is planning to double its workforce comes on the back of the 100 new jobs announced with the opening of the new Hercunite Foundry.

Spectrum has triggered a huge expansion plan at the site in High Street, Princes End, which will include taking on a new storage depot, new machinery and workers. The company, which produces the powder coated aluminum frames for the construction industry, has already invested significantly over the past 18 months.

It has showcased its products all over the country after producing the powder coated aluminum frames for Chelsea football club's Stamford Bridge ground and Canary Wharf in London. <more>

ICE to reconvene in 2006
Coatings Flash - November 08, 2004
The International Coatings Exposition (ICE) had returned to Chicago this year. More than 300 exhibitors made the event larger and busier than its predecessor in 2003, hosted in Philadelphia. As announced awhile ago, ICE will be held bi-annually from now on. Reflecting on the traditionally high visitor turnout, Chicago will become the permanent venue. In the odd years, the FSCT Annual Meeting & Western Coatings Societies Symposium will mark an additional opportunity for coatings professionals to meet. This year, exhibitors and visitors alike were cautiously optimistic about business prospects. Nanotechnology proved to be a hot topic once again.

From Athens to Noordwijk - Coatings Science International conference launches next June
Coatings Flash - November 08, 2004
Coatings Science International (COSI), a new annual scientific coatings conference, will be launched from 27 June to 1 July 2005 in Noordwijk in the Netherlands. The new event has been initiated and set up by former members of the Advisory Board and Scientific Committee of the renowned Athens Conference, which had been cancelled for 2004 earlier this year. COSI strives to become the leading European conference on the science and technology of coatings and addresses both industrial and academic researchers active in the field, comprising polymer, material and paint chemists, formulators, as well as surface and interface scientists. According to the conferences Mission Statement, top-notch, in-depth scientific presentations by speakers from around the world are intended. A Call for Papers has now been issued (deadline for lecture presentations: 15 December 2004), all further information about the event, including details about invited presentations, is available at www.coatings-science.com.

DSM will expand its production facility for polyester powder coating resins in China

Coatings Flash - November 08, 2004
DSM Eternal Resins (Kunshan) decided to expand its production facility for polyester powder coating resins in Kunshan, China. It is the second capacity increase after the inauguration of the plant in 1998. The new capacity is expected to come on stream in the second half of 2005. Don Verstegen, Business Groups Director of DSM Coating Resins, comments: "First of all the expansion is needed to maintain DSM's leadership position in the Chinese market. Furthermore and most importantly it demonstrates DSM's commitment to the coating resins market in the presently very turbulent times. Finally, it represents a further step towards the realization of DSM's ambition to double its total turnover in China by 2008."

Electrical insulation: Altana Chemie opens fourth production site in China
Altana Electrical Insulation, a business unit of Altana Chemie AG, Wesel, Germany, has commenced operation of a modern production plant in Zhuhai, China, after a year and a half of construction. The site of the new plant is located in the Harbor Industrial Zone, Zhuhai, in the province of Guangdong near Hong-Kong - the booming Southeast of China. On an area covering 70,000 m² Altana Electrical Insulation Zhuhai produces specialty chemicals such as wire enamels, impregnating resins and compounds at an annual capacity of 25,000 metric tons. In addition, the production complex also houses application labs. During the start-up phase, 40 employees will be based in Zhuhai. By 2005 it is hoped that annual sales will top the ten million euro mark. The aim of the new site is to consolidate the Asian presence, with the emphasis on China, and to take account of the tremendous market potential in Asia, and China especially.

Malaysian firms urged to take part in Hannover Fair to boost markets
By ZAIDI ISHAM ISMAIL
MALAYSIAN companies can expand their export markets by participating at the world’s largest trade exhibition, the Hannover Fair, in Germany next year.The five-day fair, which starts on April 11, will cover 1 sq km, or 25 times bigger than all the exhibition halls in Putra World Trade Centre combined. A visitor needs to spend 1.8 days to visit all the booths.

The event will be jointly launched by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) vice- president Datuk Francis Huang said Malaysia will be participating for the ninth time with a total of eight companies. “This is the perfect platform for Malaysian manufacturers to tap the enlarged European Union,” Huang told reporters at a briefing on Hannover in Wisma FMM in Kepong yesterday The FMM, which has 2,200 members, is the organiser for Malaysian companies interested in participating in the fair. A total of 200,000 visitors are expected to throng Hannover 2005, which will have 6,000 exhibitors from 70 countries covering over 200,000 sq m.
At the Hannover 2004 show seven months ago, there were 180,000 visitors and 5,040 exhibitors from 60 countries. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was said to have spent three days at the fair. Malaysian companies need to fork out RM20,000 to lease a minimum space of 9 sq m. The space, however, will be subsidised by the FMM at a nominal rate. The Hannover fair is the world’s largest industrial technology exhibition. The top 10 participating countries include Italy, China, Switzerland, France, the UK, Spain, the US, the Netherlands and Turkey.

Eleven trade shows in eight halls will run concurrently at Hannover 2005 at a single central meeting place.Two new halls will be added, namely for the subcontracting and energy segment.

The sectors showcased include factory automation, motion drive and automation, digital factory, microtechnology, research and technology, energy, compressed air and vacuum technology, surface technology plus powder coating Europe, subcontracting and industrial service and equipment.

The event in the past managed to rope in as many as 12 Malaysian companies. The low participation is due to the misconception by manufacturers that participating in trade fairs is a one- off thing when in fact such efforts need to be continuous

Nuplex acquires Akzo Nobel coating resins activities for EUR 110 M.
coatings.de

Nuplex is offering Akzo Nobel EUR 110 M for its coating resins activities. As part of a restructuring programme Akzo Nobel has recently sold its EUR 27 M turnover UV/EB resins activities to Cray Valley of the Total group, its refinery catalysts activities to Albemarle for EUR 625 M and its phosphorus derivatives activities to Ripplewood for EUR 230 M. Akzo Nobel Coating Resins recorded EBITDA of EUR 19 M on turnover of EUR 256 M during 2003. The deal will also include Akzo Nobel interests in joint ventures in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Nuplex recorded turnover of EUR 219 M for the financial year ending in Jun 2004. Nuplex has production facilities in New Zealand, Australia and Vietnam and has recently started production at Leliu in the Chinese province of Guangdong.

Alcoa to Build New Anode Plant to Serve Fjardaal in Iceland and Mosjoen in Norway
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2004--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced it will invest approximately $284 million of the $314 million to build a new anode plant that will be built in Mosjoen, Norway.

The facility, which will be built together with Elkem ASA, will produce anodes for Alcoa's Fjardaal smelter in Iceland and the Mosjoen smelter in Norway, which is 50% held by Alcoa and Elkem. In addition, Alcoa owns 46% of the outstanding shares of Elkem. Construction of the anode plant is expected to be completed by 2007, in time to supply anodes for Alcoa Fjardaal, which will come on-line in 2007. Construction is contingent on government approvals. Upon completion, it is anticipated that the new anode facility will generate approximately 80 new permanent jobs in Mosjoen, not including local construction jobs.<
more>

Public hearing Tuesday for proposed hunt club, powder-coating business
11/29/2004
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission will consider granting conditional use permits to a powder coating business and a hunt club at Tuesday's public hearing, slated for 5:30 p.m. at the County Administrative Center, 219 E. Cherry.
At the site of the former Hyundai dealership at the corner of Burris and Hwy. 89, Flagstaff Powder Coating/California Marine Supply hopes to set up shop. The powder coating business currently operates on the west side of Flagstaff, and California Marine Supply would purchase, reassemble and resell electronic parts for the U.S. Navy.

The business would also include a retail surplus shop, selling canteens, camouflage and other items.<more>

 

 
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