BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Due to overwhelming response, www.BoothsAndOvens.com has extended the website's Wagner Prima Sprint powder spray gun offer through May 31, 2013. Buyers who purchase a qualifying powder coating equipment package will receive a Wagner powder coating gun, valued at over $4,900, at no additional charge.

Wagner's Prima Sprint coating guns are engineered specifically for high-quality and/or high-volume manual powder coating operations. The gun available through the BoothsAndOvens.com promotion uses a boxfeed system that allows for quick color changes to reduce downtime. Intuitive controls are easy to learn, and the unit can store up to 50 recipes for a variety of powder coating situations. With its lightweight design, robust construction and dependable performance, the gun is a perfect solution for demanding manual coating applications.

BoothsAndOvens.com features powder coating ovens, spray enclosures and media blast rooms from Reliant Finishing Systems, a manufacturer of batch powder coating systems.

TAYLOR MILL, Ky.—As the Chemical Coaters Association International's (CCAI's) FINISHING Pavilion at FABTECH prepares to return to Chicago's McCormick Place from Nov. 18-21, it's already the largest FINISHING exhibition at FABTECH since CCAI joined the show in 2010.

“Our exhibit space has been selling at record pace,” said Andy Goyer, CCAI FINISHING Pavilion exhibits manager. “Exhibitors are increasing the amount of space they are taking, and we are seeing new exhibitors that have not been with us before. Compared to last year at this time, we have more than doubled the amount of space we have sold. This will be the largest FINISHING Pavilion at FABTECH yet, both in total number of square feet of exhibit space and number of exhibitors.”

FINISHING exhibitors provided great feedback from FABTECH 2012 in Las Vegas. “FABTECH 2012 was a phenomenal show for us,” said John Cole, Parker Ionics president. “The booth traffic was great, and we met with a number of high-level decision makers.”

“While there is still great exhibit space available in the CCAI FINISHING Pavilion, we anticipate that it won't be available for long,” Goyer continued. “The overall FABTECH show floor is selling at record pace. To ensure participation in CCAI's FINISHING Pavilion and begin getting year long exposure through the show website and promotion, we encourage anyone interested in exhibiting to reserve their space soon.”

To view the FABTECH floor plan, go to www.fabtechexpo.com. Click on EXHIBIT/Reserve Space and then VIEW FLOORPLAN. CCAI's FINISHING Pavilion is located in the SOUTH HALL. Scroll to the lower part of the floor plan to the FINISHING area. Booths shaded in blue are available.

To view a list of current CCAI FINISHING Pavilion Exhibitors, go to www.ccaiweb.com/news.html. The list is updated daily. Call Andy Goyer at CCAI with questions regarding the FINISHING Pavilion at 941/373-1830.

WASHINGTON—The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), which represents the $725 billion equipment finance sector, has revealed its Top 10 Equipment Acquisition Trends for 2013.

1. Corporate perceptions of the economic outlook will be a primary driver of business investment decisions.
2. Equipment investment will pick up in the second half of 2013.
3. Pent-up demand will spur investment across varied equipment types.
4. A continuing low interest rate environment will enable companies to acquire the equipment they need and conserve cash.
5. A majority of U.S. businesses will use some form of financing for equipment acquisition.
6. Business size will impact equipment acquisition.
7. The gaining prominence of cloud computing will transform the way businesses pay for IT investments.
8. Credit market conditions will remain favorable for long-term equipment financing.
9. The one-year extension of bonus depreciation may provide incentives for businesses to acquire equipment.
10. Although the value of lease financing will remain, businesses will begin to adapt their equipment acquisition strategies to comply with long-awaited changes to lease accounting standards.

Businesses that want to learn more about how they can incorporate equipment financing into their business strategies may visit www.equipmentfinanceadvantage.org. For forecast data regarding equipment investment and capital spending in the US, see the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's 2013 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook at www.leasefoundation.org/IndRsrcs/EO.

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—A new ASTM International standard describes methods of preparing surfaces of hot-dip galvanized iron and steel for powder coating and the application of powder coating materials. The new standard, ASTM D7803, Practice for Preparation of Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coated Iron and Steel Product and Hardware Surfaces for Powder Coating, was developed by Subcommittee D01.46 on Industrial Protective Coatings, part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications. ASTM D7803 covers the surface preparation and thermal pretreatment of iron and steel products and hardware that have not been previously painted or powder coated. Bridges are one example of construction projects that are often built from hot-dip galvanized steel.

“ASTM D7803 explains the steps to achieve adherence of powder coating over galvanized steel so there is no adhesion failure of the powder system,” said Thomas Langill, technical director, American Galvanizers Association, and an ASTM member. “There has been increased interest in powder coating since it has no volatile organic compounds over corrosion protection, such as galvanized coating for color and appearance.” Langill notes that D01.46 is currently seeking powder coaters and inspectors to contribute to ongoing standards activities.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (877/909-ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/join.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.–Hentzen Coatings Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of industrial coatings in the U.S., announces the acquisition of the assets of CrossLink Powder Coatings, Clearwater, Fla. CrossLink produces and sells powder coatings for the general industrial and architectural market segments, and has been in business since 1996. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

Al Hentzen, president and CEO of Hentzen Coatings commented: “We are very pleased to add CrossLink Powder Coatings to Hentzen's rapidly growing powder coatings business, which we consider an integral element of our growth strategy in the industrial coatings market. In addition to adding a new segment of architectural powders to our business, we will take immediate steps to grow the capacity of the Clearwater plant to help us meet growing powder coatings demand.”

Dave Williams, the founder and owner of CrossLink, added, “Having worked to grow a successful powder coatings business over the last sixteen years, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to now join with a great family-owned company. This will enable us to rapidly accelerate the development of our business base in Clearwater. I am excited to join the Hentzen team.”

Hentzen Coatings is a leading independent manufacturer of general industrial, military, and aerospace Coatings in North America with international sales. Hentzen is celebrating its 90th year in the coatings business this year. For more information, visit www.hentzen.com.

MARIETTA, Ga.–Ray Paul Coating Inc. has begun construction of a new batch oven operation, including installation of a custom 35-foot wash system, 30-foot oven, and new state-of-the-art Nordson batch spray booth. Once completed, the company will be able to powder coat parts as large as 30 feet in length by 10 feet width by 12 feet in height. The addition brings the company's powder coating facilities to more than 65,000 square feet. In addition, Ray Paul Coating has added a new custom decorative powder coating system. The company will be using the Decoral patented and licensed process, providing the ability to apply wood grain, marble, granite, and custom finishes to aluminum and steel parts. From storefronts to office furnishings, clothes racks to car wheels, handrails to display fixtures, and everything in between, the company is able to handle your application.

FORT MILL, S.C.—The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL) elected officers and directors at its annual management meeting at Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Newly elected directors are Steve Jackson, Camvac, Norfolk, U.K., and Milan Moscaritolo, Toray Plastics (America), North Kingstown, R.I. They will join returning officers Robert Connelly, Madico, Woburn, Mass., president; Dan Bemi, MEGTEC Systems, De Pere, Wis., vice president; Danis Roy, Terphane , Bloomfield, N.Y., treasurer; and Elizabeth Josephson, Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., past president.

The membership also reelected four directors: Ingrid Brase, Henkel, Bridgewater, N.J.; Dante Ferrari, Celplast Metallized Products, Toronto, Ontario; Doug Krasucki, R.D. Specialties, Webster, N.Y.; and David Bryant, Vacuum Depositing, Louisville, Ky.

The business meeting included a thank you to departing directors: Mark Montsinger, Bryce Corp., Memphis, Tenn.; and Gary Phillips, Solar Gard Saint-Gobain, San Diego, Calif.

BUFFALO, N.Y.–As part of the acquisition announced in May 2012, Caplugs, a leading manufacturer of?premium protection products, is now offering Shercon's complete masking product line through Caplugs' traditional sales?channels. Since then, the two companies have integrated to offer one source for all product protection and masking needs. “We acquired Shercon because they are true experts in the masking industry with high-quality manufacturing techniques and products,” said Steve Smith, Caplugs senior vice president of marketing and new product development. “Combined, Caplugs and Shercon make one proven leader.”

Current Shercon customers will continue to receive the same products they are accustomed to because Caplugs is keeping the entire masking line, engineering and sales staffs, as well as Shercon's expansive manufacturing processes. Shercon products can be purchased at www.caplugs.com. An integrated Shercon/Caplugs product catalog will be rolled out later this year.

MCLEAN, Va.—The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) elected its 2013-2014 officers and directors at its 2013 annual meeting in Waikoloa, Hawaii. The association represents approximately 600 American manufacturers and distributors of machine tools, manufacturing machinery, and related products. AMT's Board of Directors named R. Stephen Flynn, president, Optical Gaging Products, Rochester, N.Y., to serve as chairman. He follows co-chairmen Timothy B. Dining, president and CEO, Greenerd Press & Machine Co., Nashua, N.H., and Ronald J. Mager, president and CEO, Machinery Systems, Schaumburg, Ill.

The board elected Kevin Kilgallen, president-owner, Mid Atlantic Machinery, Harrisburg, Pa., to serve as first vice chairman/treasurer in the coming year. Also elected was Jerry Rex, president, Hegman Machinery, Maple Grove, Minn., to serve as second vice chairman. Brian J. Papke, president, Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., has been elected secretary.

Newly elected to a three-year term as a member of the association's board are Richard Gilchrist, president and CEO, Felsomat USA, Schaumburg, Ill., and Thomas R. Dillon, vice chairman, Mori Seiki USA, Hoffman Estates, Ill. Returning board members include David J. Burns, president and COO, The Ex One Co., Irwin, Pa.; Ronald S. Karaisz, president, KAR Enterprises, Brighton, Mich.; Lee Morris, CEO and chairman, The Morris Group, Windsor, Conn.; Michael Powell, president, Master WorkHolding, Morganton, N.C.; Larry G. Schwartz, executive consultant, Okuma America Corp., Charlotte, N.C.; Richard L. Simons, chairman, president, and CEO, Hardinge, Elmira, N.Y.; and Steven R. Stokey, executive vice president/owner, Allied Machine & Engineering Corp., Dover, Ohio.

MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — Brookfield Engineering, a leader in viscosity measurement and control, has decided to hold prices for 2013. This decision is based on current worldwide economic conditions and the continuing need for manufacturers to stretch their resources. For almost 80 years Brookfield has developed a reputation for meeting the needs of industry by offering high quality instruments at reasonable prices. In addition to their full line of viscometers and rheometers, Brookfield Engineering offers the CT3 Texture Analyzer with a wide variety of probes and fixtures and the PFT Powder Flow Tester with standard and small volume shear cells. For more information or to get a free 2013 Brookfield Catalog, visit www.brookfieldengineering.com or call 508/946-6200.

FARGO, N.D. – The Department of Coatings & Polymeric Materials at North Dakota State University has announced dates for its annual coatings short courses. Each course's content is structured to present a balanced educational view of subjects within coatings and corrosion. While the courses are designed for all levels of scientists and technologists working in the field, some background in college chemistry, including organic chemistry, is recommended.

The Coatings Science Short Course will be held June 2-7. This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the fundamental principles that underlie coatings technology. Dr. Dean Webster, along with department faculty and guest lecturers, will provide comprehensive discussions on coatings science topics including film formation, polymers used in coatings, crosslinking, pigmentation, additives, coatings formulation and coatings performance. Laboratory time in conjunction with the lectures will provide a link between theory and application.

Corrosion Protection by Coatings: Testing and Lifetime Prediction will be held June 10-12. Dr. Victoria J. Gelling will present a practical guide to the corrosion process, characterization of corrosion, corrosion protection by coatings, and testing of coatings. This course will also include hands-on laboratory time during which participants are invited to bring their own samples for evaluation. Space is limited due to the lab sections so early registration is encouraged.

Early bird registrations are accepted until May 1. For more info, contact Dean C. Webster at 701/231-8709, dean.webster@ndsu.edu or visit www.ndsu.edu/cpm/short_courses.com.

HANAU, Germany—The Heraeus Noblelight business group of the Hanau-based precious metal and technology group Heraeus has acquired the Fusion UV Systems group, with headquarters in Gaithersburg, Md., from the British Spectris group. A leading provider of ultraviolet-light sources will be created under the umbrella of the Heraeus technology group. During the coming months, the two companies will be integrated into a single business unit. For more information, visit www.heraeus-noblelight.com and www.fusionuv.com.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings has announced a call for papers for its annual conference and exhibition dedicated to protective, marine, and commercial coatings. SSPC 2014 featuring GreenCOAT will be held February 10-13, 2014, at the Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. SSPC 2014's technical program will offer discussions and solutions to current challenges faced by coatings professionals. Topics will include surface preparation, application, coatings failures, and health and safety.

The deadline to submit an abstract is June 1, 2013. Authors of accepted papers will be notified by July 1, with the first draft of the paper due by September 1. For more information, contact Sara Badami at badami@sspc.org or visit www.sspc.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new survey of 199 metalworking manufacturers published by One Voice, the joint federal advocacy program of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), underscores the severity of the skilled worker shortage. The manufacturers, who averaged 77 employees in 2012 (compared with 69 employees in 2011), supply components, tools, and other products and services to the agriculture, aerospace, appliance, automotive, defense, electronics, energy, medical, transportation, and other industries.

Here's a summary of workforce development, or job training, issues: • <\i>91 percent of surveyed manufacturing businesses are experiencing challenges finding qualified employees. • <\i>42 percent of the companies having trouble finding workers are having severe challenges. • <\i>49 percent of the companies having trouble finding workers are having moderate challenges. • <\i>69 percent of surveyed manufacturing businesses currently have job openings. • <\i>81 percent of companies with openings have between one and five jobs available. • <\i>14 percent of companies with job openings have between six and 10 jobs available. • <\i>5 percent of companies with job openings have more than 11 jobs available.

To fill the gap in qualified skilled workers, the surveyed manufacturing companies are trying several different techniques. Some of the most popular are as follows: • <\i>68 percent are working directly with community colleges and vocational institutions. • <\i>53 percent are using industry training centers. • <\i>48 percent are working directly with high schools.

Growth predictions for 2013 indicate the following: • <\i>On average, respondents to this survey report planning to hire eight employees in 2013–an estimated 10 percent workforce increase. • <\i>60 percent of these small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses anticipate increased sales in 2013 with more than 56 percent of those expecting a more than 10 percent increase in sales.

If you would like to learn more about One Voice, the skilled worker shortage, or to arrange an interview with a manufacturer or NTMA/PMA representative, please contact Caitlin Andrews at caitlin.andrews@policyres.com or Paul Nathanson at paul.nathanson@policyres.com.

METAMORA, Mich.—Only one year after manufacturer of paint test and quality inspection equipment TQC opened its office in the USA, a move to a bigger premises is necessary. The new TQC-USA office is substantially larger and will enable TQC-USA to continue its growth, both in personnel and in logistics facilities. The new TQC-USA address is TQC-USA, Inc., 4053 S. Lapeer Road, Suite H, Metamora, MI 48455. Contact 810/678-2400 (office); 810/678-2422 (fax); 248/202-3969 (cell); or visit www.tqc-usa.com.

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.—Since acquiring Shercon in May 2012, Caplugs has been integrating their product lines. Shercon teams moved to Caplugs' West Coast facility, and as of February 18, 2013, the company name will be Caplugs. Customer sales contact may service a different territory, but all personnel are on board with the transition. The same Shercon masking products and custom capabilities are still available at www.shercon.com and will remain active for orders through April/May 2013. The company will notify customers when Shercon products can be purchased through www.caplugs.com. An integrated Shercon/Caplugs product catalog will be rolled out later this year.

TAMPA, Fla.–(WEBWIRE) Sure Guard Pool Fence, a pool fence manufacturing company in Tampa Bay, has launched its new website at www.poolfencebysureguard.com, which is aimed at attracting a national audience as well as distributors throughout the US.

The company operates out of an 18,000-square-foot facility where all of their pool safety fences and pool gates are manufactured. Mitch and Susan Currie, owners of Sure Guard, have extensive experience in the manufacturing of pool fences. They have been leaders in the pool fence industry for 16 years and previously owned one of the largest pool fence manufacturing companies in the country with a national and international distributor network. After selling the company a few years ago, they realized how much they missed the industry they loved and began Sure Guard Pool Fence.

Sure Guard Pool Fence offers high-quality pool safety fencing, and a patent-pending threshold self-closing gate to keep the smallest members of the family safe. Customers can be assured they are receiving a top of the line pool safety fence from Sure Guard Pool Fence, who only offers ASTM-certified pool safety fences. In addition, all Sure Guard pool fence products are backed by a lifetime warranty. Sure Guard offers its pool safety fences and self-closing gates in several colors and color combinations and uses a mesh containing newer technology. Additionally, all stages of the manufacturing process are conducted in-house, including the powder coating of the pool fence poles and gates.

Those looking for a lucrative business opportunity should take a close look at Sure Guard. “We encourage anyone looking for a business opportunity to check out the distributor package we offer,” said Mitch Currie. “Our training program is one of the best in the industry. Our goal is to offer Sure Guard pool fences and gates in as many markets as possible in the United States and abroad.”

For more information on Sure Guard Pool Fence or to get more information on how to become a distributor, visit www.poolfencebysureguard.com.

WASHINGTON—Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group L.P. (NASDAQ: CG), has completed its acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings for $4.9 billion and has announced that the company is being renamed Axalta Coating Systems. Axalta Coating Systems is a global supplier of coatings to the transportation and industrial sectors. The investment was funded primarily with equity from Carlyle Partners V and Carlyle Europe Partners III.

“We are excited to invest in Axalta Coating Systems and believe its strong market position and global footprint will enable the company to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly emerging markets such as China and Brazil,” said Martin Sumner, principal of The Carlyle Group. “As experienced investors in the industrial and transportation sectors, the One Carlyle global network can help Axalta Coating Systems grow and create value.” Charlie Shaver, the company's chairman and CEO added, “We look forward to this exciting next chapter for Axalta Coating Systems. Our global scale with 35 plants and seven technology centers around the world, combined with Carlyle's industrial focus and global network, position us well for the future.”

As an independent company, Axalta Coating Systems will build on a foundation of more than 90 years in the coatings industry. The company serves more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries and provides customers with a full range of coating systems. Axalta Coating Systems develops, manufactures, and sells coatings and application tools to automobile repair body shops and original equipment manufacturers in the automotive and heavy-duty truck markets. Its strong market positions are supported by global brands including Standox, Spies Hecker, Cromax, and Imron. The company's technology leadership is highlighted by its best-in-class third generation of waterborne systems developed to address growing customer requirements for higher productivity and environmentally friendly coatings. Axalta Coating Systems also serves the decorative, architectural, general industrial, and job-coater segments of the powder coatings market under the brands Alesta Powder Coatings, NAP-GARD FBE Powder Coatings and ABCITE Powder Coatings.

Axalta Coating Systems will continue to do business as DuPont Performance Coatings for the next several months until the new name is formally launched in the second quarter of 2013. The company's beta website www.axaltacoatingsystems.com is under development and will enable visitors to navigate to sites that contain information about its products and services.

FOSTORIA, Ohio–FilmTec installed a powder coating operation at its plant in Fostoria, Ohio, according to the Fostoria Focus. The company, founded in 1964 as a magnet wire processing company, now manufactures custom wire-spooling equipment. Contact the company at 419/435-1819.

May 7-8: Powder Coating 101 Workshop (hands-on). Minneapolis, Minn. Sponsored by the Powder Coating Institute (PCI). Contact PCI at 832/585-0770; fax 832/585-0220; pci-info@powdercoating.org; www.powdercoating.org.

May 7-9: 47th Annual Western States Corrosion Seminar. California State Polytechnic University, Pomono, Calif. Sponsored by NACE International. Contact NACE International at 800/797-6223; info@westernstatescorrosion.org; www.westernstatescorrosion.org.

May 14: Paint and Coatings Basics. Hampton, Middlesex, UK. Also offered Dec. 3. Offered by the PRA Coatings Technology Centre. Contact PRA at +011-44-20-8487-0800; fax 011-44-20-8487-0801; www.pra-world.com/training.

May 21-23: Radiation Curing Technology. Hampton, Middlesex, UK. Offered by the PRA Coatings Technology Centre. Contact PRA at +011-44-20-8487-0800; fax 011-44-20-8487-0801; www.pra-world.com/training.

May 21-23: Appalachian Underground Corrosion Short Course. West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V. Sponsored by NACE International. Contact Danielle Petrak at 304/293-4307; aucsc@mail.wvu.edu; www. aucsc.com.

ORRVILLE, Ohio–The Will-Burt Co., a custom metal fabricator and manufacturing services provider, has completed installation of an advanced powder coat finishing line, which is capable of producing a durable and high-quality Class A Industrial Finish. This new system expands and improves the capabilities of Will-Burt's ISO 9001:2008 quality-driven manufacturing process.

The company's coating capabilities have been updated from beginning to end. An automated conveyor system transports parts into an environmentally friendly seven-stage washer with reverse osmosis (RO) rinse technology. A nanocoating that is applied between two RO rinse cycles in the multi-stage washer ensures every item is properly prepared and ready for a Class A Industrial Finish.

The next stop is an environmentally controlled paint room with air filtration and a reclaim system. It's here that one or two coats can be applied by 14 automatic and two manual guns. A Color-on-Demand system enables color changeovers in just minutes and is capable of managing up to 20 colors.

Two high-efficiency gas convection ovens, one for prime cure and the second for top coat curing, ensure that the parts are cured to exact customer specifications before being removed from the automated conveyor. The entire system is enclosed and protected from shop air.

“Will-Burt's capital investment in this cutting edge powder coat system highlights our commitment to providing the best quality products and services to our customers,” said Jeffery O. Evans, Will-Burt's president, chief executive officer, and chairman. “This gives Will-Burt the ability to be a one-stop metal fabricator, from prototyping and short-run production by our Quick-Turn® service, to volume production, to finishing, allowing us to reduce lead times and provide additional value to our customers.”

“Will-Burt reduces supply chain complexity for our customers,” said John Stroia, Will-Burt's chief operating officer. “Our state-of-the-art powder coat finishing line is just one example of Will-Burt's commitment to our customers, which is built upon a heritage of innovation, service, and ISO quality standards.”

The company is also the world's premier manufacturer of telescoping mast and tower elevation solutions – the world's one-stop shop offering virtually every payload elevation solution from one source – for military, fire, cellular, broadcast, entertainment, and other applications. Will-Burt also designs and manufactures military and other shelters made of all-composite materials that deliver higher performance at lower life cycle cost than metal or partial composite shelters. Will-Burt is employee-owned and has a strong commitment to the continuous improvement process set forth by its ISO 9001:2008 certified quality system. For additional information, contact Scott Hinterleiter, director of Marketing & Business Development at 330/684-5264 or email shinterleiter@willburt.co.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.–Max Coating, based in Birmingham, Ala., is opening a 100,000-square-foot plant in Atlanta. The powder coating and electrocoating company plans to hire 25 employees, with the addition of 25 more before the end of the year. The Atlanta plant will process larger parts at faster rates than the 55,000-square-foot Birmingham plant, which employs 50, according to Chuck Gault, president of Max Coating.