While manufacturers remain mostly optimistic in their outlook, we have seen softness in a number of recent economic indicators. Slower economic growth internationally, a stronger U.S. dollar, reduced crude oil prices and the West Coast ports slowdown have been cited as reasons for this weaker-than-desired performance. Along those lines, real GDP growth in the fourth quarter was revised lower, down from 2.6 percent to 2.2 percent. In addition, surveys from the Dallas, Kansas City and Richmond Federal Reserve Banks all reflected decelerated levels of new orders and exports. Most notably, Texas manufacturers have been adversely impacted by the sharp drop in petroleum prices, dampening demand throughout the energy supply chain and for the larger regional economy. Yet, even in the Dallas report, respondents continued to be more positive than negative in their expectations for sales, production, employment and capital spending over the next six months.

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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, announces the expansion of its global product portfolio to include manufacturers of agricultural, construction and earthmoving equipment (ACE). The combination of AquaEC™ electrocoat and key liquid and powder coatings coupled with the company’s global footprint position Axalta to meet the demanding technology and performance requirements of heavy equipment manufacturers.

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Trojan Powder Coating has received and industry certification from Qualicoat, making them the first United States-based company to receive its European Qualicoat license.

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Register now for this 1.5-day, introductory workshop that focuses onmaterials, application, reclamation, testing and evaluation, quality control, the manufacturing process, and much more. This workshop includes classroom as well as laboratory time.

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The Washington Times (2/22, Boyer) reported that President Obama on Saturday “called on lawmakers ... to complete the legislation” that would give him trade-promotion authority. During his weekly media address, Obama said the “bipartisan legislation” would “protect American workers, and promote American businesses, with strong new trade deals from Asia to Europe that aren’t just free, but are fair.”

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"If you are not growing, you are falling behind.” Most people in business understand this intuitively and even structure their businesses ar...

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PPG Industries has introduced ENVIROCRON® HTE (high-transfer-efficiency) powder coating, featuring a proprietary bisphenol A (BPA)-free polyester formulation that has a fast application build rate and its designed to provide uniform coverage on complex parts and surfaces, reducing material waste.

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Over the last 30+ years, powder coating has revolutionized the finishing industry by providing a superior, durable, environmentally friendly finish - particularly for metal products such as appliances, automotive parts, sporting goods and countless other products. Powder coating is now the fastest growing finishing method in North America.

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Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event tailored specifically for custom coaters. The Custom Coater Forum provides peer group and round-table discussions on business solutions, new product technologies, PCI programs, and much more. It is an excellent networking opportunity that helps coaters gain new resources and tools to improve their business, as well as develop relationships with other powder coaters. Attendees benefit from immediate take-aways to enhance their business practices!

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S&K Powder Coating, a fabricator and custom powder coater, is officially expanding its operation into western Kentucky. S&K will be operating out of a 7,500 square-foot facility which will house batch ovens, a large powder coating booth, along with a full sandblast room.

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