Awlgrip is the worldwide leader in the manufacture of technically advanced urethane, epoxy, high solids and antifouling coatings products for a wide variety of applications.
Beginning 25 years ago with the introduction of AWLGRIP¨, the unchallenged leader in urethane topcoats, Awlgrip products have been the premium coatings choice in the marine, aerospace and industrial markets.
AWLGRIP¨ is just one in a full line of coatings products that, when used together as a complete system, provide chemically cured finishes resistant to abrasion, chalking, corrosion and chemical attack.
No substitutes will do! Only a complete, high quality Awlgrip coatings system will provide these unique characteristics.
The Awlgrip® brand is the undisputed world leader in the Yacht Professional Topsides segment. Or, to put it in the words of some of the world’s leading boat builders:
"It's an industry standard. Every serious yacht builder and owner knows that an Awlgrip® job IS a paint job."¹
"It's the number one brand in the yacht business and the industry standard for refit and new construction. Lately Awlgrip® has been flying out of this yard." ²
It was in direct recognition of Awlgrip®'s widespread professional esteem that Akzo Nobel decided that its expansion into this sector of the global yacht market would be best served by the acquisition of the Saint Louis-based coatings specialists.
Awlgrip® is both a well established brand and a trusted manufacturer of high performance coating solutions. Founded in 1931, the company specializes in the development and manufacturing of technically advanced urethane, epoxy, high solids and anti fouling coatings to meet the harsh demands of the marine, aerospace and automotive industries. All manufacturing procedures are audited both internally and externally to stringent ISO 9001 criteria, whilst environmental concerns are addressed by compliance with strict EPA, OSHA and air quality standards.
Pre-Akzo Nobel, Awlgrip was a business with limited resources for yacht; following their integration they have become part of a company that is 100% focused on its yacht coatings division. Employee and production transfer from Awlgrip’s Saint Louis headquarters to Yacht division facilities in Union (New Jersey), Waukegan (Illinois) and Felling (UK) are already well underway. This alliance will not only drive developments in Awlgrip coating technologies, but also enable both parties to benefit from synergies in labour-saving manufacturing procedures and facilities.
Despite the numerous advantages that full integration into a multinational organisation brings, Akzo Nobel’s long term strategy for Awlgrip is unequivocal: the American company will have complete financial autonomy and independence within Yacht Division in terms of the results that its activities generate. This directive will ensure that the Awlgrip® brand will not only continue to uphold its prestigious reputation, but will also exceed both existing and eventual challenges. Tony Britt, Director of Global Yacht Coatings, has clear ideas on this subject, “Our goal is to drive and build awareness of Awlgrip® throughout the world and to create future products that will technically perform as well as, if not better than existing products.”
¹ J.B. Turner, Vice President, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding,
² Ruth Gardner Seese, Director of Administration, Palmer Johnson Savannah
Akzo Nobel in the Yacht Industry
Akzo Nobel is a multicultural, technology-driven company with headquarters in the Netherlands that serves customers throughout the world through its three distinct Business Groups: Pharma, Coatings and Chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2001 totalled €14 billion. The company currently employs over 66,000 people in more than 80 countries.
Through relentless organic growth and selective tactical acquisitions, Akzo Nobel’s Coatings business has become the world’s largest operator within this sector. After significant acquisitions made in the last few years, the emphasis is now on harvesting the integration benefits and consolidating a hard-won premium position. Future indicators point to growth opportunities arising from technology switches driven by environmental considerations.
Coatings products include both decorative and architectural paints; liquid and powder coatings for industrial, marine and yacht applications; protective coatings and aerospace coatings; industrial and consumer adhesives; printing inks and impregnated paper; car refinishes; sealants and speciality resins.
Within Coatings, International® and its other group brands make Akzo Nobel the World Number 1 in Marine, Protective and Yacht coatings.