‘Qualicoat UK & Ireland 2008 Growth’

Following a successful January members meeting in Dublin, prospects for membership in 2008 look excellent. Companies not currently coating to the Qualicoat standard are applying for membership, and systems companies who have their own powder coating plants are also applying for membership.

As the Qualicoat standard now forms part of the NBS specification, Qualicoat approved powder coated aluminium is being requested on a growing number of specifications. In response, Qualicoat UK & Ireland have issued a new specifier guide and launched their new website www.qualicoatuki.org which offers generic guidance on all aspects of powder coating from specification to guidance in use. Copies of the new Specifier Guide are available as a download from the website or direct from Qualicoat UK & Ireland offices in Birmingham.

The new Qualicoat ‘Seaside’ class of powder coating, which is nearing full UK approval, was discussed during the meeting. The aim of this new standard is to offer a recognised pre-treatment methodology to reduce possible corrosion due to the corrosive environment. This new ‘seaside Class’ finish is now available upon request.

On the Qualicoat International stage, Japan and China are forming their own Qualicoat Associations with help from the Qualicoat Head Office in Zurich. These two new countries will add to the current 21 member countries of the association, details of which are available on the European website. It was also announced that Hubb Sips of Bodycote in the UK has been appointed as the Qualicoat representative for the Middle East association.