UCB has created a Surface Specialties business sector – claimed to be the world’s leading coating resins and additives supplier, with total annual sales of around e1.5 billion and 4,700 employees worldwide. Incorporating the Solutia resins, additives and adhesives operations acquired earlier this year, it will focus on environmentally friendly technologies.

Ben Van Assche, former director-general of UCB’s Chemicals business sector, will head the new organization. lts products will include UV curable resins, waterborne liquid coating resins, powder coating resins and additives, and speciality products coating systems. The recent acquisition of a graphic arts resins business from Air Products & Chemicals adds the possibility to produce waterborne acrylic resins in the USA.

Commenting on future developments, Ben Van Assche affirms: “We are in a stronger than ever position to offer customers a truly integrated global service. Our continuing developments in eco friendly technology are vitally important and we are confident we can maintain and develop our market share in this area.”

Surface Specialties Tel: +32 475 380 629. www.UCB-Group.com