Gulf Construction Online - Jotun Coatings continue to hit spot

Al Abbar Group

Jotun Coatings continue to hit spot

01 October 2003

Jotun Powder Coatings (JPC), a global company operating in more than 25 countries worldwide, offers a range of coatings to provide corrosion protection and architectural finishing systems which are designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the Middle East.

''We are manufacturers of high quality powder coatings for application to a wide variety of metal products and we supply to many different industrial segments,'' says a company spokesman. ''One of our main focus areas is the construction industry, for which we produce a variety of powders for decorative and corrosion protection purposes. ''

The heat and humidity in the Middle East, together with the high level of UV (ultraviolet) radiation and sand abrasion are key factors causing corrosion, which affects the longevity of structures. The annual rates of corrosion in the region can be as much as 10 to 20 times higher than in parts of the US and Europe, he says.

JPC has developed special products such as Super Durable Polyester powder coatings for aluminium facades and fusion-bonded epoxy powder coatings for steel reinforcement bars to cope with such harsh conditions.

''Our decorative range of powders is applied to aluminium extrusions for doors and windows, curtain walling, balconies, handrails, space frames, architectural castings and cladding. These systems are designed to provide corrosion protection as well as an appealing decorative appearance.''

JPC's epoxy coatings for reinforcement bars are designed to extend the life of the structure, whether it is a coastal wall, a villa, a tower block, a road or a bridge.

''The successful development of products designed specifically for the Middle East has established us as the market leader in the region,'' he says. ''We have taken immense care and consideration to ensure that our products not only meet the challenges of the harsh environment of the Middle East, but also comply with international specifications.'' JPC has three manufacturing units in the Middle East to support its sales in the region.

Architectural finishes
Architects and consultants constantly seek high quality, cost effective products for the finishing of aluminium facades, says the spokesman. They require a wide variety of colour and gloss options to enhance their designs. This must be combined with the ability to withstand extreme levels of UV light, abrasion, humidity, temperature and environmental pollutants, he adds.

''Jotun's Corro-Coat PE-SDF (the Super Durable with a 25-year exterior guarantee) offers long-life expectancy, reasonable cost and high value-for-money products,'' he says.
The spokesman continues: ''One may ask 'why have powder coatings enjoyed being the preferred system for the glass and aluminium industries and why Jotun Super Durable?'

''Compared with other coatings, powder coatings have a longer life expectancy, a larger variety of colours (more than 120 approved colours in the Super Durable range), matt and gloss options, as well as extremely smooth artistic finishes. All this is obtainable in a single-coat application at a realistic cost, when compared with liquid coatings.

''Powder coatings are also more resistant to abrasion, environmentally friendly (solvent-free) and backed up with a 25-year exterior guarantee. This guarantee is offered to Jotun's clients through its approved applicators.''
Jotun provides even greater value for the customer through its close trilateral quality control process, which joins Jotun Powder Coatings, the consultant (architect) and the powder applicator, he concludes.