COMPANIES & MARKETS

Encourage consumption of architectural paintings

Brazil. The central government launched an incentive program for the construction of new homes that, according to Dilson Ferreira, president of the Brazilian Association of Paint Manufacturers, Abrafati, will benefit, among others, the paint sector with sales of up to 400 million reais (approximately US$178 million).

Speaking to the official communications agency, Agência Brasil, Ferreira said that about 50 million liters of paint will be needed to paint more than one million houses that are planned to be built with the program. That amount is equivalent to 7% of the current consumption of architectural paintings in Brazil.

For Ferreira, the government's housing program "fully" meets the expectations of civil construction entrepreneurs and will allow "the return of credibility in the sector."

Method for viscosity measurement

USA Cambridge Viscosity reported that the American Materials Testing Society (Astm) developed a standard test method for petroleum-based products and lubricants for gears, compressor cylinders, hydraulic equipment, chemicals and coatings where adequate viscosity is important for product performance.

By means of a viscometer with oscillation pistons, viscosity can be measured and a wide range of fluids can be controlled, including those that are transparent, translucent and opaque. The viscometer function is fully automatic, in order to reduce measurement errors.

"This designation allows us to provide our customers, through Astm, with technology for laboratory and production areas," said CEO Robert Kasameyer. "We are pleased to help the industry by providing a new standard and to assist our customers in consistent, traceable and repeatable results," he added.

Lanxess grew in 2008

Germany. Chemical producer Lanxess reported a net profit of 171 million euros (about $231 million) in 2008, despite difficulties in the markets and a sharp drop in business in the fourth quarter, said its general manager, Axel Claus Heitmann. This figure represents an increase of 53% compared to the 112 million euros (about US$151.9 million) registered during 2007.

But despite the good consolidated results, the balance sheet for the fourth quarter does reflect a net loss of 41 million euros (US$55.3 million) compared to the third period. The situation was caused by the chaos generated in the markets at the end of the year.

"Our performance was especially rewarding in Brazil, where we acquired Petroflex, the most important Latin American producer of synthetic rubber," said Heitmann, who pointed out that "Petroflex scored an attractive contribution to profits in 2008," although he did not give specific figures.

Although specific growth projections for 2009 were not given, the company reported that it is executing plans to save 250 million euros, through the slowdown in production, the implementation of shorter working hours and the wage freeze.

Tersuave will move its plant

Argentina. The Cordoban company Tersuave announced that in the coming months it will move its powder coating manufacturing plant located in Argüello, center of the country, to a new location in Dumesnil-Córdoba, according to the portal iprofesional.com.

The announcement was made this Friday at the same time as the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the company, which opened its doors in 1959 in Argüello, Córdoba. The production of the company is carried out through its industrial plant in Villa Mercedes-San Luis, where it manufactures products for the home and work line, automotive and industry, and which has administrative headquarters in some of the most important cities of the gaucho country.

"Tersuave's growth and its national recognition is the result of people who strive and work with dedication and team spirit committed day by day to the brand," said marketing director Silvia Rodríguez.

Commodity Hikes Announced

USA The chemical multinational BASF announced that it will increase the sales prices of different products in North America. The list includes butanol, isobutanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, 2-propyl heptanol, pentanol mixture and its derivatives (pentyl acetate and isopentanol mixture).

The hikes start at $0.05 per pound, and will be effective from the first of April or as contracts allow for all shipments.

As reported in a statement by the company, which recorded sales revenue close to US $ 17,500 million in 2008, the increases are due to the high operating costs that are currently in place.