HEMPEL PAINTS Saudi Arabia has successfully launched an improved version of its well-established Hempadur Mastic.

Hempadur Mastic 45881 is designed for use in medium to severely corrosive atmospheric environments such as ship decks, superstructures and industrial structures and a significant quantity has already been supplied to the Hawiyah Gas Expansion project for Saudi Aramco.

It is self-priming and can be used as an intermediate or a finishing coat in epoxy systems where a high solids content is required. The product is surface tolerant so that it can be used directly on cured zinc silicate (GALVOSIL products) or even on spray-metalised surfaces to minimise 'popping'.

The paint is two component and provides a high build, hard and tough finish with good wetting properties and it even cures at low temperatures.

The product is already enjoying great success among owners and applicators in the Gulf region with its fast-drying properties coupled with a long pot life - ideal for the Gulf climate.

Meanwhile, Hempel has installed a much larger storage facility for bulk liquid raw materials and an automated solvent recovery plant at its factory in Dammam's First Industrial City.

Fourteen new tanks, each more than six metres tall and more than two metres in diameter, are nearing completion and will soon be transported to the factory for installation.

The new Tank Farm will be able to store more than double the number of raw materials and so further improve production flexibility.

The automated solvent recovery plant will bring many benefits, including reduced emissions and better environmental control.

Hempel was the first paint factory to be built in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia and the new Tank Farm is the first stage of several improvements designed to maintain the company's brand-leading position in the quality paint market in the Kingdom.