Hempel, a leading global paints manufacturer, has launched a new generation of fire-protection coating in the region—Hempafire Optima 500.

The product has specifically been designed to improve the productivity of passive fire protection (PFP) coating applications. It achieves this by reducing the number of coats and process time required, thus saving time and costs.

According to Hempel’s Group Product Manager, Cellulosic PFP, Roger Soler, Hempafire Optima 500 is meant to enhance efficiency for customers by increasing their productivity and reducing costs.

The coating dries to an excellent aesthetic finish meaning there is minimum surface reworks to achieve the required cosmetic finish when applying a topcoat. The ease of application allows customers to improve their painting process by reducing the number of coats needed, minimising drying times and maximising the speed of the application.

Soler says they also wanted a coating that outperforms in warm climates such as those found in the Middle East and in parts of Europe. "We’ve managed to achieve this (with Hempafire Optima 500) without compromising the protection or the aesthetic finish."

Hempafire Optima 500 is a one-component waterborne acrylic intumescent coating with zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) and can be used for both open and closed steel sections.

The product, for example, helps to maintain the stability of steel structures in large infrastructure buildings such as airports, stadiums and commercial centres by delivering up to 180 minutes protection against cellulosic fires, being optimised for 120 minutes.

Furthermore, Hempafire Optima 500 outperforms in warm conditions and provides two-hour fire protection in corrosive interior environments. It’s also highly resistant to sagging.

Also part of its product line designed specifically for the power and oil and gas industries is the Hempaline Defend.

This range of epoxy linings provide long-term protection for assets in challenging environments, such as bulk storage tanks, process vessels, frac tanks and secondary containment areas. It offers protection to both steel and concrete from aggressive chemicals, elevated temperatures and abrasive service conditions.

Hempaline Defend comes with a choice of hardeners, enabling customers to select a single-coat system that allows a vessel to be returned to service in as little as 24 hours without any drop in performance.

As a leading company, Hempel has shown commitment to the region through continuous product development and expansion.

Late last year, it recorded a new industry milestone when it inaugurated its new state-of-the-art plant—the most advanced solvent based coatings plant in the Middle East.

Built with an estimated cost of $8.5 million, the factory is Hempel’s contribution to the Saudi Arabia’s growth strategy as envisioned in the 2030 vision.

According to a company spokesman: "The new solvent-based coatings plant marks a significant milestone for Hempel in Saudi Arabia, which is a vital market for us. We strive to continuously improve the quality of products and service for our customers using cutting-edge technology."

He said the new facility would play a significant role in boosting local economy and creating new job opportunities, all in line with our commitment towards making the 2030 vision a reality.

Hempel’s new facility is located in Jeddah’s Second Industrial City over 15,000 sq m and can produce up to 12 million litres per year of supply coatings to the marine and protective segments.

This investment is a significant step towards maintaining and growing Hempel’s leadership position in the coating industry - and as the supplier to one of the world’s top leading oil companies, Saudi Aramco and their business partners, says the spokesman.

Production at the new factory started in September 2019.

Business for Hempel has been good; 2019 was a year of progress.

According to the spokesman: "The global coatings market is expected to pick up and Hempel anticipates delivering underlying organic growth in line with or slightly better than the market."

He says Hempel expects to bring more new companies into the Hempel family through acquisitions, as it continues its journey towards becoming a $3 billion ($3.3 billion) revenue company.

For over 100 years, Hempel has been the guardians of its customers’ most valuable assets, says the spokesman.

"Around the globe, we give our customers advice, support and products they can depend on—coating solutions that not only provide superior protection, but also help improve the efficiency of what they do. This is why we are the partner of choice in over 80 countries worldwide.

"From our technical services, product development and R&D to our customer service, sales and marketing, trust is at the heart of our brand and it’s embedded in our mission and values," he concludes.