In order to effectively meet the growing regional demand for specialised products, Hempel, a company engaged in the protective coatings business, has introduced several organisational changes in the Gulf.

Its aim is to give added value and streamline operations.

The company, who manufactures a full range of high quality epoxies, polyurethanes, zinc silicates, coal tar epoxies, alkyds, acrylics and other products, hopes that these changes will continue to cement its position in the market.

Hempel caters for marine, industrial, decorative and yacht applications.

It has production capabilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE.

Environmentally, Hempel keeps a close eye on worldwide trends and remains at the forefront of the business.

Its extensive research and development facilities, located strategically around the world, ensures that existing products are continually upgraded and new ones made to match customer needs. Its annual research budget alone is US$28 million.

Hempel has more than 87 years' experience in the coating industry, and this has reflected in the introduction of a new tin-free IMO- compliant self polishing antifouling coating system.

The new Globic and Oceanic range of TBT-free coatings are based on a revolutionary fibre composite structure for increased mechanical strength and improved polishing control, together with a totally biocide-free fouling release product Hempasil 35700 series.

During a conference on the control of harmful antifouling systems for ships held in London in October 2001, the IMO adopted a convention banning the application and use of TBT-based paints. At the same time the IMO urged the paint industry to refrain from marketing, selling and applying TBT and TBT-based paint by January 1, 2003.

Hempel plans be in full compliance with this resolution and all TBT- containing antifoulings will be phased out.

Hempel has been able to offer local production of internationally-respected products, reducing costs for the end-users in terms of importation and storage, and saving time.

The company's reputation for quality and service makes Hempel the paint of choice for the oil, gas and petrochemical installations, water, electricity and power generation plants.

In addition to its high product specifications and stringent quality control, Hempel provides the complete solution to all coating-related situations, along with advice on all aspects of planning, design, maintenance, surveys, surface assurance and control.

Imported specialist raw materials, for the paint manufacturing process are used in order to maintain high quality.

A professional quality management system and service is at the core of the company's philosophy and it achieved ISO9002 certification in 1998. It is now working towards ISO9000/2000 which incorporates aspects of ISO14000, an environment management system.

The high performance coatings provide excellent protection for such diverse structures as oil refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, desalination plants, tanks and cranes.

The product range includes a number of specialised coatings, a feature of the company's manufacturing capability.

For example, Hempadur Multi-Strength 35530 (100 per cent volume solid anti-abrasion coating), Hempadur Spray-Guard 35490 (aggregated epoxy cladding compound), Hempadur Spray Fibre 35890 (glass fibre reinforced epoxy laminate) and Hemucryl 58100 (a range of environmentally waterborne coatings).

Last year, sales of Hempel products were the highest in the history of the group, with turnover reaching 546 million euros, an increase of six per cent compared to year 2000.

The first half of 2001 showed a satisfactory development in both activity and earnings for Hempel and for many of its customers, but in the middle of the year its different markets started to slow down, and this process was further accelerated after the September 11 attacks in the US.

It also inaugurated its new Innovation Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark.