Henkel ACC(R) 900 Series Ensures Tough, Attractive Finishes

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 10, 2005 -- Henkel today announced that its Autophoretic(R) Coating Chemicals (ACC(R)) 900 Series of epoxy resin- based coatings offer significant productivity and environmental benefits, while delivering improved finish appearance and superior corrosion resistance on ferrous substrates. Industrial applicators confirm the ACC(R) 900 Series is an excellent complement to the existing family of Autophoretic(R) coating products from Henkel that are used globally in automotive and general industrial metal coating applications.

"Automotive and industrial manufacturers and their suppliers are under extreme competitive pressure to effectively deliver durable, attractive components and systems while safeguarding the environment," said Henkel Business Director, Organic Coatings and Integrated Services, Kevin Woock. "ACC(R) 900 Series coatings meet these goals and offer unique opportunities for customers to improve their total manufacturing efficiencies."

In addition to product-specific benefits, the autodeposition coating process behind the ACC(R) 900 Series greatly simplifies operations by removing several material handling and pre-treatment steps. Fewer manufacturing steps translates into shorter cycle times, lower operating costs and improved productivity. Autophoretic(R) coatings further enhance productivity by decreasing the potential for coating buildup on racks, which reduces the need for costly stripping. Applicators also enjoy additional cost benefits compared to conventional coatings because of ACC(R) 900 Series' impressive "first-pass" transfer efficiency and the absence of labor for reworking/recoating parts.

ACC(R) 900 Series Delivers Durability to the Customer

In terms of performance, the ACC(R) 900 Series can serve as a stand-alone primer, delivering a durable surface that meets even the toughest automotive underbody requirements such as GM9540P and J2338 cyclic accelerated corrosion testing. It also can be top-coated for an even more refined finish. A customer reports that Henkel's Autophoretic(R) coatings help provide a finish that is five times more resistant to chips and corrosion, and can withstand 672 hours of exposure to a 5 percent salt spray at elevated temperatures.

Aside from the ability to protect against corrosive chemistries, the ACC(R) 900 Series provides outstanding thermal stability and hardness. Customers using ACC(R) 900 Series coating rely on its ability to resist chipping and cracking during transportation. This allows for more flexibility in the selection of shipping containers for parts, resulting in savings on handling and packaging. These robust qualities benefit several automotive applications including frame and chassis, steel wheels/pulleys, and interior components such as seating and safety restraints. The performance qualities of ACC(R) 900 Series coatings have already earned material and performance specifications from OEMs and their metal component suppliers.

Parts Finishing Group (PFG), a long-time contract applicator of the existing Autophoretic(R) 800 Series coating, has now added a second line to apply the Autophoretic(R) 900 Series. "PFG has 10 coatings plants in the United States and Mexico," said PFG President, Ken Pape. "We are pleased to

offer both the 800 and 900 Series, which complement the other special coatings we apply and enable us to provide one-stop coating services for customers."

Pape added, "Autophoretic(R) 800 and 900 Series coatings are water-based, environmentally friendly finishes that provide superior corrosion protection and durability. The new ACC(R) 900 coating provides a gloss finish similar to e-coat, but with superior durability and heat resistance."

Proven Efficiency and Environmental Benefits

The ACC(R) 900 Series is the most recent addition to a family of Henkel Autophoretic(R) coatings applied through autodeposition -- an environmentally sound process pioneered by Henkel that deposits an extremely uniform film of coatings. Unlike other processes, autodeposition does not need electricity to "throw" coatings into recessed areas, which generates savings in energy consumption. This unique characteristic of autodeposition creates the ability to coat evenly on threaded parts, around sharp corners, and inside long, tubular structures.

The ACC(R) 900 Series' chemical adhesion to metal parts also ensures rinse baths stay cleaner longer, helping to further reduce operating costs. Even the slightly acidic nature of the coating bath process helps boost productivity as it protects against biological growth, which can contaminate other competitive coating processes.

The autodeposition process for Henkel ACC(R) coatings reacts directly to ferrous metals, and therefore does not require chemical conversion coating, reducing environmental impact and eliminating the need for extra treatment equipment and manufacturing steps. The process has the additional environmental benefit of eliminating toxic heavy metals such as lead, chrome, nickel and cadmium from the final rinse phase. Volatile organic compounds also are greatly reduced in the ACC(R) 900 Series to further protect the environment and help cut related compliance costs.

"Henkel's autodeposition technology and Autophoretic(R) products have reliably coated millions of parts over many years providing a viable alternative to conventional industrial coatings," said Woock. "Our new ACC(R) 900 Series takes this heritage of durable coatings to a higher level with an epoxy-based resin system that provides outstanding quality and very low environmental impact."

The Henkel Group operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care; Personal care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments - of which the automotive group is part, serving transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offering a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for the Henkel Group worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel - "A Brand like a Friend."