CoatingsPro Interview Series

The Past, Present, and Future of Coatings Technology

Chris O’Brien, founder and president of Polymer Nation, and Michael Douglass, technical director, join a sponsored episode of the CoatingsPro Interview Series with insight on the evolution of coatings technologies. Topics include areas of growth and concern in the industry; common challenges that need to be overcome; which technologies could make the biggest jump in the years ahead; and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their business and the industry’s future.

For more information, contact: Polymer Nation, (847) 774-5038, www.polymernation.com

How Infrastructure Insurance Affects Contractors

As part of a new task force, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is bringing together stakeholders from a variety of roles to better understand the relationship that corrosion engineering systems have within the infrastructure insurance industry. 

In this conversation, members involved with that task force—GPI’s Tony Serdenes, Nick Kuntz of Alliant Insurance Services, and David A. Scotti of Scotti Law Group—share their perspectives on challenges and best practices that could benefit those involved in designing, specifying, supplying, and performing those services, specifically as they relate to insurance and risk management. 

The roundtable discussion also explores various paths that AMPP can take to address those challenges, as well as ways in which our industry can work together to develop best practices for risk management and insurance needs.

Key Takeaways from 2024 World of Concrete

Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, shares key takeaways and observations from the recently completed 2024 World of Concrete (WOC) show in Las Vegas. Topics include common feedback themes and areas of interest for exhibitors and attendees; year-over-year market changes; memorable WOC highlights; and an early look at marquee trade shows on tap for upcoming weeks.

Coatings Knowledge for Non-Coating Inspectors: Why It Matters

On April 30 and May 1 in Houston, AMPP is welcoming members and guests throughout the industry to the first Coatings for Non-Coating Inspectors conference. Jorge T. Reyna, conference chair and a certified inspector (JRSA Inspections) and instructor, explains the many benefits for attendees and how it all came to be.

Topics discussed include key challenges that non-coating inspectors often face; why a better understanding of coatings can enhance the overall effectiveness of non-coating inspectors; areas in which their roles are changing; and strategies to bridge the gap between traditional inspection practices and the specialized knowledge required to understand coatings.

Dave Evans on AMPP’s Industrial Coating Application Launch

Dave Evans, director of business development at AMPP, explains what the newly released Industrial Coating Application (ICA) program could mean for members and the industry at large. Topics include how and why the new program was developed; updated features and opportunities to address current marketplace needs; and how it could help shape AMPP’s future education and training offerings.

Wells Bullard on PPE Trends in 2023 and Beyond

In this sponsored episode, Bullard CEO Wells Bullard looks ahead to the future of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the protective coatings industry and beyond.

The discussion spotlights her vision for the company and the importance of its family lineage and history; feedback from clients regarding marketplace needs; and industry trends and new technologies to watch for within the PPE space.

Other topics include a year-end review of Bullard’s 2023 and a preview of what’s to come in 2024, along with new developments and products within the company that will lead the way into the new year.

AMPP’s Malaysia Chapter Hosts First Painters Competition

Organized by the AMPP Malaysia Chapter, the inaugural Malaysia Painters Competition 2023 was held in Teluk Kalung, Terengganu, Malaysia, on August 19. 

With free registration, the event featured networking; opportunities to learn painting skills from peers; and sourcing for products, services, and the latest in cutting-edge technologies. 

The event’s primary objective was to showcase the skills of Malaysian surface preparation and industrial painting craftworkers, and it ultimately brought out a crowd of nearly 100 people to witness some of Malaysia's finest industrial painters.

The competition took place with support from official Paint Sponsor, Hempel, as well as esteemed partners including PETRONAS; the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM); and the AMPP Malaysia Chapter (AMC).

Aaron Williams, Managing Director of Blast Abrasives Supply as well as an AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector and a member of the AMPP Global Center Board of Directors, played a key role in putting the event together. In this podcast, Williams shares key highlights and lessons learned from the event; insight on how it aims to address broader industry trends and marketplace needs; and plans for the future. 

How Sustainability Could Shape AMPP’s Future

In a panel discussion, AMPP members Cal Chapman (Chapman Engineering) and Sandy Williamson (Williamson Integrity Services) share perspective on what sustainability means to them and why it is so important to the coatings industry and beyond. Topics include ways in which sustainability is already being practiced in corrosion control; its impact on business; trends and new technologies to watch for; and expectations for the future.

The conversation also explores initiatives and opportunities to get involved at an association level, such as AMPP’s Sustainability Task Force; a technical community of interest (TCI) on materials sustainability; and a Sustainability Symposium and Expert Panel session at the AMPP 2024 Annual Conference + Expo next March.

Sustainable Solutions for the Built Environment

Job Coenen, AkzoNobel’s sustainability program manager and a strategic global corporate advisory board member of the World Green Building Council, explains how sustainable solutions for the built environment can combat the challenges of producing more green buildings. Discussion topics include the role of circularity in product development; science-based targets and goals; and how new technologies can help the cause.

2024 Contractor Awards: FAQs and Why to Nominate

Stephanie Chizik, Editor-in-Chief of CoatingsPro Magazine, joins Ben DuBose, News Editor with AMPP Publications, to discuss CoatingsPro’s annual Contractor Awards. With the 2024 nomination window open now and extending through Oct. 31, 2023, the conversation addresses many frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the program, along with reasons to get involved and potential perks for winners.