Competence in all the elements

Oldenburg. “When it comes to the elements water, air, and earth, we’re well positioned with our technologies, products, and services. We have sown the seed for a successful future,” says Harald Müller, head of the RELIUS Group’s industry unit. In line with this, the future is rosy for his wind energy business area. In the fields of protective coatings, powder coatings, and traditional industrial coatings, there is also much in the pipeline. Müller’s outlook on the future and the present is therefore highly optimistic. “As an integral component of BASF’s Coatings Division, we profit from synergies and interrelations in powder coatings, cathodic e-coating, and in research and development,” Müller says.

“During the past five to seven years, the industrial sector has shown very positive results, and we intend to expand on them,” Müller added. Take wind turbines, for example. “With our combination of experience and pioneering spirit, we’ll continue to provide the operators of the facilities with intelligent coating solutions,” Müller promises. RELIUS is placing a particular focus on environmentally friendly coatings, which are waterborne or solvent-free. The designers and operators of the facilities are usually involved in the paint development from the outset. “This enables us to respond to special demands quickly and to come up with tailor-made solutions,” Müller explains.

“Our years of experience in the protective coatings area, especially for the ship-building sector, are now particularly helpful for everything related to corrosion protection,” Müller reports. When it comes to protective coatings, RELIUS is also active and successful in paints for trade ships, as well as for navy ships and submarines. Another sector where paint finishes are really put to the test is railway cars for bulk freight because this is an area where absolutely excellent abrasion resistance is a must.

Powder coatings is a field for which Müller predicts a positive trend. “This is due to VOC legislation,” he says, analyzing the situation. One of RELIUS’ product lines in this area is specialty solutions, such as powder coatings that are permitted for coating drinking water pipes. This means the inside of the pipes can be coated to ensure corrosion resistance and longer durability, and yet remain safe for drinking water. “Other advantages include our wide range of colors, quick delivery, and our metallic powders, especially for facades,” Müller explains.

One example of traditional industrial coatings is the liquid coatings business catering to vehicles that are not passenger cars, such as special vehicles like road construction or farm machines. In this area, the range of customers is quite varied. A complete portfolio featuring solvent-free, solventborne, and high-solids coatings, usually two-component paints, is available for them.

As an integral component of BASF Coatings, RELIUS profits from synergies in the industrial coatings sector. “This is true for products and technologies, but also in distribution" says Müller. For example, existing sales units made it easier to spread RELIUS’ competencies on an international scale. In addition, existing technology platforms can be optimally used to positively develop the “industrial” sector. “The marked economic recovery and increased demand for innovations in areas such as solvent-free paint systems provide good conditions for profitable growth,” says Müller.

For instance, Müller sees concrete synergies for supplying customers on an international level in the wind energy business area that arise from the use of BASF Coatings’ production and storage sites. “The prospects and opportunities are really good,” says Müller.