(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
Lubrizol, a key player in resin technology for coatings, has unveiled plans for a significant $20 million investment in its Gastonia, North Carolina plant. This strategic move aims to bolster the production of innovative acrylic emulsions, underlining the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of coating performance.
Dating back to the 1950s, Lubrizol has been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing acrylic emulsion technologies. These formulations find wide applications across various industries, including paper, textiles, and construction materials. Over the years, Lubrizol has amassed over a dozen patents in North America alone, showcasing its dedication to pioneering advancements in coating performance. From enhancing UV and chemical resistance to improving hardness and toughness, Lubrizol’s acrylic emulsions have been instrumental in driving innovation in the coatings sector.
Luis Carthery, Sr. Business Director-Americas at Lubrizol, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation. He noted, “Our commitment to innovation and production of world-class acrylic emulsions will continue, as evident by this significant investment.” Despite the enduring success of products like Hycar® Acrylic Emulsions, which were first commercialized in the 1960s and still enjoy significant sales volumes today, Lubrizol remains focused on bringing modern resin technologies to its customers.
The investment in the Gastonia facility will encompass several key upgrades, including updated processing equipment, storage tanks, and packaging facilities. These enhancements will not only boost production capacity but also ensure that Lubrizol maintains its high standards of safety and operational efficiency. Tom Zagore, Sr. Director for Product Management, highlighted the importance of these improvements, stating, “Safety and operating efficiency are key drivers for the changes. As Lubrizol continues to drive acrylic product performance, we need to be capable of handling product complexity, system optimization, and the safe handling of materials to achieve the highest level of Responsible Care® compliance, employee safety, and operational efficiency.”
With this investment, Lubrizol reaffirms its position as a leader in resin technology, poised to meet the evolving needs of its customers while driving innovation in the coatings industry.
© 2024 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.