Henkel Wins 2010 Automotive News Pace Award

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Henkel Corporation received a 2010 Automotive News PACE Award for its new Aquence® Co-Cure coating process, at an awards ceremony on April 12 in Detroit. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

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Henkel's Aquence® Co-Cure process was recognized in the Manufacturing Process category.  This process layers the Aquence® autodeposition coatings with a powder or liquid topcoat, and or adhesive and "co-cures" them together in a single oven. In addition, the environmentally responsible process simplifies conventional metal pretreatment by reducing it to a two-step coating process, therefore reducing the production footprint by up to 40 percent. The Aquence® Co-Cure process results in energy and cost savings, process efficiency, and reduces environmental impact since it contains no heavy metals or sludge.

Henkel was first to introduce this new lean paint shop process. For the award, Henkel partnered and recognized Valley Towing Products (formerly Thule Towing Systems) in Lodi, Calif., where the first dedicated commercial Aquence® Co-Cure line was installed.

"Henkel is committed to developing solutions that streamline processes and reduce costs and environmental impact for our automotive customers," said Chuck Evans, corporate vice president, Automotive, Henkel Corporation. "The revolutionary Aquence® Co-Cure process is an example of such a technology, we're extremely honored to be recognized by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and Transportation Research Center Inc. for this achievement."

To learn more about Aquence, call 866-332-7024 or visit www.aquencecoatings.com.

The Automotive News PACE Award is viewed around the world as the industry symbol of innovation and winning this honor elevates Henkel's stature in the marketplace.  The 15th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award was presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.).  The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks.  The Automotive News PACE Award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.

Henkel (www.henkelna.com/automotive) is  the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry.  Backed by  extensive  design capabilities, a  broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical  expertise, the company delivers solutions to  all segments of automotive development – automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through  powerful brands like Loctite®, Teroson®, Aquence®, Bonderite®, Frekote® and Multan®, Henkel provides significant economic and  environmental  advantages for today's  vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.

Henkel has been committed to making people's lives easier, better and more beautiful for more than 130 years. A  Fortune Global 500  company,  Henkel offers strong brands  and technologies  in  three areas of  competence: Home Care, Personal Care  and Adhesive Technologies.  Each  day, about 50,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling Henkel's claim "A Brand like a Friend." In fiscal 2009, Henkel generated sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion.

SOURCE Henkel Corporation