30 | Sector Focus: Coatings & Finishes
◄ adhesives is via distribution and direct to its customers, with direct supply being the largest route.
Mr Bradford added that demand this year is also looking favourable.
Sayerlack manufacturer Sherwin-Williams’s direct business is focused on serving the larger OEMs, whilst working closely with its distribution partners to ensure they can provide “the best possible service” to their customers, who are typically SME businesses. Graham Buchan, commercial director west region – EMEA at Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Division, also reported a good year. “Like many other businesses, there was a feeling that we were still working through a ‘post-shutdown’ period, so many of our customers were working through an order book that showed a strong recovery in demand as life began to normalise,” he said. “This was good,” continued Mr Buchan, “but, on the other hand, we saw exceptional strains and stresses on the supply side, especially relating to raw materials, which caused significant pressure on costs which persisted for much of 2022. Even now, many of these materials remain stuck at historically very high levels and, of course, the surge in energy prices is now adding an additional dimension.”
Finishes specialist Osmo also noted the supply challenges, particularly those created by the war in Ukraine, which, according to Paul Thompson, sales director Osmo UK, has affected the company “hugely”. “Our main ingredient is sunflower oil and Ukraine produces 60% of the world supply,” he said. “It’s had a negative effect on manufacturing costs.”
He added that Osmo experienced growth within the UK market in 2022, although this had slowed in comparison to the preceding two years, “which was to be expected”. “The growth came from new business as all regions saw new accounts open and existing accounts increasing their portfolios,” said Mr Thompson.
Top: Elements, which is Osmo’s new exterior colour range, has 120 designers’ colours Centre: Remmers Gruppe has new products planned for this year Bottom: Remmers Gruppe’s Aqua Stop products are top sellers
TTJ | January/February 2023 |
www.ttjonline.com
The hope in the wood coatings sector now is for a less bumpy supply chain in 2023. “Continuity of supply and high levels of service are two of our operating pillars,” said AkzoNobel’s Chris Bradford. “All sectors of the coatings industry have seen extreme global raw material shortages and potential supply disruptions, however, this is now easing as demand softens. Despite the disruptions we have been able to manage our supply chain through our relationships with suppliers and customers alike. We are now seeing a more stable supply chain and look forward to further improvements.” When it comes to the split between the exterior and interior coatings markets, for AkzoNobel the ratio across the globe is pretty even, with regional strengths.
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