Just over a year after BASF acquired Chemetall, a leading global surface treatment supplier, BASF announced that Chemetall will operate as a brand of the Surface Treatment global business unit of its Coatings division.

“Being well-known within the industry for its high-quality products and solutions, Chemetall will operate as a brand of the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division,” the company said in a statement.

The new brand image of Chemetall was officially introduced during festive events at its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany and facilities worldwide.

Martin Jung, senior vice president, Surface Treatment, BASF’s Coatings division, recognised this milestone: “One plus one is greater than two! Our new brand image reflects the impressive know-how of BASF in chemistry and coatings applications with the market-leading expertise in applied surface treatment from Chemetall. Together, the businesses will offer unmatched solutions competence to customers.”

BASF has long been recognised as a global innovation leader. Chemetall enjoys a great history of global recognition for providing its customers with high-performance products and individual solutions. The combination of expertise and innovation power of two global market leaders will accelerate innovation and drive even more customer success.

Jung: One plus one is greater than two

Julia Murray, global marketing communications Surface Treatment, said: “The Chemetall brand is recognised for its technology leadership, and we take a great deal of pride in our customer-focused and customer-centric approach, locally and globally. Being part of BASF’s Coatings division creates opportunities to increase customer benefits from our combined expertise and commitment to continuous innovation. We expect to further advance our customers’ access to best-in-class technologies, systems, and solutions across the value chain, always with the goal of enhancing efficiencies and value for our customers.”

Under the Chemetall brand, BASF develops and manufactures customised technology and systems solutions for applied surface treatment. The products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and machining, allow parts to be optimally prepared for the painting process and ensure proper coating adhesion. These products are used in a wide range of industries and end-markets, such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing, and metal forming.

Chemetall, the Surface Treatment business unit of BASF›s Coatings division, is a leading global supplier of surface treatments for metals, glass and plastics. Chemetall is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and comprises of 40 companies and 21 production sites worldwide.

The Coatings division of BASF is a global expert in the development, production and marketing of innovative and sustainable automotive OEM and refinish coatings, as well as decorative paints. In 2016, the Coatings division achieved global sales of about €3.2 billion.

Receives Airbus SQIP award

Meanwhile, the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, has been awarded the highest supplier award in the Airbus Supply Chain and Quality Improvement Program called SQIP. For the fourth consecutive year, Chemetall achieved the “Accredited Supplier” status, the company said in a statement.

The award acknowledges sustained quality and delivery performance, strong continuous improvement and customer oriented approach. Chemetall supplies Airbus with Naftoseal and Ardrox products which meet the strict requirements of the international aerospace industry, it said.

“We are extremely proud to once again receive this prestigious award, which values the dedication and commitment of the Chemetall team in line with Airbus targets and expectations in 2017,” said Hendrik Becker, Chemetall›s global aerospace manager.

“Winning the award for the fourth consecutive year is a great honour for our long-lasting and successful business relationship with Airbus,” Becker added.

In 2017, Chemetall strengthened its supply chain. “We implemented several projects to further improve the performance of our European aerospace supply chain and strongly supports the ramp-up of the Airbus A320 and A350 programs,” said Ronald Hendriks, quality manager and SQIP coordinator.

Airbus reviews

The aim of the Airbus Supply Chain and Quality Improvement Program, known as SQIP, is to advance the major strategic Airbus suppliers towards the goal of industrial excellence with regard to product quality and delivery reliability. In view of increasing production rates, this goal is of particular importance. Every year, the performance of each participating supplier is reviewed and either confirmed or – in case of non-conformity with the requested quality standards – downgraded or even rejected.

“We are delighted about this supplier award from Airbus. It acknowledges the continuous efforts of the Chemetall team and our commitment to deliver high quality service and products. Operating as a brand of BASF’s Coatings division, we look forward to supporting the Airbus growth strategy even more now and in the future,” said Dr Martin Jung, senior vice president Surface Treatment.

“The combination of expertise and innovation power will accelerate innovation and drive even more success for our customer, Airbus,” he added.

Long-term partnership

Over the past 25 years, Chemetall and Airbus have established a long-lasting and successful business relationship. From production sites in Langelsheim/Germany and Soissons/France, Chemetall supplies several Airbus sites with aircraft sealants, corrosion protection products, cleaners and pre-treatment technologies. In September 2017, Chemetall received the Airbus Best Performer Award for top level industrial performance and significant contributions in partnering with Airbus. Starting in spring 2018, Chemetall will expand its production site in Langelsheim, Germany, to fulfill the increasing global demands for aircrafts.