As this issue went to press, we at Coatings World are getting ready to head to China for CHINACOAT 2009. Since its inception in 1996, CHINACOAT has become the key event for the coatings industry in Asia-Pacific. In terms of exhibit size, number of exhibitors and visitors, CHINACOAT is now one of the largest coatings shows held in the world, rivaled only by the European Coatings Show (ECS). CHINACOAT 2009 returns to Shanghai this year from Nov. 18-20 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). Despite the global financial crisis, CHINACOAT continues to grow, reflecting a healthy coatings industry there despite the global economic slowdown. The show organizer, Sinostar International, anticipates more than 660 exhibitors from 26 countries and over 24,000 visitors at this year’s exhibition. Inside you’ll find a preview of CHINACOAT 2009, which includes a list of exhibitors as well as what to expect from various events including the CHINACOAT Conference.

Also in this issue you will find a report on the global automotive refinish market. Coatings World interviewed a panel of experts on the market from the world’s leading refinish suppliers-AkzoNobel, PPG and BASF-who all concur that the past 12 months have been the hardest on business that they can remember. At the same time though they feel as through the market haas endured the worst of it and are optimistic that a turnaround is in the near future. Another cause for optimism is the performance of China’s refinish market, which according to John Outcalt, VP Americas, PPG Automotive Refinish, “Even considering the impact of the global economic downturn, we continue to see tremendous, double-digit growth for refinish in China.”

Also on the menu this month is an interesting look at the marketing and branding side of the paint business given to us by a new contributing editor, Bonnie Morrow, who is currently a partner at The Coatings Consultancy, which can be found on the web at www.thecoatings�consultancy.com, and previously employed by Benjamin Moore. Her expertise on the subject lent to an intriguing dialogue with Dan Cohen, vice president of marketing at California Products Corporation. An often overlooked subject Ms. Morrow says, “the selling and marketing of coatings requires a vigilant and precise understanding of customers and their needs.” Read “Marketing Matters” and feel free to continue the dialogue and e-mail me your own thoughts on the subject.

Tim Wright
Editor