Henkel Wins 2009 Automotive News PACE Award

Henkel’s TecTalis coating reduces costs while streamlining the paint pretreatment process

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., April 22 /PRNewswire/ – Henkel Corporation received a 2009 Automotive News PACE Award for its new conversion coating process, TecTalis, at an awards ceremony on April 20 in Detroit. The prestigious award recognizes automotive suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090415/DE99335LOGO)

Henkel was recognized in the Manufacturing Process category for its TecTalis metal pretreatment technology. As the world’s first nanoceramic conversion coating process for multi-metal bodies, TecTalis completely eliminates phosphates along with heavy metals such as nickel and manganese from the pretreatment process. This innovative technology significantly reduces costs, streamlines the vehicle assembly pretreatment operations, and reduces the environmental impact from the manufacturing process.

Henkel was first to introduce this green technology – the first phosphate-free pretreatment alternative launched in the automotive industry in over 50 years to replace the conventional zinc-phosphate process. Henkel partnered with Ford Motor Company to commercialize the technology in the Ford Twin Cities Facility in St. Paul, Minn. And in November 2007, TecTalis reached a milestone, when Ford began a full vehicle production launch on the 2008 Ford Ranger line.

“Henkel is committed to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement as a means to reduce costs and environmental impact while helping to increase productivity for our customers,” said Dan Wohletz, vice president, Automotive, Henkel Corporation. “TecTalis is a perfect example of that commitment and we’re extremely honored to be recognized by Automotive News, Ernst & Young LLP and Transportation Research Center Inc. for this momentous achievement.”

To learn more about TecTalis, call 866-332-7244 or visit TecTalis.

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.

For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people’s lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas – Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesive Technologies – and is ranked among the Fortune Global 500 companies. More than 60 percent of Henkel’s sales are in fast-moving consumer goods, while the industrial business accounts for almost 40 percent of the company’s total sales. In fiscal 2008, Henkel generated sales of 14,131 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 1,460 million euros. Our more than 55,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, “A Brand like a Friend,” and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.

www.henkelna.com

SOURCE Henkel Corporation