Dec 5 2006
UNITED COATINGS, a leading manufacturer of protective coatings for the construction industry, is on schedule to complete a project that will establish the first high-speed rail system in China. The new rail system is scheduled to be completed and operational before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The project involves the production of approximately one-half million gallons of UNITED COATINGS' Elastuff 320 polyurea elastomer that will be used to coat and protect a newly constructed 71-mile stretch of rail between Beijing and the coastal city of Tianjin, two of China's five largest cities. The Elastuff 320 coating will protect the rail system's elevated precast concrete deck sections on which the two-way sections of track will be installed.
"The Chinese Government plans to have several of these high-speed rail lines installed prior to the 2008 Olympics, which will facilitate the large crowds going to and from Beijing," said Bill Mann, UNITED COATINGS' vice president of international sales. "We are proud to be part of such a prestigious project and are working hard with our joint venture partner in Beijing to ensure that everything runs smoothly and according to schedule."
In order to supply the coating as efficiently and economically as possible, UNITED COATINGS formed a joint venture partnership with a Chinese manufacturer to produce Elastuff 320 in China. UNITED COATINGS is offering all the necessary technology and training for the project, while their Beijing-based partner, one of China's largest producers of protective coatings, is providing the manufacturing facility and quality control.
"This project marks the first time UNITED COATINGS has partnered with another coatings manufacturer in China," said Mann. "We have put a lot of faith in our partner to produce a product that lives up to UNITED COATINGS' standards, and we have not been disappointed."
The Beijing to Tianjin line is just one of 13 rail lines that are planned for construction over the next 15 to 20 years, which will eventually link all of China's major metropolitan areas.
Elastuff 320 is a high-build, polyurea elastomer that provides superior waterproofing, corrosion and abrasion protection in a variety of environments. Featuring high tensile strength and elongation characteristics, Elastuff 320 is a durable membrane that offers protection under a wide variety of service conditions.
In addition to its Elastuff Industrial systems, UNITED COATINGS offers a full line of premium-quality, protective coatings for architectural, industrial, roofing and do-it-yourself applications. All UNITED COATINGS' products come standard with the industry's best warranties, due to UNITED COATINGS' rich, 80-plus-year history in the coatings market.