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Watson Standard Acquires Delta Coatings

Friday, December 14, 2012

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Century-old coatings maker Watson Standard is expanding its portfolio and re-entering the general industrial coatings marketplace with the acquisition of Delta Coatings Corp.

The deal was effective Dec. 3, Pittsburgh-based Watson announced in a press release the next day.

Watson Standard

Founded in 1902, Watson produces conventional and energy-curable coatings and adhesives for general industrial applications, packaging and other industries.

Based in Melrose Park, IL, Delta Coatings specializes in the development and manufacture of coatings for the general industrial and packaging industries.The acquired business will operate as Watson Standard Industrial Coatings.

Former Market, Future Technology

“We are excited and enthusiastic about this return to an industry that was a facet of our foundation and represents our continued investment in, and dedication to, the coatings industry,” said Jim Lore, president of Watson Standard, founded in 1902.

Lore also said that Delta had "developed a unique technology platform for BPA non-intent coatings targeted for the packaging industry" and that Watson would bring the technology "to full comercialization" under a multi-year license.

"This is an excellent acquisition which will provide significant benefits to both companies’ customers and prospective customers,” he said.

Growth Ahead

Founded in 1996, Delta is best known for its waterborne coatings for the container and drum industries, OEM/general industrial and transportation industries. Delta’s portfolio also includes high solids, conventional solvent-based, HAPs-free and solvent-free radiation curable coatings for spray, dip, roll-coat, coil, electrostatic and electro-coat applications.

Delta Coatings

Delta Coatings' portfolio will return Watson Standard to the industrial coatings market.

Watson said the Delta deal would "provide both companies with additional global growth opportunities" and promised more acquisitions.

"This is the first of many acquisitions Watson Standard plans to make in the coming years," said Henry Watson, VP Corporate Development and a fifth-generation Watson involved in the company.

Henry Watson said the addition of "Delta’s quality products and talented people" would complement Watson's core coatings and adhesives business and "provide us with a solid re-entry into the general industrial coatings market."