RELIUS is a strong partner in the BASF network

Münster/Oldenburg. On January 1, 2007, the Construction Paints and Industrial Coatings units of the RELIUS Group joined BASF Coatings. RELIUS, headquartered in Oldenburg in Germany, is a company with a long tradition operating throughout Europe. Until last January, BASF Coatings’ decorative paints business had focused on South America, where the company leads the market with its “Suvinil” brand. The RELIUS Group, with its sites in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Turkey, is a strong partner for construction paints in the company network, especially in light of the current boom in the construction industry. “We have a common foundation in various areas of work for products, technologies, and sales structures. This means there are synergies, the way competencies are joined together,” explains Klaus Börjes, head of RELIUS' Construction Paints unit, describing the joint tactic.

The RELIUS Group, which markets its products under the RELIUS brand name, is a genuine full-range supplier. It caters to paint businesses and paint supply dealers with its direct sales system. The product portfolio includes high-quality paint and coating systems for interiors and facades, as well as varnishes and glazes, external wall insulation systems, and render systems, along with an assortment of tools and accessories. RELIUS’ Living Colours Tinting System makes it one of Europe’s technological leaders in the field.

RELIUS has recently received two first place awards for good value for money, and for customer service level. The selection was based on a survey carried out by an independent market research institute at over 180 paint businesses throughout Germany.

It’s a success that Börjes intends to keep going with “innovative, intelligent, and individual solutions.” One example of this is the solvent-free VOC paints whose volatile organic compounds – or VOC – content is already below the stringent limits set to become legally binding starting in 2010.

RELIUS’ external wall insulation systems reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂), making them pioneers in climate protection. “They help save valuable heating energy and ensure a healthy living atmosphere,” says Börjes, describing the growing market.

In addition to innovation, RELIUS assigns high priority to proximity to the customer and quick service. Ninety-five percent of all deliveries are carried out within 24 hours. The company’s own Point of Colour paint retail stores and other traditional pickup and support points with professional product advice make this possible from any location in Germany.

Along with the accelerating economic recovery in the construction sector, living trends such as “cocooning” or “Feng-shui”, which focus on aesthetics for comfort and design, are contributing to market growth.

“We’re on the right path,” says Börjes. It’s no coincidence that the company’s motto is “RELIUS – brightening up your life!”

BASF: A major international player in coatings

BASF Coatings, the Coatings Division of the BASF Group, develops, produces and markets a high-quality range of innovative automotive OEM coatings, automotive refinishes and industrial coatings as well as decorative paints. BASF has significant market positions in the Coatings sector in Europe, North America, South America and the Asia/Pacific region. In 2006 BASF Coatings achieved global sales of about 2.3 billion euros. The internet address of BASF Coatings is www.basf-coatings.com

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion in 2006. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

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