We have the solution is not just a campaign slogan; it is a company philosophy Carboline employees live by day in and day out. “Solving tough problems for our customers is how we started. It is the foundation of the company and will continue to lead to our success in the future,” said Randy Roth Sr., president and COO.
Carboline was founded in 1947 in St. Louis when Stanley Lopata developed a product to solve a problem for a single customer. Solving customers’ problems is still the company’s focus after almost 70 years. Carboline is dedicated to supplying high-performance coatings, linings and fireproofing products around the world through continuous technological improvements and first-class service.
Since 1947, Carboline has expanded with over 25 manufacturing locations and distribution centers strategically located around the world. In addition, Carboline has one of the most advanced global R&D facilities strictly dedicated to high-performance coatings, linings and fireproofing materials. The state-of-the-art facility was renovated in 2010 to include world-class development, testing and applications. In 2014, a new learning center was built adjacent to the Global Innovation and Technology Center. The learning center hosts NACE classes, Carboline fireproofing certification schools and employee training events. “The new complex reinforces Carboline’s dedication to further enhance our customers’ and employees’ knowledge about the coatings industry,” said Dallas Finch, vice president of Innovation and Technology.
Carboline’s focus on innovation and coatings technology allows the company to supply high-performance coatings to 16 different markets to protect steel and concrete for maintenance and new construction. Carboline’s history of success and expertise in the markets it serves has gained the trust of the world’s largest companies. Customers trust Carboline’s knowledgeable employees to make the right recommendation for the job and to support their needs throughout the entire project.
Team approach
The success of Carboline is rooted in its team approach to business, which Roth advocates for daily. Everyone working together as a team is the key to winning. Winning means meeting customers’ demands and serving their needs. Carboline’s customers can be confident behind every sale is a team of dedicated people determined to make it a success. From manufacturing, to marketing, to customer service, all employees believe service is everyone’s responsibility. “Our commitment to service is our competitive advantage. That’s why engineers, owners, fabricators, shops and contractors rely on Carboline,” said Todd Bonvillian, vice president of sales-USA Gulf.
The individual members of the Carboline team also greatly contribute to the company’s success. Carboline’s employees are some of the most well-respected members of the coatings industry, with many having top certifications and decades of experience.
Innovation
Being innovative is one of Carboline’s core values, and it does not stop with the company’s coatings, linings and fireproofing products. In January, Carboline partnered with TruQC, a St. Louis-based technology company, to develop an innovative, industry-changing software called Total Asset Management (TAM). TAM will allow facility owners to manage their projects, people and assets using an iPad® application. This allows all of the data to be in real time and paperless.
“TAM solves the documentation issues owners face in one simple and integrated solution in one central location. It saves customers a tremendous amount of time, their most precious commodity,” said Doug Moore, vice president of Global Marketing and Development. TAM allows customers to accurately and efficiently record all of the information concerning a maintenance or new construction project. Numerous reports will be available in TAM, including:
- Asset integrity assessment.
- Coatings recommendation report.
- Inspection test plan.
- Daily inspection report.
- Maintenance report.
- Incident report.
- Custom asset checklist.
- Equipment utilization report.
In addition to the multiple reports, TAM will also have a barcode scanning feature that allows users to retrieve key product and batch information by simply scanning the barcode on a Carboline red bucket. Critical information such as product, color and batch data will automatically load into TAM once the barcode is scanned. Another key feature is the easily accessible, up-to-date Carboline product data sheets and safety data sheets within the software. The product data sheets and safety data sheets allow customers to always have the supporting documentation they need without leaving the app. The software will be released in June.
Solutions for every part of a facility
Carboline has earned a reputation for recommending the right product for every job, not just what is on the shelf. This ensures the right level of protection and performance on each and every project. Carboline can confidently stand behind its products because all products go through rigorous in-house testing before being released. The Global Innovation and Technology Center houses a wide range of equipment to test everything from atmospheric coatings and nuclear products, all the way to large-scale fire tests for new intumescent and cementitious fireproofing products. All of Carboline’s tank linings endure very stringent, long-term tests to ensure performance when in service. Carboline has also developed a predictive test method that simulates corrosion under insulation. This allows Carboline to develop better coatings for use in this critical service.
These testing capabilities allow Carboline to develop products that will cover all areas of a facility, from tank linings, secondary containment, coatings under insulation and maintenance coatings to fireproofing. No matter what the problem is, Carboline has the solution.
Linings — Carboline has been an industry leader in tank linings since it was founded in 1947. The wide range of lining products provide solutions for mild service such as potable water to more severe service such as acids or fuel storage. Linings offer protection for not only tanks but also process vessels, reactors, valves and piping. The Plasite® product line offers superior protection for the most severe service, including high temperatures and pressures that are often found in petrochemical plants. For decades, the Plasite name has been synonymous with quality and protection. For less severe service, the Phenoline® product line offers reliable protection and easy application.
Secondary containment — Containment of chemicals, wastewater or fuels as required by regulations can be a challenge to owners. It is critical the right products are used to ensure complete and long-term protection of the concrete and chemical retention in the event of a spill. The Semstone® series is a wide range of epoxy, novolac and vinyl esters designed to handle aggressive chemical exposures. In addition, the Reactamine® series includes elastomeric polyureas and hybrids that are ideal for concrete protection due to their crack bridging capabilities and elongation properties. Carboline can provide construction details to ensure proper installation and long-term service life for common areas of failures such as edges, junctions and penetrations. A great product line, paired with experience and installation knowledge, makes Carboline a leader in secondary containment.
Coatings under insulation — The elevated temperatures of a petrochemical plant require coatings systems designed to handle the aggressive chemicals and thermal, wet/dry cycling. The Thermaline® series of modified epoxy phenolics provides the ultimate chemical resistance and stands strong in temperatures up to 1,200 F. For lower temperatures, the Carboguard® series of epoxies provides outstanding barrier coatings that can handle moisture and moderately aggressive chemicals often found under wet insulation. The Carbomastic® series includes aluminum-filled, epoxy-mastic, surface-tolerant coatings that provide excellent protection to steel under insulation.
Maintenance — Regular maintenance is required to keep facilities operating optimally, and Carboline has a variety of products to meet owners’ needs. The pioneer mastic in the industry was Carbomastic 15. Today, it still provides unmatched levels of barrier protection and corrosion resistance over existing finishes and rusted or SSPC-SP2 or SP3-cleaned steel. The new generation of phenalkamine technology is Carbomastic 615, which provides outstanding protection with a low-temperature cure.
Fireproofing — Epoxy intumescent and cementitious fireproofing products provide both hydrocarbon and jet fire ratings for the petrochemical industry. Carboline has one of the most versatile fireproofing product lines in the industry. The Pyrocrete® series includes high-density cementitious fireproofing materials with over 35 years of proven history. The Thermo-Lag® series is the most efficient epoxy-based intumescent product line in the industry with leading hydrocarbon ratings. Pyroclad® X1 is an ultra-durable, epoxy-based fireproofing with unsurpassed weathering characteristics, low thickness requirements, and excellent hydrocarbon and jet fire protection. In addition, Carboline has insulative epoxies that can be paired with intumescent fireproofing designed to provide cryogenic insulation and hydrocarbon fire protection.
Vision
Carboline’s commitment to customers is to continue to understand their needs and solve their problems. As the company continues to focus on its global vision, Carboline will expand into new markets and new regions of the world. In order to grow, the company will continue to rely on its core values: innovation, quality and superior service. Most importantly, the company will continue to demonstrate to customers Carboline has the solution.
For more information, visit www.carboline.com or call (314) 644-1000.
