HMG Paints is drawing upon its strengths as the leading supplier to the UK bus & coach industry and a growing presence in the CV refinishing sector, to launch a one-stop coatings solutions network for the Commercial Transport industry. Based around its programme of high performance paint systems and to be branded Network CT, the combined product and service solution will offer bus and coach operators and CV fleet companies, especially those without in-house paintshop facilities, an exclusive network of approved CT repairers, refinishers and bodybuilders, backed by specialist paint distributors and providers of associated application equipment, products, service and training. Network CT was unveiled at Britain's largest road transport event, the Commercial Vehicle '07 Show at the NEC, where HMG market specialists introduced the concept to vehicle owners, repairers and suppliers and explored the benefits and requirements for each membership category.

Britain's leading independent paintmaker also used the CV Show to preview a number of important new high performance CT coatings, including a new version of its market-leading 2k topcoat system, called Acrythane XSC Advance, and a family of water-based 42/CE compliant products for the transport industry, named Hydroline. These products are currently being trialled and tested by specialist users across the industry and will be ready for national launch shortly.

HMG Paints, through its network of independent CT product distributors, supplies many leading vehicle manufacturers, bodybuilders and repairers, bus operators, tanker fleets, logistics companies, trailer manufacturers and rail companies, in the process building up in-depth knowledge of the technical, application and finish requirements that are singular to the transport industry. Painting commercial vehicles is quite a different proposition to passenger cars, from the size of panels and wide variety of substrates, through the use of multi-striping and vinyls, to the need for a high gloss finish that can withstand severe scrapes and knocks, as well as daily mechanical washing. So the coating systems, the methods of finishing and refinishing, sometimes involving brush painting, and the paintshops themselves are highly specialised, requiring a quite different market approach.

That is the thinking behind HMG's Network CT scheme, which will ensure paint products and processes that deliver maximum performance and durability, exact colour matching to corporate liveries, and the high standards of paintwork quality and finish the industry and its customers demand. There will be four membership categories – Owners/Operators, Repairers/Refinishers, Paint Distributors and Associate Suppliers – and the scheme will be distinguished by branded signs and point of sale material.

For fleet owners and operators, large and small, Network CT will offer an identifiable banner, under which they can access the specialist transport coatings knowledge that will ensure a first-class finish every time, at the same time contributing to enhanced fleet value and a positive brand image. Tailored paint specifications, including undercoating systems and colour references, will be drawn up by HMG and made available to designated Network CT repairers, refinishers and paint suppliers, ensuring all finishing and refinishing is carried out to an agreed standard.

Network CT paint distributors will be approved under the scheme, as offering the level of product knowledge, customer service, delivery flexibility and technical back-up demanded in the transport coatings sector. Commercial vehicle repairers and refinishers will be appointed through a detailed selection process and will benefit, in turn, from a direct link between identified work sources and an unrivalled CT coatings knowledge base and supply network, provided by HMG and its distributors.

Associate members, such as equipment and training providers, will be able to market their services within a network of transport industry professionals, at the same time extending the nature and scope of the Network CT one-stop solution. Information about the scheme and contact details for all members will be accessible via a dedicated password-protected website and the domain name www.networkct.co.uk has already been reserved.

Technical, safety and application specifications for all HMG's CT coating systems and previews of new product introductions will also feature on the site. Among the first to be featured will be the latest generation of the company's renowned Acrythane 2K acrylic topcoat, Acrythane XSC Advance. An ultra high solids formulation, it employs the latest resin and pigmentation technology to meet <420g/l VOC requirements, whilst continuing to offer such outstanding properties as extremely high gloss levels, rapid drying even at low temperatures, reduced process times and long-term durability in the harshest con<

With the implementation of stricter VOC regulations, demand for waterborne coatings systems is set to grow and HMG is applying its paint manufacturing and R&D skills to formulating a complete new family of water-based products, HydroLine, designed for commercial vehicle applications and yielding inherently low emissions. First up is HydroBase, a waterborne transport basecoat system, available in a full range of colours and metallics, which fully complies with EU Products Directive 2004/42/CE when used in conjunction with a recommended HMG 2K-compliant clearcoat; other water-based products in development include HydroPrime, HydroCoat, HydroThane and HydroGuard. HMG will support these new lines with up-to-date technical advice on production application, spraybooth atmospheric control, air movement and product storage.

For further information about Network CT and the new transport coatings, contact:
HMG Paints
Riverside Works
Collyhurst Road
Manchester
M40 7RU
Tlephone 0161 205 7631
email sales@hmgpaint.com