Eastman And Balcas Executives Make It Official: Ireland-based Balcas Will Use Eastman's Cerfis(TM) Technology To Manufacture Interior Moulding For Distribution In Europe. Pictured, L-r, Are Tim Dell, Eastman Vice President Of Innovation; David Gill; And Peter Burton. Gill Is Managing Director At Balcas Kildare, Ltd. Burton Is The Company's Production Director. Eastman's Headquarters Are In Kingsport, Tenn. (Photo: Eastman Cerfis)

Eastman Chemical Company today announced a strategic collaboration in the form of a significant license agreement with Balcas, Ltd., a leading manufacturer of millwork in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The agreement gives Balcas the exclusive use of Eastman Cerfis™ technology to manufacture moulding and trim products in that geography.

Eastman and Balcas executives make it official: Ireland-based Balcas will use Eastman's Cerfis(TM) technology to manufacture interior moulding for distribution in Europe. Pictured, l-r, are Tim Dell, Eastman vice president of innovation; David Gill; and Peter Burton. Gill is managing director at Balcas Kildare, Ltd. Burton is the company's production director. Eastman's headquarters are in Kingsport, Tenn. (Photo: Eastman Cerfis)

Eastman Cerfis™ technology enables a superior surface that can be used with a variety of substrates and coatings. It maintains a consistent geometry and surface finish on any profile and provides dimensional stability and reduced warping and twisting. It has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and it is more durable and moisture resistant than most commercial paints.

“In addition to the excitement of a collaboration with one of Europe’s leading millwork manufacturers, this agreement is an ideal example of the growth Eastman is enjoying in the building products category – in the U.S. and abroad,” said Jim Mercer, director of Eastman’s Polymers Innovations Division. “Historically, advancements in coating technology, such as MDF- (medium density fiberboard-) coated flooring, have come from Europe. It’s exciting to be sending some innovation in the other direction.”

Mercer also noted that Balcas is reporting strong interest in the technology from its customers in both the do-it-yourself and builder channels and has indicated there are several leading retail and other entities eager to offer the product in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.