PlusCoat stands as Denmark’s sole dedicated electrocoat (e-coat) service provider and a recognized leader in delivering comprehensive coating solutions across a wide range of industries. With a reputation for quality, environmental responsibility and innovation, the 20-year-old company found a like-minded strategic partner with PPG in 2025. The collaboration has helped to transform PlusCoat’s operations, enhance customer value and fuel growth.
Understanding Electrocoating
Electrocoating, or e-coating, is a high-performance finishing process that uses an electrical current to deposit paint onto a conductive substrate such as rolled and galvanized steel, aluminum and cast iron. Valued for its versatility, e-coat can be used as a primer but also as a cost-saving one-coat application. PPG pioneered the electrocoating process in the 1960s.
The Challenge: Fragmented Operations and Compatibility Issues
Before deepening its relationship with PPG, PlusCoat faced operational challenges, particularly within its e-coating line. The company relied on multiple suppliers for different production stages, resulting in inefficiencies and difficulties in pinpointing responsibility when problems occurred. A recurring issue was cleaning inconsistencies prior to the e-coat dip, caused by compatibility problems between products from different vendors.
Marcello La Pia, partner at PlusCoat, recalls reaching out to several suppliers for help. PPG distinguished itself by taking a proactive, hands-on approach to resolving the issue. This responsiveness marked the beginning of a more formal and comprehensive partnership.
A Unified Approach to Coating Solutions
Jens Vallentin Hansen, PPG’s technical sales representative for Industrial Coatings, explains that PlusCoat initially purchased only e-coating chemistry. Over time, growing trust in PPG’s products and technical expertise led to an expanded collaboration encompassing pretreatment, e-coat, power, and liquid technologies. This unified approach streamlined finishing operations and eliminated the complexities of managing multiple suppliers.
Implementation and Tangible Results
PPG’s support went far beyond product delivery. The implementation phase involved close technical collaboration, on-site assistance and laboratory testing to optimize formulations and ensure operational excellence. The partnership delivered four key benefits:
- Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting
- Enhanced finish quality and improved data control
- Cost efficiencies through volume purchasing
- Superior customer service with customized, tailored solutions
Looking Ahead: Growth Fueled by Partnership
With spare capacity in its e-coating line, PlusCoat is actively pursuing growth opportunities. The company’s expansion strategy relies on continued collaboration with PPG to support technical inquiries and deliver responsive service. “We’re working on a sales strategy to grow our e-coating business, and PPG will be essential to that effort,” says La Pia.
In June, PlusCoat was acquired by DOT A/S, another Denmark-based company, further strengthening their liquid, powder, and industrial finishing capabilities.
The Power of a Coatings Partner
The PlusCoat-PPG partnership exemplifies PPG’s commitment to technical excellence and collaborative innovation. Through integrated, customer-centric solutions, PPG has helped PlusCoat streamline operations, elevate product quality and strengthen customer relationships, demonstrating how PPG’s partnership model drives value well beyond coatings.