Some structural aspects and future challenges for the global surface finishing industry

ABSTRACT A strong linear relationship is shown between manufacturing output and both the sub-contract surface finishing output for different national sectors, recorded by official statistics departments, and total surface finishing outputs estimated by relating industrial paint sales to paint coating plants output, to the fraction of paint and powder coating application in overall surface finishing. This estimates that total surface finishing output globally may be more than US$ 800 Bn, and at least 4x the value of the sub-contract sector. This latter sector is defined by up to half its companies being very small, less than 10 employees in size, which, because of lack of sufficient resources, in financial strength and employee education and training, may pose a significant problem to the sector when having to deal with one of the major challenges thought to be now facing the sector. This is the issue of adopting new smart technology which many customers are having to take up to stay productive and competitive.