CLEVELAND, Nov. 2, 2015
/PRNewswire/ -- The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) announced
plans today to commit $1 million
toward materials research through the Institute for Advanced
Materials (IAM) at Case Western Reserve
University.
With the commitment, the Cleveland-based producer of paints and
coatings combines nearly 150 years as an international leader in
materials and coatings with Case Western
Reserve's extensive research in advanced materials and
polymers. The funding will support collaborative projects with
Case Western Reserve faculty and
graduate students aimed at creating innovative designs in coating
technologies.
"Sherwin-Williams' work with the Institute for Advanced
Materials and our faculty has helped to fuel a number of
innovations in materials research across the Case Western Reserve campus, and we are delighted
that this commitment will build on our productive partnership,"
said Stuart Rowan, director of the institute and Kent Hale
Smith Professor of Engineering at Case Western
Reserve. "We are excited for the potential of our continued
collaboration and the vision, not only to advance coatings
technologies, but also make a positive impact on our region's
economy."
Founded in 2010, IAM aims to enhance and energize Ohio's industrial base and manufacturing
capability by leveraging a broad range of materials as a foundation
for innovations in multiple technology sectors.
The institute provides an interdisciplinary research approach at
Case Western Reserve, serving as an
engine to advance new materials research and enhance the region's
economic viability.
"We deeply appreciate Sherwin
Williams' long engagement with our university and more
recent involvement with our Institute for Advanced Materials," said
W.A. "Bud" Baeslack III, provost and executive vice president. "The
institute has catalyzed impressive partnerships within Case Western Reserve, and this new commitment will
foster even more collaboration between our organizations. We are
very grateful."
The two institutions, whose roots each date to the 1800s, have
partnered on various endeavors since Sherwin-Williams opened its
first chemistry research lab 75 years ago on what is now the
Case Western Reserve campus. The global
coatings company has previously invested in research through IAM,
has routinely sponsored university events and has participated in
executive education programs at CWRU.
The company and university share a history in other areas as
well. The son of one of the firm's co-founders served as a trustee
at Adelbert College and Cleveland
College, both of which became part of what is now
Case Western Reserve. And several
Case Western Reserve graduates have
served in executive positions at Sherwin-Williams, including former
Chief Executive Officers Walter
Spencer and Jack Breen and
several vice presidents. More than 70 CWRU alumni currently work
for Sherwin-Williams.
"Our industry leading R&D team and Innovation Excellence
culture are the fuels that drive Sherwin-Williams to create the
best products for our customers," said Diana Strongosky, SVP R&D Global Supply
Chain and Director of the Breen Technology Center. " Our continued
success and growth depends on a robust innovation pipeline. Long
term productive partnerships, like the one we have with CWRU, are
critical to developing best in class technology and the next
generation of research scientists who will pioneer continuous
innovations which increase shareholder value and financial
performance."
About Sherwin-Williams Breen Technology Center
Modern laboratories located on the historic site of
Sherwin-Williams first manufacturing facility on the bank of the
Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland are home to Sherwin Williams' Breen Technology Center
(BTC).
A team of 350 chemists, scientists, and engineers are
responsible for developing innovative processes, products, and
technology solutions for Sherwin-Williams' architectural
products.
BTC is responsible for product development, coatings research,
color technology, microbiology, materials development and process
engineering.
In addition, platform research and polymer development
initiatives allow the BTC Center to support innovative product
development across other business segments of the company
globally.
Our technical talent focuses on providing solutions that add
value to our customers and experiences the thrill of discovery and
problem solving with everyday innovations.
Interesting Fact: 41% of our chemists, scientists, and
engineers are women.
About Sherwin-Williams
Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader
in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of coatings
and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and
retail customers.
With 41,715 associates and $11.1
billion in sales, S-W is the USA's #1 paint and coatings company; #3 in the
world.
The company manufactures products under well-known brands such
as Sherwin-Williams®, HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy®,
Krylon®, Minwax®, Thompson's®
Water Seal®, Ronseal™, Sayerlack®, Euronavy®, Altax™ and many
more.
With global headquarters in Cleveland,
Ohio, Sherwin-Williams® branded products are sold
exclusively through a chain of more than 4,100 company-operated
stores and facilities, while the company's other brands are sold
through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint
dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial
distributors.
The Sherwin-Williams Global Finishes Group delivers a wide range
of products to the automotive refinishes, product finishes, and
protective and marine markets in 115 countries around the world.
For more information, visit www.sherwin.com
About Case Western Reserve
University
Case Western Reserve University is
one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located
in Cleveland, we offer a unique
combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an
inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in
teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our
nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental
medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and
social work. About 4,900 undergraduate and 5,900 graduate students
comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how
Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the
possible.
Contact:
Mike Conway
Sherwin-Williams
Director, Corporate Communications
Direct: 216.515.4393
Pager: 216. 422.3751
mike.conway@sherwin.com
Bill Lubinger
Case Western Reserve University
Director of Media Relations and Communications
216.368.4443
william.lubinger@case.edu
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SOURCE The Sherwin-Williams Company