20

Volume 16, Issue 2 - March/April 2012

Newsworthy

COMPANY NEWS
Solutia Re-Ups With Performance
There is much in store for 2012 at Performance Films Distributing. With the late 2011 announcement of the renewal of the company’s distributorship agreement with Solutia, 2012 is off to a strong start for the company.

“We are extremely happy that Solutia has renewed the agreement,” says Bo Ryan, vice president of Performance Films Distributing. “We are looking forward to progressing with Solutia and it puts our customers at ease to know there will be stability with the Solutia brand and with us as their distributor.”

Performance Films Distributing will continue to serve as the exclusive supplier of LLumar, Vista and Formula One window films in the Midwest through 2015.

“As the last independent distributor left, I believe Solutia is confident that we have and will continue to deliver value to our customers,” says Ryan.

Hinting at some possible surprises in 2012, Ryan adds that what they have in store for the new year includes a new approach to the window film market.

“Our focus is to provide our market with a new and fresh approach adding value to our customers and continue to serve our customers the best way possible. Our growth strategies for 2012 are all focused on understanding our customers’ needs and developing solutions to meet those needs,” says Ryan.

Madico Aquires Select Enpro Distribution Assets
Madico has taken more of its window film distribution into its own hands. The window film manufacturer has purchased select assets from The Enpro Group, including the distribution rights of Madico products in 16 states.

“The Enpro Group has been successfully distributing Madico products for over 30 years and we have truly enjoyed this long-standing relationship,” says David Fletcher, president of Madico Window Films. “After the purchase is completed, Madico Window Films will leverage its broad resources to build upon Enpro’s legacy of outstanding customer service, while The Enpro Group will focus its energy on its FirstCut program, retail services, contracting and other business segments. We are confident that this purchase will be very positive for our window film customers, for Madico Window Films and for The Enpro Group. We are also pleased that our relationship will remain strong since we will continue to meet Enpro’s needs for window film products.”

The states affected by the purchase include Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

“Distribution has been the foundation of our business since our first day in operation,” says David Dickey, president of The Enpro Group. “This acquisition of assets is a testament to over 30 years of outstanding sales and marketing efforts, territory development and relationship-building strategies. Madico has been an excellent partner and we look forward to continuing our long, successful history with them.”

Paint Protection IndustryContinues to Grow
Paint protection film (PPF) has taken the window film industry by storm. The future of the product remains unknown, but some manufacturers are feeling optimistic about its potential.

“Cars today cost more and are designed to last longer than ever before. Both factors are giving consumers more reason to hold onto their cars for longer periods,” says Phil Novac, director of marketing and business development at Avery Dennison’s Designed and Engineered Solutions division. “Whereas at one time a typical car owner might trade in after two or three years, today that period has expanded to five to seven years.”

Manufacturers are continuing to promote PPF as an add-on service to existing window film companies as the two industries have common ground.

“The process of installing paint protection film is basically the same as installing window film, so window film installers will have a very short learning curve,” says Novac. “But perhaps more important is the opportunity for window film installation companies to expand their businesses. Paint protection film opens the door to an adjacent market and additional revenue stream right at the time existing customers are committing to have their windows tinted or protected.”

Market-wide the expectation is to see growth for PPF among all car brands and window film shops adopting the product as an additional service.

“From a market perspective, look for continuing growth. PPF was first recommended for owners of high end cars, like Maserati and Lamborghini, where paint jobs cost tens of thousands of dollars,” says Novac. “But lowering costs of PPF technology, and awareness of its value among the auto consuming public, has made PPF affordable and desirable for most new car buyers. We estimate its growth at 15–20 percent for the foreseeable future.”

EVENT NEWS
Registration is Open for the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ 2012
Registration for the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC) 2012 is now open online at the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc. The IWFC is set to be held September 20-22, 2012 at the Kentucky International Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency Louisville in Louisville, Ky. The Exhibition/Extravaganza, including the Tint-Off™ competitions, will be held September 21-22.

Attendees can now pre-register online for an early bird discounted price of $179 for non-IWFA members and $149 for IWFA members. Attendees can save $50 by taking advantage of the best rates during early bird registration, which will be available until June 29—regular pre-registration ends August 31. An attendee registration includes registration to all seminars, workshops and admittance to the Exhibition/Extravaganza.

Registration is also open to compete in the International Window Film Tint-Off Architectural and Automotive Divisions. The competitions will be held September 21-22, 2012, as part of the IWFC with the champions being announced Saturday evening at the Gala Awards Reception and Ceremony.

Contestant registration will be open now through July 27. Registration to compete in the Automotive or Architectural Divisions of the International Window Film Tint-Off is $250 for IWFA members and $350 for non-IWFA members. Contestants interested in competing in both divisions will receive a discounted price of $450 for IWFA members and $650 for non-IWFA members. Contestant registration includes all seminars, one ticket to the Gala Awards Reception and Ceremony, and access to IWFC Exhibition/Extravaganza where the competition will be held.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ will also be held concurrently.
www.windowfilmmag.com/IWFC