Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Nanogate and Swiss firm Kapyfract initiate international partnership for high-quality tunnel coating

Home > Press > Nanogate and Swiss firm Kapyfract initiate international partnership for high-quality tunnel coating

Abstract:
New tunnel coating system added to NanoGuard® product range. The product can be used on a variety of surfaces - its hydrophobic and stain protection properties make cleaning easier and keep road tunnels brighter. First joint coating project with Kapyfract successfully completed in November 2010 for the town of Tuttlingen. Order volume expected to reach six figures (in euros) in 2011. Cooperation confirms Nanogate's good positioning and ist transformation to an integrated nanotechnology systems provider.

Nanogate and Swiss firm Kapyfract initiate international partnership for high-quality tunnel coating

Göttelborn, Germany | Posted on January 27th, 2011

Nanogate AG (ISIN DE000A0JKHC9), a leading international nanotechnology systems provider, has initiated a strategic partnership with Kapyfract AG, a major player in Europe's tunnel fireproofing industry. The objective of the partnership is to internationally market and implement innovative coating solutions for traffic tunnels based on Nanogate-Technologie®. Together, the two companies will tap the significant market potential available European-wide and offer customers a one-stop shop for premium-quality products and services for coating concrete. In recent months, with this in mind, Nanogate has considerably ramped up its product expertise and given Kapyfract access to this know-how. The first joint systems are now available by the name of KapyCoat E+.

The first successful reference project for the new systems was completed in November 2010. Together, the subsidiary Nanogate Industrial Solutions GmbH and Kapyfract coated an area exceeding 2,000 sqm in Kreuzstraßentunnel near Tuttlingen. The road tunnel is in the final phase of construction. One reason for coating the tunnel was to fulfil legal standards in traffic tunnel construction, which demand that a tunnel is bright with good visibility up to a height of three metres. Secondly, the coating was applied to prove that using the new material system offered by Nanogate and Kapyfract simplifies cleaning and reduces the associated maintenance costs: "The new system from our NanoGuard® range prevents dirt from forming a chemical bond with the surface. Chemicals are no longer needed for cleaning, minimising both disposal costs and the impact on the environment," says Andreas Weis, Head of Division at Nanogate Industrial Solutions, explaining the advantages of this innovative surface for widespread use in tunnels. The surface also absorbs far less water, which significantly reduces frost damage from freezing water. Using the coating slashes the cost of cleaning and maintaining the tunnel. This added value is good news for road users too: in the future, there will be far fewer tunnel closures for maintenance and cleaning work and therefore not as many hold-ups. At the same time, the reduction in a build-up of dirt on the surface enhances traffic safety in the tunnel because the reflective area stays intact longer and visibility remains stable.

Ralf Zastrau, CEO of Nanogate AG, commented: "For Nanogate, the tunnel coating cooperation with Kapyfract is an important step towards playing a major role in this sector in the future, accompanied by a strong partner. The cooperation is yet further proof that intelligent products can help to protect the environment and make sustainable use of resources. After our first few commissions to coat structures, for example a tunnel system in Stockholm, we are now connecting to a bigger market with our universally applicable products."

Continued expansion of specialist knowledge pays off

As an integrated nanotechnology systems provider, Nanogate uniquely combines many years of material and tool experience with comprehensive process and production knowledge. In addition, the company has in recent years rounded out its technology portfolio by means of an innovation offensive. By acquiring a majority stake in GfO Gesellschaft für Oberflächentechnik GmbH in August 2010, Nanogate established itself as a specialist for high-performance surfaces. "We can now offer our customers an all-inclusive package," continues Zastrau. As a nanotechnology systems provider, Nanogate controls all the steps in the value chain, which extends from purchasing raw materials and formulating the material systems, right through to coating the surfaces in mass production. As a full-service provider, Nanogate can shorten the development phase and time-to-market, thereby gaining greater potential for international growth. Nanogate and GfO presented their first joint product at the end of October. "This product is just the first in a range of new applications and solutions. The innovation offensive and the widening of our expertise will pay off in 2011," says Nanogate's CEO.

Disclaimer:
This publication constitutes neither an offer to sell nor an invitation to buy securities. The shares in Nanogate AG (the "Shares") may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of "U.S. persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")). No offer or sale of transferable securities is being made to the public outside Germany.

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