Henkel provides products to create world's first bus
using structural adhesives as primary fastening method
DETROIT, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Redefining dependable transportation,
Henkel's structural adhesives played a key role in the development of a next
generation school bus -- the Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2. Henkel has provided
the industry's leading bus manufacturer with advanced bonding technologies,
resulting in the construction of the world's first school bus using structural
adhesives as a primary fastening method.
Thomas Built Buses constructed this new bus by replacing the majority of
screws and rivets with Henkel's Loctite(R) H9000, a strong and flexible
structural adhesive. This revolutionary product offers increased cure speed
and improved body corrosion performance, and is strong enough to far exceed
standardized federal joint strength requirements.
"Our products have gone above and beyond performance expectations, giving
Thomas Built Buses the confidence to move forward with this project," said
Matthias Hofmann, vice president of marketing and business development,
Henkel. "Through our relationship with Thomas Built Buses, we've had the
opportunity to help design a new standard of transportation while increasing
our business opportunities in this market."
In addition to lower costs, this structurally bonded bus delivers superior
corrosion performance, impact resistance and cost effectiveness. From roof to
side sheet subassembly, interior headers to roof sheets, interior side sheets
to roof caps -- every component adheres to the bus frame with superior metal-
to-metal bonding, creating a dependable, structurally sound bus.
"Safety and reliability are top priorities in producing the most advanced
school buses," said John O'Leary, president & CEO, Thomas Built Buses. "The
combination of Henkel's adhesives and our innovative design enable us to
continuously develop and improve the next generation of school buses."
Production of the Saf-T-Liner C2 bus began in fall 2004.
Henkel offers a complete range of advanced structural adhesives, parts and
foams, all of which increase vehicle strength and durability, while reducing
noise and vibration. Structural adhesives offer dramatic potential for cost
savings. Using the example of a passenger vehicle, while some welds and
fasteners would still be necessary, the majority of the 1,400 welds needed to
build a car could be eliminated, saving up to $80 per vehicle.
Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments
to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a
broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise,
the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development --
automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production.
Through powerful brands like Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R),
Loctite(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and
environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more
comfortable and extending vehicle value.
The Henkel Group operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care;
Personal Care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments. The automotive
group is an integral part of the Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments
business sector, which also serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace,
metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging
industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and
consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives
easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for the Henkel
Group worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and
technologies from Henkel -- "A Brand like a Friend."
Thomas Built Buses (http://www.thomasbus.com ) is the leading manufacturer
of school buses in North America. Thomas Built Buses is a subsidiary of
Freightliner LLC, the largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer in North America
and a leading manufacturer of class 3-7 vehicles. Freightliner produces and
markets commercial vehicles under the Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star,
American LaFrance and Thomas Built Buses nameplates. Freightliner is a
company of DaimlerChrysler, the world's leading commercial vehicle
manufacturer.
SOURCE Henkel
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Related links:
http://www.thomasbus.com
CONTACT:
Keena Toth of Henkel, +1-248-910-6997 cell;
Elizabeth Kerby of Eisbrenner Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446
office, +1-248-705-3828 cell, ekerby@eisbrenner.com ; or Allan
Haggai of Thomas Built Buses, +1-336-841-5790,
allan.haggai@thomasbus.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: For a firsthand look at new innovations from
Henkel, please stop by booth number 1135 at the SAE 2005 World
Congress in Detroit, April 11-14.
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