H.B. Fuller Enters Strategic Partnership with Graco to Offer Innovative Packaging Sealing System

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- H.B. Fuller Company (NYSE: FUL) now offers a unique adhesive and equipment system for the packaging industry utilizing its recently acquired Liquamelt® adhesive technology. To provide specialized fluid handling equipment that will pump, process and dispense innovative Liquamelt adhesive, H.B. Fuller has partnered with Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG). The adhesive and equipment system has been tested extensively with customers and will be demonstrated to the packaging industry for the first time at PACK EXPO 2011, September 26-28.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110922/CG73105)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110215/CG49203LOGO)

The Liquamelt system is an alternative to both conventional hot and cold adhesive systems that brings many advantages to the packaging market. This unique system may reduce adhesive use by more than 50 percent compared with traditional hot melt adhesive technologies. Liquamelt adhesive also provides environmental benefits with its formulation that consists of 40 percent sustainable raw materials. Providing "Cool on Delivery, Hot on Demand" technology, the Liquamelt system eliminates the need for hot tanks and hoses while reducing energy consumption, compared with conventional hot melt systems.  

"I am pleased to announce this partnership with Graco," said Jim Owens, president and CEO of H.B. Fuller. "This new delivery equipment, designed specifically for H.B. Fuller's Liquamelt adhesive solution, will enable us to help our customers drive cost and complexity from their processes. We look forward to many years of collaboration as we continue to commercialize this unique, new adhesive technology."

Since acquiring Liquamelt Corp., based in Lorain, Ohio, and its Liquamelt adhesive and dispensing system last April, H.B. Fuller further developed the relationship already established with Graco. By combining the strength of its 125 years of adhesive knowledge with Graco's strong equipment development experience, H.B. Fuller now offers a completely unique system for its packaging customers to help them address emerging business needs, employ sustainable solutions and achieve greater efficiencies.

"Graco is pleased to be a part of this innovative technology that H.B. Fuller is introducing into the marketplace," said Pat McHale, president and CEO of Graco. "We look forward to applying our equipment expertise to deliver solutions that enable this adhesive to be utilized in many applications."

This partnership is also an important first step in developing a new adhesive platform that will impact not only packaging but other markets in the future. Together, H.B. Fuller and Graco will deliver in-depth, technical knowledge of adhesives chemistry, proven equipment engineering expertise and practical application experience to help customers in many industries meet their specific needs.  

About H.B. Fuller

For nearly 125 years, H.B. Fuller has been a leading global adhesives provider focusing on perfecting adhesives, sealants, and other specialty chemical products to improve products and lives. Recognized for unmatched technical support and innovation, H.B. Fuller brings knowledge and strength to help its customers find precisely the right formulation for the right performance. With fiscal 2010 net revenue of $1.36 billion, H.B. Fuller serves customers in packaging, hygiene, paper converting, general assembly, woodworking, construction, and consumer businesses. For more information, visit hbfuller.com, read our blog or follow GlueTalk on Twitter.

About Graco

Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids in both industrial and commercial applications. It designs, manufactures and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid materials. A recognized leader in its specialties, Minneapolis-based Graco serves customers around the world in the manufacturing, processing, and construction and maintenance industries. For additional information, visit www.graco.com.

The Liquamelt trademark is owned by H.B. Fuller Company and registered in the U.S.A.

SOURCE H.B. Fuller Company