Haden Drysys International played a major part in the development of the paint finishing industry. It was one of the world’s leading high quality paint finishing systems suppliers. Originally based in Birmingham, England the Company moved to then based in Auburn Hills in the United States in the 1990s. As a tier one supplier, it completed projects in over 60 countries.[1] In 2000, the Company reported sales of $300,000,000.[1] It posted its largest ever sales of $573,516,911 in 1995, including a $220,000,000 complete paintshop at Land Rover in Solihull, England. This huge job had great significance to the automotive sector in Britain and this plant still produces the third most vehicles of all plants in the British motor industry.

Haden Drysys
Company typeDefunct
IndustryAutomotive
Aerospace
Founded1816
HeadquartersAuburn Hills, Michigan
Area served
Worldwide
WebsiteHadenmac.com

Early days edit

Haden has a long, colourful history. It began trading in 1816 in Birmingham, England.[2] It provided paint finishing equipment across the United States. It was one of the first Western businesses to move into China after the closed door policy ended, completing its first project in 1980 and then several more projects beginning in 1983, covering Jinan, Shiyan and Changchun. It later did work in more prosperous areas such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Tianjin. It played a huge part in the technology transfer from Western Automotive suppliers to Chinese domestic firms.[3] In the 1980s it was also an early mover into Indian and Australasian markets.

Pioneering research and development edit

Haden developed paint finishing systems, metal finishing systems, industrial process equipment and environmental systems. It covered many industries including automotive, aerospace, general industrial and chemical manufacturing.[1]

Its products were developed through a bespoke research and development programme with high attention to reliability and maintainability. It has numerous patents for new developments such as spray booths,[4] special apparatus and method for applying material to articles,[5] separation systems [6] and sludge removal systems [7] and made numerous technical industry firsts. It pioneered development of the highly energy efficient powder-based paint systems now common worldwide.[1] Other innovations followed with the use of high solids paints and waterborne paints.

Acquisition edit

Haden International Group including Haden Drysys International was acquired by Palladium Equity Partners on August 16, 2001. Haden International Group had previously been a subsidiary of Haden MacLellan Holdings plc. Based in the United Kingdom, Haden MacLellan Holdings plc had over 185 years of heritage in design, engineering and manufacture. They chose to sell off this part of their business to concentrate on their core fastener business.[8]

Demise edit

Haden Drysys International was liquidated in 2005 and Haden International Group was liquidated the following year in 2006 [2] marking the end of a pioneering legacy in the Surface finishing industry.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d "Palladium Equity Partners Acquires Controlling Interest in Haden International Group, Inc". Business Wire. 2001-08-16. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  2. ^ a b "Haden International files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy". Auto News. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  3. ^ "Global linkages and the constraints on the Emerging economy: The case of the Chinese auto industry" (PDF). MIT University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-07. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  4. ^ "Spray booths patent". Wiki Patents. Archived from the original on 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  5. ^ "Apparatus and method for applying material to articles patent". Wiki Patents. Archived from the original on 2012-02-25. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  6. ^ "Separation system including a floatation tank having level control means patent". Wiki Patents. Archived from the original on 2007-05-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  7. ^ "Method and apparatus for removing sprayed material from the air exhausted from a spray booth". Wiki Patents. Archived from the original on 2007-05-04. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  8. ^ "Manufacturers attacked over `rip off' single-source contracts". The Engineer. Archived from the original on 2013-05-05. Retrieved 2009-04-07.