EcoLean Program Introduced by Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes

February, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Rodes Brown

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp.

February 2009 (804) 433-9690

rodes.brown@sherwin.com

Chris Lynch

Falls Communications

(216) 696-0229

clynch@fallscommunications.com

ECOLEANTM PROGRAM INTRODUCED BY SHERWIN-WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE FINISHES

Leading Manufacturer Combines Lean Production and Green Business Solutions

Warrensville Heights, Ohio – Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) is proud to introduce EcoLeanTM, an exclusive suite of training and services.

The program is an industry first, combining two of the most powerful forces in today’s collision repair market: lean production, and green business solutions. EcoLean allows collision repair shops to take advantage of these two important disciplines through a sustainable program to drive profitability through the reduction of waste.

EcoLean was built around an idea that Sherwin-Williams calls P3 TM, designed to help body shops improve their Productivity and Profitability, while working toward a healthier Planet.

“We are excited to introduce EcoLean ” said Rodes Brown, SWAFC Manager–Marketing Strategic Programs. “We see the market moving rapidly toward leaner and more environmentally responsible business models, and we have built a compelling set of tools and services to help our customers drive efficiency and reduce waste, both financial and environmental.”

SW AFC Announces EcoLean TM Program

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The program will include exclusive EcoLean training workshops, consulting services and a shop assessment. The soon-to-be released assessment will include tools to generate measurable energy reductions using innovative equipment solutions and Sherwin-Williams products. It is designed to enable a collision center to identify areas of greatest environmental waste, build a waste reduction plan and track the results.

To kick off the new program, SWAFC will hold an A-Plus University EcoLean workshop in Los Angeles on March 11-12, 2009. The EcoLean workshop has been developed for collision shop owners and managers who are interested in leveraging the power of lean production as well as eco-friendly business solutions.

These training courses have been created by some of the sharpest minds in the collision repair industry, and will afford the opportunity for attendees to relax in the company of their peers, and learn from one another over a two-day period. The courses offered include:

Introduction to EcoLean: A course covering the use of environmentally responsible business solutions. This class will supply techniques for shops to create a waste reduction plan, and show them how to measure improvements.

Improving Workshop Efficiency: A course focused on the theory and mechanics of lean production. Participants will learn how to understand and implement process improvement. The course covers methods to utilize people, space and equipment for maximum effectiveness.

Principles of 5S: A course centered around the importance of eliminating clutter inside a collision center, and how to leverage the power of a clean, disciplined environment to deliver superior quality and consistency.

SW AFC Announces EcoLean TM Program

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Building a Lean Culture: A course covering the importance of building a lean culture inside a collision repair center from the ground up.

To register for the EcoLean A-Plus University online, go to www.sherwin-automotive.com/en/Events.aspx. For information on EcoLean, call (804) 433-9690.

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The Sherwin-Williams Company, founded in 1866, is one of the world's leading companies in the manufacture, distribution and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Sherwin-Williams Company, manufactures and distributes a complete line of advanced technology paint and coating systems for automotive and fleet refinishing industries. For more information visit www.sherwin-automotive.com.

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