There is a rich history of experience for both PBS Industries and Spray Tech in the finishing industry. Their combined 80+ years of experience will provide a variety of options and better service to their customers. Merging and doubling in size will greatly enhance their ability to provide great service to their customers.

Combined Finishing Company headquarters is located in Oklahoma City, OK. The company will continue to provide services across the nation.

Key Benefits for Customers:

1. Expanded service portfolio: Combined Finishing Company will provide an unparalleled suite of services covering every aspect of product finishing solutions and industrial ventilation equipment and extraction rooms, ensuring that clients have access to a one-stop solution for their industrial requirements. Clients will benefit from access to a variety of products, as well as maintenance technicians for booth equipment.

2. Enhanced efficiency: The merger allows for streamlined processes and optimized resource allocation, translating into quicker turnaround times and improved efficiency in project delivery.

3. Unmatched expertise: Customers can now leverage the collective expertise of both Spray Tech Industrial Solutions and PBS Industries, benefiting from a team with a deep understanding of industrial coatings, finishing, ventilation, extraction rooms and maintenance practices.

4. Innovation and adaptability: The joint entity is poised to stay at the forefront of industry trends, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices to offer innovative solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

Jeff Behymer, president of Combined Finishing Company, stated, “By combining our companies, we can provide our customers with a single source for everything service and equipment related for their finishing needs. Both companies had plans to expand, making it a no-brainer for the two companies to merge and provide customers with broader service options and products.”

Cliff Smith, vice president of operations, added, "We're excited about the products and service we can now offer our customers as we work together. By combining our resources, we can provide better service and support our customer's finishing needs on a broader scale."

The physical test equipment industry has lost a true legend. Paul N. Gardner Jr., former President and Chairman of the Board of the Paul N. Gardner Company (GARDCO), passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 81. His legacy is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout his more than 40 years of active involvement with GARDCO, starting in 1981, Paul Gardner Jr. played a pivotal role in the company's success. Rising to the position of President and Chairman of the Board in 1995, he led with vision and integrity.

Paul Gardner Jr.'s influence extended beyond his company to the broader industry. As an active member of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for over 37 years, he contributed significantly to the advancement of standards in the field of paint and related coatings. His family's involvement with ASTM dated back over a century, with a lineage of influence tracing back to his grandfather Henry A. Gardner Sr.'s participation in 1908.

Within ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Paul Gardner Jr. made a lasting impact. He demonstrated his commitment to recognizing the dedication of fellow members by establishing an Awards program. Through monetary contributions, his company established the Gardner Task Group Chairman of the Year Award, honoring sustained leadership in standard development. Additionally, the Euverard Innovation Award, endowed by the Paul Gardner Company, celebrates individuals who develop innovative test devices used in standards development under the jurisdiction of D01.

Paul N. Gardner Jr. served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His contributions to his company, industry, and standards development will be remembered and cherished by many.

More about Paul N. Gardner Company (Gardco) can be found at www.gardco.com.


About Paul N. Gardner Company (Gardco)
The Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc. (GARDCO) has its origin with the alliance of pioneer paint chemist Dr. Henry Alfred Gardner, Sr., Director of the Institute of Paint and Varnish Research in Washington, D.C. and his son Paul Norris Gardner in 1935 and the subsequent incorporation of the Henry A. Gardner Laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland. After his father retired Paul was named President and later Board Chairman until 1964, when he decided to retire. Maintaining contact with the industry, Paul formed the Paul N. Gardner Company, Inc., for the distribution and import and export of scientific instruments and laboratory equipment. A short time later he relocated the business to Pompano Beach, Florida. After his passing in 1995, Paul N. Gardner, Jr. assumed the Presidency of GARDCO, and his sister, Sandra Gardner Bride, later joined the company as the Vice President.
On July 1, 2019 the Paul N. Gardner Company became a part of the Altana family, as we were acquired by the Byk-Gardner / Altana Group.

Many of the GARDCO employees have been with the company for 20-30 years, and share the same principals of Appreciation, Openness, Empowerment, and Trust that are a major part of Altana’s vision. We are excited to be a part of such a successful global corporation that shares the same core values and industry standards that has made the Gardner name synonymous with quality for physical testing equipment.

We are confident that our combined strengths will provide new and innovative solutions to improve quality testing worldwide.

Continuing their commitment on the PCI Board of Directors for 2024, the following individuals provide support and service to benefit the powder coating industry on every level: David Flatten, president and CEO, Inland Powder Coating; Marty Sawyer, CEO, Trimac Industrial Systems, LLC; John Sudges, sales manager, Midwest Finishing Systems, Inc.; and Mike Withers, architectural segment leader, Axalta Coating Systems.