content_image/26242.jpg
representatives are able to form true partner- ships with their customers. Our recently implemented Trademark Customer Service program and Sales Excellence initiative are both designed to promote stronger customer relationships. Store personnel and sales repre- sentatives receive extensive training and the tools they need to ensure they meet our high standards for customer service and salesman- ship. Individual performance is continuously measured against these standards. 

We continue to introduce innovative new Sherwin-Williams ® branded paint products through our Paint Stores Segment designed for specific market applications. To improve contractor productivity and efficiency, we launched ProXP ™ Eg-Shel, a one-coat prod- uct with two-coat performance characteristics. Our new DeckScapes ™ pro- dut line features an entire deck-care system that allows for pretreatment, stain and pro- tection all in one day. Residential and commercial structures can benefit from E- Barrier$^{™}$, our new energy-efficient reflective coating for use in attics. We completed the SuperPaint ® Machine Finish product line designed for use in the growing prefinished wood siding market. To capitalize on the popularity of faux finishing, we introduced a 

229 company-operated stores located primari- ly in the eastern and southeastern United States. The acquisition of Duron, in addition to the 66 net new stores we opened organically, brings the Paint Stores Segment store count total in North America to 2,983. 

INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE AND MARINE coatings from Sherwin-Williams are formulated to protect steel and masonry infrastructures in highly corrosive, harsh environments. A network of more than 140 dedicated Industrial and Marine sales repre- sentatives and a staff of corrosion specifi- cation specialists support our heavy-duty coatings customers. In 2004, we introduced several new products under our ExpressTech ® product line. These coatings feature propri- etary technology that offers tremendous labor savings and productivity gains through rapid project completion and return to serv- ice. Superior product technology and an unparalleled sales and service organization will help us to capitalize on the improving market demand for industrial and marine protective coatings. 

CHEMICAL COATINGS had a strong per- formance in 2004 and is well positioned for continued growth in North America and Asia. In Asia, we began manufacturing at our 

PRODUCTS SOLD: Paints, stains, caulks, applicators, wallcoverings, floorcoverings, spray equipment and related products 

MARKETS SERVED: Do-It- Yourselfers, professional painting contractors, home builders, property managers, architects, interior designers, industrial, marine, flooring and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product finishes 

MAJOR BRANDS SOLD: Sherwin-Williams ® , ProMar ® , SuperPaint ® , A-100 ® , PrepRite ® , Classic 99 ® , Duration ® , Master Hide ® , Sher-Wood ® , Powdura ® and Duron ® 

OUTLETS: 2,983 Sherwin- Williams stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands 

<img src='content_image/26242.jpg'>

new, in-store Illusions ® Faux Finishing dis- play that not only provides the tools and instructions needed to apply these finishes, but also an assortment of color combinations to eliminate some of the guesswork associat- ed with color selection. 

In 2004, we acquired Duron, Inc., one of the most respected names in our industry. Duron services the professional painting con- tractor and builder markets through a chain of 

new plant in Shanghai, China. Having a manufacturing presence in this part of the world enables us to better serve our OEM customers who have moved their operations there. Our continuous advancements in tech- nology enabled us to make several significant environmentally friendly product introduc- tions. These “green” technologies are used in our Sher-Wood ® , UltraCure ® and Kem Aqua ® product lines. 

