TCI Powder Coatings

What TCI Powder Coatings does

TCI Powder Coatings (legal entity TCI, Inc.) is a US-based industrial coatings manufacturer headquartered in Americus, Georgia, with manufacturing operations in Ellaville, Georgia, a Product Development Laboratory in Americus, and access to RPM International's Innovation Center of Excellence in Greensboro, North Carolina. Founded in 1987 and a wholly-owned subsidiary of RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) since 1996, TCI employs approximately 280 people and distributes through 13 strategically located warehouses across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company serves seven primary verticals: architectural, automotive, appliance, heavy-duty equipment, furniture and fixtures, custom coater/job shop, and general industrial, with named enterprise customers that include Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Dodge Demon, Jeep 75th Anniversary), CNH, Quaker Windows & Doors, and Gateway Extrusions.

The company's product platform is anchored in thermoset powder coatings and was extended in 2025 into liquid industrial coatings. Core proprietary "Tru" brands include TruDurance architectural coatings (AAMA 2603/2604/2605 and Qualicoat certified), TruRAL super-durable polyester RAL systems, TruClean ST silver-based antimicrobial coatings, TruErase whiteboard coatings, TruZinc zinc-rich primer (up to 6,000 hours salt spray), TruPrime primer systems, and TruConduct electrical/data center coatings. Specialty engineered products include the MIL Spec Primer 32348 (MIL-PRF-32348, Qualified Products Database listed) and a CNH-approved primer for agricultural and construction equipment. In 2018, TCI added exclusive North American rights to sell BASF's CathoGuard cathodic epoxy electrodeposition coating, enabling powder + liquid + electrocoat bundling for OEM finishing customers. Liquid offerings now include alkyd and 2K urethane topcoats, urethane DTM, water-reducible alkyd, and a line of 2K epoxy and alkyd primers.

TCI generates revenue primarily through one-time sales of powder and liquid coatings, with quote-based pricing for custom or specialty formulations and multi-year contracts for spec-locked OEM programs; per-unit pricing applies to stock products and to the TruPak small-packaging program used by smaller custom coaters. The go-to-market combines an enterprise field sales force of dedicated account managers and technical service professionals with a North American warehouse distribution network (13 sites) and direct-to-consumer online ordering through TruPak. Regulatory moat is unusually dense for the segment, with ISO 9001:2015, UL 1332, NSF/ANSI 61 & 372, RoHS2/3, AAMA 2603-2605, Qualicoat Class 2/3, MIL-PRF-32348, and three consecutive EcoVadis Committed Badges supporting procurement into architectural, potable water, electrical, military, and OEM supply chains.

Name

TCI Powder Coatings

Legal name

TCI, Inc.

Website

https://tcipowder.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

TCI Powder Coatings is a US-based manufacturer of thermoset powder and liquid industrial coatings serving architectural, automotive, heavy-duty equipment, and data center customers across North America. The RPM International subsidiary operates 13 warehouses and approximately 280 employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Coatings

NAICS

Paint and Coating Manufacturing (32551)

SIC

Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)

akta.pro primary industry

Powder Coatings (IMAEAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Powder Coatings (IMAEAHAE), Industrial & Protective Coatings (IMAEAGAB), Automotive & Transportation Coatings (IMAEAGAC)

Keywords

• Industrial powder coatings
• Liquid industrial coatings
• Architectural powder coatings
• Antimicrobial surface coatings
• Industrial primer systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Americus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Powder Coatings: Primary revenue stream from thermoset powder coatings including architectural, industrial, automotive, and specialty powder coatings sold through direct sales and distribution
2. Liquid Industrial Coatings: Solvent-borne and waterborne liquid coatings including primers, topcoats, and specialty finishes for industrial OEM use and refinishing
3. TruPak Small Packaging: Small batch powder packaging program for custom coaters and smaller quantity orders
4. Technical Services: Technical service and customer support including color matching, application expertise, and troubleshooting

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TCI Powder Coatings is a North American manufacturer of thermoset powder coatings and liquid industrial coatings sold to OEMs, custom coaters, and industrial buyers across architectural, automotive, appliance, heavy duty equipment, furniture, general industrial, and data center/electrical markets. The product portfolio spans proprietary Tru-series brands (TruDurance, TruRAL, TruClean, TruErase, TruZinc, TruConduct, TruPrime) covering architectural, antimicrobial, whiteboard, zinc-rich primer, ESD/insulative, and textured finishes, plus a parallel line of liquid alkyd and urethane topcoats, direct-to-metal coatings, and epoxy/alkyd primers. Value-added services include TruExpress custom color matching and TruPak small-batch packaging.

Product overview

TCI Powder Coatings is a manufacturer of industrial coatings offering both powder coatings and liquid industrial coatings. The core powder portfolio includes TruDurance Architectural Coatings, TruRAL Super Durable Coatings, and specialized finishes like TruHammer (hammertone), TruPeel (orange peel), TruBond (metallic), TruWrinkle (textured), TruClean ST (antimicrobial), and TruErase (whiteboard). The TruPrime line encompasses various primers including TruZinc (zinc-rich), zinc-free, epoxy hybrid, and specialty primers. Liquid coatings include alkyd and urethane topcoats, direct-to-metal coatings, and industrial primers. Additional offerings include TruConduct electrical/data center coatings, TruPak small packaging, and TruExpress color matching services. The company operates across multiple market segments including architectural, automotive, appliance, general industrial, heavy duty equipment, and furniture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TruDurance Architectural Coatings: Architectural powder coatings meeting AAMA and Qualicoat specifications for exterior building applications
• TruRAL Super Durable Coatings
• TruZinc Primer
• TruClean ST
• TruExpress Color Matching
• TruPak Small Packaging
• TruConduct
• TruErase
• TruPrime Powder Primers

Products and services

• TruDurance Architectural Coatings Premium architectural powder coatings meeting AAMA and Qualicoat specifications, designed for exterior building applications with superior color retention and durability.
• TruRAL Super Durable Coatings Super durable polyester RAL color powder coatings with 150+ stock colors available, offering enhanced weathering resistance for architectural and industrial applications.
• TruHammer Hammertone Coatings Hammertone texture powder coatings providing distinctive multi-tone finish appearance with durable protection.
• TruPeel Orange Peel Coatings Orange peel texture powder coatings offering distinctive surface appearance with functional durability.
• TruBond Metallic Coatings Metallic effect powder coatings delivering premium metallic finishes with excellent adhesion and durability.
• TruWrinkle Textured Coatings Wrinkle finish powder coatings providing unique textured appearance with robust protection.
• TruClean ST Antimicrobial Coatings Silver-based antimicrobial powder coatings that inhibit growth of mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria on coated surfaces, suitable for high-touch areas in fitness centers, medical facilities, and child care centers.
• TruErase Whiteboard Coatings Economical whiteboard powder coatings providing smooth, cleanable surface that resists ghosting and shadowing, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to porcelain boards.
• TruConduct Electrical Powder Coatings Specialized powder coatings for electrical and data center applications including electrostatic dissipative (ESD), anti-static, and insulative properties with high UV and corrosion resistance for electrical cabinets, server racks, busbars, and energy storage systems.
• TruPrime Powder Primers Complete line of powder coating primers including TruZinc zinc-rich primer, zinc-free primer, epoxy hybrid primer, and others for corrosion protection and topcoat adhesion.
• TruZinc Zinc Rich Primer High-performance zinc-rich epoxy powder primer delivering exceptional corrosion protection with up to 6,000 hours salt spray testing, combining barrier and sacrificial galvanic protection.
• HE Zinc Free Primer Epoxy powder primer free of heavy metals, providing excellent chemical and corrosion resistance with up to 4,000 hours salt spray testing.
• Sam Primer Gray Zinc-free epoxy powder primer for steel and aluminum substrates with excellent chemical and corrosion resistance, pencil hardness H-2H.
• HE Grey Primer High efficiency epoxy primer free of PFAs and Zinc Phosphate, suitable for single coat or multi-coat systems with excellent hardness, flexibility, and adhesion.
• LC Red Oxide Primer Epoxy-based red oxide powder primer with medium gloss finish, curing in 12 minutes at 300°F with up to 1,000 hours salt spray testing.
• Mil Spec Primer 32348 Military-specification phenolic-cured novolac-modified epoxy powder primer meeting MIL-PRF-32348 with up to 1,000 hours salt spray testing and superior mechanical properties.
• OGF Epoxy Hybrid Primer Epoxy hybrid powder primer formulated to reduce film defects on porous substrates like castings with low cure capabilities and strong barrier protection.
• CNH Black Primer CNH-tested and approved barrier primer for agriculture and construction equipment with excellent durability, flexibility, and versatile curing options.
• HH Urethane Primer Semi-gloss urethane primer designed for strong inter-coat adhesion with both liquid and powder topcoats, offering flexibility, impact resistance, and corrosion protection.
• Alkyd Topcoat Economical general purpose enamel liquid topcoat formulated for general industrial OEM use and refinishing applications.
• 2K Urethane Topcoat Aliphatic acrylic urethane topcoat with excellent weathering resistance and gloss retention, suitable for OEM and refinish applications with wet-on-wet capability over 2K Epoxy Primer.
• Urethane DTM Topcoat Direct-to-metal aliphatic acrylic topcoat with excellent exterior color and gloss retention and good corrosion resistance, applied without primer.
• Water Reducible Alkyd Topcoat Economical water-reducible topcoat providing good corrosion performance with the convenience of water reduction and cleanup.
• 2K Epoxy Primer Two-component epoxy liquid primer offering excellent corrosion protection with wet-on-wet capability under urethane topcoats, 750 hour salt spray performance.
• Alkyd Primer Economical fast-drying alkyd primer providing corrosion protection, quick dry time, and excellent adhesion to metal surfaces with 500 hours salt spray performance.
• Alkyd Shop Primer Economical fast-drying shop primer for corrosion protection on steel substrates with 15-minute dry time and spray or dip application.
• TruPak Small Packaging Program Small batch packaging service for smaller quantities of powder coatings, providing flexible ordering options for customers needing limited quantities.
• TruExpress Color Matching Rapid color matching service enabling quick turnaround for custom color formulations to meet specific customer requirements.
• BASF CathoGuard Electrodeposition Coatings BASF CathoGuard cathodic epoxy electrodeposition coating sold under exclusive rights by TCI in the general finishing segment, enabling bundling of powder and liquid coatings with electrocoat for OEM finishing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 6,000 hours salt spray resistance (TruZinc Primer)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BASF (CathoGuard)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2018Exclusive rights agreement to sell BASF CathoGuard cathodic epoxy electrodeposition coating in the general finishing segment, enabling bundling of powder and liquid coatings with electrocoat for OEM finishing space.
• Powder Coating Institute (PCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPCI-sponsored training programs including Powder Coating 101 workshops hosted at RPM Innovation Center. TCI is a PCI member and scholarship sponsor supporting students pursuing careers in powder coating industry.
• US Green Building Council (USGBC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLEED certification framework partner - powder coatings recognized by LEED for environmental friendliness, helping buildings earn LEED certification credits.
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAIA-approved continuing education provider offering 1 AIA HSW CE Hour course on architectural powder coatings for sustainable building.
• EcoVadisminorOthersThird-party sustainability rating provider validating TCI's business sustainability commitments across Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement criteria.
• American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association setting specifications for architectural coatings - TCI products meet AAMA 2603, 2604, and 2605 specifications.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• IFS Coatings: North American-focused powder coatings manufacturer with strong custom-coater and OEM relationships. Comparable to TCI's custom coater channel, small-batch TruPak program, and broad architectural/industrial SKU coverage.
• Axalta Coating Systems: Global powder and liquid industrial coatings manufacturer with a strong North American presence across automotive, industrial, and architectural end markets. Closest direct competitor to TCI's powder book, with comparable AAMA/Qualicoat qualified product lines.
• Tiger Coatings: Austrian-headquartered powder coatings manufacturer with a North American footprint serving architectural, industrial, and functional end uses. Comparable specialty-product depth (architectural, defense, industrial) and similar go-to-market reliance on certified regional warehouses.
• Primatek Coatings: Specialty powder coatings manufacturer focused on architectural, industrial, and functional applications. Smaller-scale direct competitor with overlapping specialty product positioning in architectural and corrosion-resistant primers.
• AkzoNobel Powder Coatings: One of the world's largest powder coatings producers, with Interpon and Resicoat brands serving architectural, automotive, and functional applications. Direct competitor to TCI in architectural AAMA/Qualicoat-certified powders and in industrial OEM finishing.

Broad incumbents

• Sherwin-Williams: Largest North American paint and coatings company with industrial finishing, powder, and specialty OEM product lines. Indirect overlap via industrial finishing channels where TCI competes; relevant incumbent comp for distribution and customer breadth.
• PPG Industries: Global industrial and architectural coatings major with overlapping powder and liquid industrial product portfolios. Broad incumbent whose industrial coatings segment competes directly with TCI's expanded liquid and powder offering; also TCI's incoming President's former employer.
• BASF Coatings: Global coatings division of BASF, including cathodic electrodeposition (CathoGuard) and OEM finishing systems. Both a current licensing partner (CathoGuard exclusive rights) and a broad incumbent competitor in automotive and OEM finishing.
• Nippon Paint Holdings: Asia-Pacific–anchored global coatings major with growing industrial and automotive OEM finishing exposure. Relevant global comp for industrial coatings scale and competitive dynamics, though with limited direct North American powder overlap.

Regional players

• Jotun: Norwegian-headquartered global coatings producer with strong protective and powder coatings franchises. Competes in similar functional/architectural categories but is more EMEA-weighted; relevant comp for international expansion benchmarking.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tcicoatings
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/TCIPowderCoatings
• Facebookfacebook.com/tci-powder-coatings-254091377958888
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tci-powder-coatings
• Instagraminstagram.com/tcipowder

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TCI Powder Coatings