AkzoNobel commemorates super anniversaries for two employees at its Flying Hills research and development (R&D) laboratory. Combined, they represent 95 years of service in the powder coatings industry. Charles Tarnoski is celebrating his 45th year, and Ralph Lebo is celebrating his 50th year of service with AkzoNobel. The company’s community of North America R&D Centers supporting the Performance Coatings businesses includes – in addition to Flying Hills, Pennsylvania – laboratories in Troy, Michigan, Strongsville, Ohio, Houston, Texas, High Point, North Carolina and Lancaster, South Carolina. AkzoNobel’s R&D Centers are transforming the company’s investment in science and technology while giving customers direct access to sustainable product development.

Ralph’s coatings career began in 1973, and he is currently a senior scientist at AkzoNobel’s Powder Coatings factory. He stated, “I have witnessed our Powder Coatings business grow from a small single manufacturing company to a global one. I am not sure when this journey will end; however, I will leave knowing I worked with outstanding people.”

Chuck is a researcher in the Industrial, Consumer and General Trade Coaters development group that works on various projects for customers and is one of the segments at the laboratory. One of his greatest achievements was developing the Wrinkle Finish decorative Powder Coating. During his 10 years on the research and development team, he received awards for 16 United States patents on various powder coatings and its components. He stated, “I have enjoyed mentoring our new chemists as I have been able to pass on my knowledge and years of expertise in the Powder Coatings business with the next generation.”

AkzoNobel congratulates its employees for their unwavering dedication to the Powder Coatings business and for sharing their expertise and inspiring the company’s new chemists. Jana Mekhhal, regional development and solutions lab manager for Powder Coatings stated, “Ralph and Chuck have been a significant part of our team. I couldn't imagine our workplace without them. They have worked hard for this accomplishment, and we truly appreciate their dedication and contributions to making AkzoNobel successful.”