Nippon Paint Automotive Americas, Inc.

Japan's oldest paint company is also its largest. Founded in 1881, Nippon Paint produces paints and coatings for makers of automobiles (one of the company's major markets), industrial products, and ships. It also makes paints for residential and commercial buildings and for the do-it-yourself market. Nippon Paint's fine chemicals unit produces adhesives, as well as surface treatment chemicals. The company's manufacturing operations are located principally in Asia, but also in North America and Europe. In the US, Nippon Paint makes automotive coatings and powder coatings through Nippon Paint (USA). The influx of auto makers into China bodes well for the company's already strong automotive division.