PPG INTRODUCES NEW TOUCHMIX COLOR SOFTWARE

For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2006

PPG Automotive Refinish
19699 Progress Drive
Strongsville, OH 44149 USA
www.ppgrefinish.com
www.nexaautocolor.com

Contact:
Calvinia Fields
(440) 572-2800
cfields@ppg.com

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – January 17, 2006 – PPG has introduced a new module in the PPG and NEXA Autocolor family of color software products for its TouchMix® color retrieval system. The software combines the best of the PPG Access® System and the Nexa Autocolor Shopwatch™ System into one color retrieval system for many end user needs.

This mixing module expands the offering of PPG color retrieval tools that allows simple, fast and accurate color retrieval in the mix room environment. The software can operate on a stand-alone desktop computer or laptop, which is convenient for the jobber store and salesperson. The system is versatile enough to install on current PPG hardware platforms, including the PPG touch screen and the Sartorius ColorMix scale.

The new TouchMix color software offers jobbers Prophet™ compatibility, custom formula creation, and product data sheets. The system will display up to four formulas at one time, allowing jobber personnel to compare formulas. The system also offers a customer database feature that stores customer addresses, phone numbers, etc.

Collision shops can utilize the system to compare formulas, view product data sheets, mix and reduce color and mix ancillary products such as primers, clears and sealers. A “minimum mix” button will allow the technician to calculate the smallest amount to mix without jeopardizing color match. The system also includes a “suspend button” that allows a mix to be placed on hold until ready to complete.

“This TouchMix module is simple, fast and provides accurate color retrieval that is intuitive for the end user,” said Toni Payne, color marketing manager of Refinish color software tools. “With the new TouchMix System, PPG customers now have access to more and better color matching tools than ever before.”

Another new module, TouchMix® Paint Manager ä is currently in the final development stages. This enhanced module will provide advanced mixing capabilities, and include job costing, stock control, usage and VOC reporting. The module is expected to be released by late spring 2006. This latest module will continue to enhance the PPG color tool offering even more.

A free PPG distributor color software training course is now available to inform and enable jobber personnel to become proficient with PPG color retrieval software and hardware. This ½ day course is available at PPG Business Development Centers across North America. Web conferencing and direct mail options are also available upon request. For a complete course description, go to www.ppgrefinish.com.

For more information on the new TouchMix color software, contact the PPG Customer Support Center at 1-800-647-6050.

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