Amrize leaders, Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason, and local officials from Gwinnett Chamber just cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of a $1 million investment in Amrize's manufacturing facility in Norcross, Georgia 

Amrize yesterday celebrated a new chapter for its adhesives, coatings & sealants business unit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a $1 million modernization of its Norcross, Georgia manufacturing facility. The investment expands the site's manufacturing and R&D capabilities while supporting continued growth for the Tacky Tape® brand and GacoSeal® product lines in high growth, advanced sectors including aerospace and composites.

Those who joined Amrize leaders and community partners to recognize the company's continued investment in manufacturing and innovation in Norcross included Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, Georgia and Nick Masino, president & CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber and Partnership Gwinnett. 

Completed over the past year, the project included renovations to the production floor, a remodeled quality assurance laboratory, new R&D equipment and manufacturing technology upgrades that provide greater visibility into production performance. Amrize also established a new sealant tape research & development center of excellence at the facility, creating a dedicated space to support future product development and innovation.

"This milestone investment allows us to pioneer next-generation composite tapes for the rapidly expanding aerospace and satellite sectors," said Konrad Wernthaler, president, Gaco and Enverge. "By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in these high-tech markets, we are not only advancing the industry but also acting as a powerful catalyst for regional economic growth."

The improvements are expected to streamline manufacturing operations, support continued growth for Gaco's Tacky Tape brand serving aerospace and composite applications, and strengthen support for the company's GacoSeal products used in metal building construction.

"We are thrilled to deploy new technologies to boost our manufacturing efficiency and seed innovation through a new sealant tape R&D Center of Excellence," said Kevin Page, vice president of commercial at Gaco ad Enverge. "These upgrades launch a new chapter for the Tacky Tape brand in high-growth aerospace and composite markets, while reinforcing our commitment to the GacoSeal brand of high-performance tapes and sealants for metal building construction."

The investment also equips the Norcross team with enhanced process controls, improved production monitoring and expanded quality assurance capabilities, helping employees maintain consistent product performance while responding more quickly to customer needs.

"On the plant floor, this investment immediately optimizes our production processes," said Zouhir Adlani, plant manager of the Norcross facility. "By leveraging enhanced, data-driven insights, our team is now better positioned to anticipate and meet our customers' evolving demands."

To learn more about Amrize and its advanced building solutions, visit amrize.com.

About Amrize

Amrize is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

GacoFlex delivered durability, savings and ease of installation for this challenging project. 

Just a few blocks from downtown Rochester, Minnesota sits the Zumbro Lutheran Church. With its unique steeple and central location, this place of worship is a well-known part of the Rochester skyline. But that iconic roofline was in danger a bit ago when the roof started showing its age.  

The challenge of the project 

Repairing the roof brought up a few unique challenges for Merit Contracting, who the church hired for the project. These included:  

• Access: The roof is at a harsh angle that makes it difficult to safely get on and work on it. 
• Maintenance: The church needed a roof they could trust without having to think too much about it, as low maintenance was a priority. 
• Weather: Being located in Minnesota means that whatever roof they installed needed to be able to withstand both harsh winters with lots of snow and hot summers.  
• Visibility: As mentioned earlier, the church’s roof is very visible, even when on foot from the ground. So, it was a high priority to not only find a high-performance solution, but one that looked aesthetically appealing from all angles as well. 

A strong solution 

Luckily, the Merit Contracting team is a Gaco Licensed Applicator and knew to reach out to their local Gaco Area Manager for help! That manager was able to help them find the ideal solution for the project – a GacoFlex S4200 Silicone Coating System. There’s a few reason for this choice: 

• Ease of installation: GacoFlex is easy to install. All it took was a good roof cleaning (using a pressure washer and GacoWash) and Merit Contracting was able to put the silicone coating down without even needing a primer* thanks to the high-adhesion nature of the coating. 
• Financial savings: Not only did the speed and ease of installation help save the church money, but they also saved money by avoiding tearing off the old system. Merit Contracting was able to install the GacoFlex silicone roof system over the existing membrane and insulation, which avoided added removal and landfill costs.  
• Long-lifespan: And best of all, the church won’t have to think about their roof for a long while! The GacoFlex silicone roof system came with a 20-year warranty, which was a key factor due to the access challenges of the roof. 

Learn more about the project!

*In this case, S42 eliminated the need for primer, as it does on most substrates. Always perform an adhesion test to ensure compatibility.

Throughout his career, Wernthaler has held a succession of senior leadership roles spanning research and development, marketing, operational excellence and general management.

Gaco™ and Enverge®, two leading brands within Amrize’s Building Envelope business, announce the appointment of Konrad Wernthaler as president of Gaco and Enverge. In this role, Wernthaler will oversee the strategic direction, operational execution and commercial growth of both business units, serving a broad spectrum of commercial and residential markets across the roofing, waterproofing, sealants, adhesives and insulation industries.

Wernthaler brings more than three decades of proven executive experience across the specialty chemicals and construction materials sectors. His technical expertise and commercial acumen uniquely equip him to strategically lead the business units and solidify the industry-leading positions of both the Gaco and Enverge brands.

"I am excited to join Amrize and lead Gaco and Enverge. We have well-positioned brands, high-performing products and above all, an excellent team. This sets us up for a great future," said Wernthaler.

Kevin Page, vice president of commercial for Gaco and Enverge, added, "Our commercial and field teams are highly energized by this appointment. As we continue to invest in driving world-class performance for both Gaco and Enverge, under Konrad’s leadership we are now even better positioned to deliver for our customers."

Throughout his career, Wernthaler has held a succession of senior leadership roles spanning research and development, marketing, operational excellence and general management. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Mallard Creek Polymers, a manufacturer of custom emulsion polymers, where he successfully drove significant growth and product portfolio transformation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Konrad to the Amrize Building Envelope leadership team," said Jake Gosa, president of Amrize Building Envelope. "His comprehensive understanding of the construction materials sector and proven ability to transform product portfolios will be invaluable as we continue to scale the Gaco and Enverge brands to drive long-term value."

About Gaco

Gaco is a trusted leader in the building envelope industry, offering a comprehensive portfolio of proven liquid-applied coating systems for roof restoration, decking, waterproofing and anti-slip protection, alongside premium construction adhesives and sealants. Known for innovation and reliability, Gaco is dedicated to delivering project success for every customer, every time. We combine high-performance products with on-demand technical expertise to protect and extend the life of commercial and residential structures. For more information, visit gaco.com

About Enverge

Enverge is a leader in the spray foam insulating market, on a mission to change the way the world insulates by providing high-performance spray foam products.  For more information, visit EnvergeSprayFoam.com

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America, as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced building solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com

By Emma Peterson. 

Gaco is celebrating their top 20 contractors with an all-expense paid trip in 2027.  

Gaco runs a top contractor program that fosters partnership with and celebrates the successes of their contractors. As a part of the Contractor Recognition program, they bring 20 of their top contractors and each of their guests (one guest per contractor) for four days, three nights at a unique resort destination (yet to be announced). In 2026, the location was Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico! 

Not only is this a great opportunity to relax with world-class dining and fun excursions, but it also gives attendees unique insight into networking opportunities and exclusive business updates.  

Become a part of the top contractor program 

To become a part of the top contractor program and to be eligible for the top 20 trip, you must:  

• Be a Gaco Licensed Applicator 
• Purchase a minimum of $250k Gaco branded products from authorized Gaco distributors between December 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026.  
• Submit proof of purchase by November 30, 2026 

Invitations to the 2027 trip will be sent out in January to the top 20 Gaco licensed contractors by qualified purchase amount.* How are the top 20 decided? A point system: For every $1,000 spent on products of eligible brands, contractors earn 1 point. For example, contractors who spend $100,000 on Gaco products earn 100 points. 

There are a few ways to get bonus points as well! For first year participants, they can get a one-time bonus of 25 points upon achieving the minimum qualifying amount! Further, additional points can be earned in your purchases of products of eligible brands, year-on-year (see chart). 

Learn more!

*Promotion subject to terms and conditions available on the Recognition Program Terms page. Minimum purchase required. Gaco may cancel, modify, terminate, or suspend the promotion for any reason at its sole discretion. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Gaco has their contractors’ backs on and off the roof. 

Gaco’s story started over 70 years ago with one customer and a challenge to solve. Today, they have a portfolio that spans seven different high-performance sub-brands, serving contractors across North America. But even with that significant growth, the heart of their operations remains dedicated to helping their customers problem-solve. To learn more about how Gaco helps their contractors succeed on and off the job site, we sat down with Ed Klonowski for an episode of CoatingsCast™.  

Ed is the product manager for the liquid applied waterproofing segment within Gaco. In his own words, he shared, “I work with everything from your traditional roof coatings to decking and even below grade waterproofing.” In this role, he has seen firsthand how Gaco’s support for their contractors extends beyond the bucket of product. He explained:  

We're trying to do more than just selling products and making money. We want to design products for specific applications that contractors can trust to perform consistently and solve their problems. Really, we're focused on partnering with the contractor and allowing them to put their best foot forward anytime they use a Gaco product.  

A testament to this prioritization of contractor support beyond selling products is the technical acumen of Gaco’s sales team. Ed shared, “Our guys aren’t just trained to sell products. We actually bring them in to train on all the different brands, apply all the different brands in the lab, in the warehouse and in the field. That way, they know exactly what they should be looking for, how best to apply the products and then are able to pass that education down to the contractors.”  

In this way, Gaco’s sales team is a prime example of how the company goes above and beyond to support their contractors. Ed shared, “Our team is not just trying to sell the material in the bucket, they're acting as technical advisors for contractors and helping them build success with every project.”  

Read the transcript, Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about how Gaco supports their contractors.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Get safety and speed with Gaco non-skid product offerings. 

At World of Concrete earlier this year, we had the chance to stop by the Gaco booth and catch a live demonstration of the Gaco AS75. This product is a “single-component, low-VOC, elastomeric acrylic polymer specially formulated for pedestrian traffic.” Featuring a triple aggregate, it easily adds texture to asphalt, primed steel, concrete, wood and more!  

The live demonstration displayed the ease at which this product can be installed with a roller. To learn more about it after the demo was over, we interviewed Edward “Ed” Klonowski, their senior product manager for liquid applied waterproofing products. He explained that this type of non-skid product is key to building safety, sharing, “Safety is always a big concern for building owners and occupants. So, being able to offer products like what you just saw demonstrated in addition to the standard floor coatings is really important.” 

And it’s not just the client that non-skid coatings like AS75 help. Ed elaborated:  

Across the industry, contractors are needing speed. Things like labor shortages and tight margins really mean they need to get on and off projects faster. Texturized coatings like AS75 mean that you can walk away after one coat and be ready to return to service the roof the next day. It’s huge for efficiency. 

And AS75 is just one of Gaco’s many anti-slip coating options. Additional products include AS250 (a two-component, heavier duty epoxy), AS150 (a Kevlar®-fortified epoxy perfect for handling areas with contaminants like gasoline, fire, oil, salt water and acid), AS2500 (a chemically-resistant, high-solids coating that is ideal for indoor use), AS175 (a two-component waterborne  epoxy formulated for wet areas) and AS2500 LTC (an extra-heavy duty option designed for low-temperature cures).  

Watch the full demonstration and check out the rest of our interview with Ed to learn more!  

By Gaco. 

The project showcases how the right coating system can enhance safety while minimizing operational disruption in demanding urban settings. 

When protective coatings begin to fail, even routine foot and vehicle traffic can create serious safety and maintenance challenges for property owners. That was the case at Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Medical Center, a busy Bronx medical campus where worn surfaces and water intrusion threatened daily operations and increased liability concerns. To restore reliability and improve protection across walkways and drive lanes, the facility turned to Gaco and its GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 system, a high-performance waterproof traffic coating engineered for demanding environments. 

What problem did Gaco help the building owner address? 

The Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Medical Center, located in the Bronx, faced critical issues with its pedestrian walkways, driveways and walls, totaling 12,000 square feet. The existing 15-year-old coating system had deteriorated, leading to peeling and smooth surfaces that significantly increased the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, water infiltration was affecting the parking garage below, further compromising the safety and function of the space. With over a million vehicles passing through the driveway annually — ambulances, personal vehicles and wheelchair-accessible vans — the risks and wear on the system were growing by the day. 

How did Gaco and the contractor help solve the problem? 

GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 two component, aliphatic waterproof system was chosen to address the challenges. A Gaco licensed applicator, J&E Paving Waterproofing, expertly executed the project, which included: 

• 2,500 square feet of pedestrian walkway 
• 8,500 square feet of driveway 
• 1,000 square feet of walls. 

The installation was completed in just 21 days during an ideal temperature window in the Northeast. The solution included a two-color system to clearly delineate sidewalks and driveways for vehicle and pedestrian safety. 

What made GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 especially suitable for this project? 

The urban environment and high traffic volumes of the medical center demanded a durable, non-skid coating. GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500’s quick-curing, low VOC and low-odor properties were perfect for minimizing disruption in this busy area. Additionally, the waterproofing system protected the concrete from further water intrusion and deterioration, essential for the unpredictable Northeast climate. 

How did Gaco help the facility owner drive down costs and reduce risks? 

By addressing slip-and-fall liabilities and water infiltration, the Elasto-Deck 6500 system improved safety and minimized maintenance costs. The fast installation timeline kept the project within budget, even with the additional security and traffic rerouting expenses. The high-performing coating ensures long-term durability, protects against wear and tear from heavy traffic flow and provides peace of mind for building owners and property managers. 

How can Gaco help our contractors earn more business? 

This project demonstrates the reliability and efficiency of GacoPoly Elasto-Deck 6500 in high-traffic urban environments. Its combination of fast installation, affordability and safety enhancements makes it an ideal solution for medical facilities and other high-use properties. The success of this project highlights how GacoPoly products can restore and protect aging systems, leading to longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs. 

What about this project highlights the hands-on approach of Gaco’s team of experts? 

From start to finish, Gaco’s team coordinated closely with the contractor and building owner to ensure the project’s success. Clear communication between all parties was key to delivering exceptional results within a tight timeline. 

Original article and photo source: Gaco

By Elevate. 

Find solutions for all parts of the building envelope at the IRE 2026 Amrize booths.

Amrize offers one of the most comprehensive building envelope portfolios in North America, bringing together solutions that span concrete and building materials through advanced roofing, insulation, waterproofing and wall systems.

Foundation to rooftop solutions on display include:

• High-performance roofing systems from Elevate, including  the new and innovative MAX PVC 
• Waterproofing and coatings solutions from Gaco
• Commercial roofing systems and contractor pathways from GenFlex
• Sustainable, high-performance residential roofing from Malarkey
• Custom-fabricated commercial roofing systems from Duro-Last

Guided International Roofing Expo (IRE) booth walkthroughs are available - just let us know what you’re interested in so we can ensure the proper representatives are available for you. 

New product highlights and live demonstrations

Brand representatives will be available to walk through key product areas, with emphasis on the following highlights:

Elevate: MAX PVC

Engineered for maximum durability and resilience in demanding environments, the new MAX PVC is a top choice for data centers, airports and manufacturing facilities. A MAX PVC system for data center applications will be featured in the Innovative Product Showcase and Awards area, and live puncture resistance testing will take place in the booth as part of Elevate’s product demonstration programming.

Elevate: In-booth product demonstrations

A dedicated demo stage within the Elevate booth footprint will host live demonstrations in English and Spanish throughout the show. Sessions include MAX PVC puncture resistance testing, Twin Jet Y spatter application, self-adhered systems, fleece recover solutions, metal retrofit systems and more. Please let us know if you’d like to see the specific schedule. 

Gaco: Waterproofing and coatings

Gaco will showcase its unified portfolio of silicone, urethane and acrylic systems, along with metal roof repair and waterproofing solutions. Reps can also explain Gaco’s licensed applicator program and contractor incentives that support consistent installation quality and system performance.

Additional product walkthroughs across the Amrize Building Envelope portfolio are available upon request.

Educational sessions and exhibitor presentations

Amrize Building Envelope and brand spokespeople will be leading several conference sessions and exhibitor presentations, offering high-level perspective and practical, jobsite-focused education. Please let us know if you’re interested in any of the following, and we’ll be happy to share the locations of the presentations. 

IRE conference presentations

• Beyond the Roof: Building Envelope Integration for Growth
  Tuesday, January 20 | 8:15–9:15 a.m. PT
  Presenters: Rachel Garcia and Stephanie Gssime
• Entendiendo el PVC: No escatime en la malla | Más malla, menos falla (Spanish-language session
  Wednesday, January 21 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. PT
  Presenter: Alan Diaz
• Best Practices in Commercial Roofing: Solutions for Common and Unique Applications
  Wednesday, January 21 | 9:45–10:45 a.m. PST
  Presenters: Jacqueline LaDuke and Charles Allen

IRE exhibitor presentation sessions

• EPDM: Low Slope Roofing Solutions for Solving Real World Challenges
  Wednesday, January 21 | 12:30–1:15 p.m. PT
  Presenter: Matt Michalski
• Reducing Roofing Labor with Innovative Products and Systems
  Wednesday, January 21 | 2:30–3:15 p.m. PT
  Presenters: Christian Hartwig and Chris Meyer 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson, Jorge Rodriguez and countless other professionals at the industry’s only tradeshow dedicated to the concrete and masonry industries 

Recently, The Coffee Shops™ partnered up with Tremco to give away a few World of Concrete Education Super Passes! These passes give attendees access to countless World of Concrete areas, activities and events, including:  

• The show floor: Education Super Passes come with access to the incredible World of Concrete trade show floor! This is a great opportunity for professionals to connect with their peers and see the newest innovations in the roofing world. The Coffee Shops crew will be there (South Hall Lobby) as well as many of our industry partners, like JobTread (N1568), Sika (S10215), Gaco (S13207) and ICP (O31609). Explore the show map!
• Education opportunities: As the name implies, attendees with Education Super Passes get access to learning sessions at the show! From talks about best business practices to technical seminars and industry certification events, World of Concrete has something to elevate every professional’s knowledge. Learn more!
• Networking events: In between education sessions and exploring the show floor, World of Concrete hosts a variety of events that will give you the opportunity to make business-boosting partnerships. Check out the whole list of events online.

So, who will be in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19 to 22 thanks to The Coffee Shops and Tremco World of Concrete giveaway? Marlin Fishe, Bridget Wilson and Jorge Rodriguez!  

Marlin is the VP of field service for Capital Roof Care and Capital Coating; while Bridget is the president of Cardinal Roofing; and Jorge is the owner of J Rodriguez Concrete Contractors LLC. Congratulations to all three of them! 

The giveaway might be closed, but you can still get last minute passes!

By Gaco. 

A durable foam-and-coating solution restored efficiency and extended the roof’s lifespan. 

In Northern California’s intense summer climate, the metal roof on this commercial building had reached the end of its useful life. Missing fasteners, faded skylights, clogged gutters and peeling paint had compromised the roof’s integrity and reflectivity, creating ongoing leaks and energy inefficiencies. A complete tear off would have interrupted operations and added significant labor and landfill costs. The building owner and contractor instead sought a solution that would restore performance, improve insulation and extend the roof’s life, all without removing the existing system. 

Which Gaco roofing solution was used? 

One of Gaco’s licensed applicators, HB Urethane, addressed all of the above issues by installing a system using roof spray foam with silicone coating over the top. Each flute of the metal roof was first filled with sheets of ISO (polyisocyanurate thermal insulation). Next, the skylights were removed and reframed so new skylights could be installed. GacoRoofFoam Low GWP (F2780) was then applied over the entirety of the roof at approximately one inch thick.  

The project was completed in August during the peak of summer, so HB Utherane installed GacoFlex A4121™ black primer over the F2780 to help preserve the foam from harmful UV rays. GacoFlex S2000™ silicone coating was then sprayed over the primer and back rolled. To finish, HB Urethane replaced and repaired parts of the gutters where needed, used GacoFlex SeamSeal™ at all seams, and applied GacoFlex S2000 inside the gutters. 

What makes GacoRoofFoam and GacoFlex especially suitable for Northern California? 

Northern California summers can get extremely hot during the day and then cool off 20–25 degrees at night. Using the S2000 system over the roof foam helps with reflectivity during the day to keep the building cooler, and the roof foam acts as an insulator when it cools down at night. 

California is also one of the most sustainable states, which made it critical to have an eco-friendly roofing system. GacoRoofFoam F2780 is a sustainable, energy-efficient option with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential). GWP is an estimate of how much a product will contribute to global warming. Low GWP GacoRoofFoam is made with an HFO blowing agent that reduces the GWP by more than 99%, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious building owners. 

What made spray foam and silicone roof coating especially suitable for this building? 

The existing roof didn’t have to be torn off, so there were no workday interruptions. There was also the added bonus of the roof foam, primer and silicone coating not having strong odors. Since the roof had air intakes, using low-odor products means the employees could continue with their regular work. 

How did Gaco help the building owner reduce costs and risks?  

By repairing the roof with foam and silicone, the building owner saved on the cost and labor involved in tearing off an existing roof. Plus, materials were readily available to meet the schedules of the building owner and the contractor. 

What made this roofing project unique? 

This was the first building where Gaco’s new F2780 roof foam was used in the entire state of California. The building is located on a bustling road in the Sacramento, California, area and is highly visible, making it even more critical to have a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing installation. 

What about this project will help Gaco and our partners earn more business? 

This project highlights the speed and savings of the Gaco foam and silicone system. Compared to the estimate for tearing off the roof, the project took approximately a quarter of the time, minimized the materials needed for completion and reduced landfill waste (creating subsequent landfill cost savings). GacoRoofFoam Low GWP also offers customers a more sustainable roofing solution. HB Urethane used their knowledge and skills to properly install this Gaco roof system in a highly visible area, and they already earned a referral from the building owner. 

Original article source: Gaco