WASHINGTON -- The National Paint & Coatings Association announced the publication of a major industry market study, "U.S. Paint & Coatings Market Analysis (2000-2005)," described by the NPCA as "the definitive coatings-industry information resource."

The report, developed by Orr & Boss Inc., a consulting firm specializing in the paint and coatings industry, is the successor to the previously published "Paint and Coatings 2000: Review and Forecast." The study includes recent U.S. Census Bureau industry shipment figures, profiles of market segments, and recommendations on business strategy, planning and executive decision-making. The new study offers more facts, descriptive graphics and a clearer illustration of the relationship between customer production and paint usage, the NPCA said.

New topics covered by the study include radiation-cure coatings; small business concerns; e-commerce; recent consolidations; and general raw-material supplier resources. Other chapters will cover architectural coatings, OEM coatings and special-purpose coatings.

Purchases of the study can be made online at www.paint.org/market, or by requesting an order form by mail or fax from the NPCA. For more information on the report, contact the NPCA's Allen Irish at 202/462.6272 or by e-mail at airish@paint.org.