WASHINGTON – To create a unified voice for the corrosion control and protective coatings industries, a new association was launched on Jan. 6 at a global virtual event. The new organization, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), was formed by a merger between Houston-based NACE International, The Corrosion Society, and Pittsburgh-based SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. AMPP’s name, logo and other brand elements were revealed at the event, which was led by AMPP CEO Bob Chalker and the organization’s executive leadership.

“AMPP brings together the world’s leading corrosion prevention and protective coatings organizations under one umbrella,” said Chalker. “With a vision to create a safer, protected and sustainable world, the new association will focus on the future of materials protection and performance.”

With more than 40,000 members in 130 countries, AMPP consists of two governance structures — AMPP, a 501(c)(6), and AMPP Global Center, a 501(c)(3).  AMPP provides services to members in the areas of certification, accreditation, membership, advocacy and public affairs, and AMPP Global Center focuses on standards, technical and research activities, conferences, events, education, training, publications, and pre-professional programming.

“No other organization offers the depth and breadth of materials protection and performance information, standards, education, certification and contractor accreditation programming that AMPP now provides,” said Tim Bieri, Chair of the AMPP Board of Directors and Vice President for Materials & Corrosion Engineering, bp America, Houston. “Through AMPP, we will be able to raise the level of excellence of our professional community and have a greater impact on society through our expanded network of members worldwide.”

“I’m looking forward to bringing together the expertise that’s been instrumental in developing standards, training, publications and other technical resources that support our members and advance our industry,” said Joyce Wright, AMPP Global Center’s Chair, and Trade Manager for Strategy and Innovation, Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding, Hampton, Virginia. “With one voice contractors, owners, craftsmen, manufacturers, corrosion experts, consultants and industry stakeholders, will do more to protect society across the globe.”

While the AMPP staff has been working together since October, some program details such as accreditation and certification continue to evolve. For the near future, NACE and SSPC accreditations and certifications will remain as they are currently.

For more information about AMPP, visit www.ampp.org.