The Architectural coatings segment increased 6.0% in volume shipped for the year to 857.7 million gallons, and the shipment value increased by 7.7% to $9,291.4 million. The segment has been setting records each year since 1999. The continuing housing boom, new construction and resales, has really helped the segment during these years. For the fourth quarter, Architectural coatings increased 5.0% in volume and 4.6% in value to cap off a superior year with each quarter ahead of the previous year's quarter.
The Product OEM coatings segment declined for the year 3.4% in volume shipped to 413.1 million gallons, but the shipment value increased 8.9% for the year to $6,465.2 million. This was good considering the large increase in imported finished products. For the fourth quarter, the segment increased in volume slightly by 0.9% while shipment value increased 13.5% over the previous year. Shipment value is growing even as the shipment of products slows down.