As from 2 April 2001, the functions of decorative paint manufacturers Tikkurila Paints and Alcro-Beckers will be integrated to form Tikkurila Deco Group, to be led by Mr Visa Pekkarinen, President of Tikkurila Oy, the parent company. At the same time Lars Eriksson will be appointed President of Alcro-Beckers AB.
The Tikkurila Group is responsible for the paint business within Kemira, and has production in ten countries in Europe. The group's personnel currently totals 2,600, with net sales for 2001 estimated at EUR 450 million. Tikkurila's acquisition of Alcro-Beckers was made at the end of the year 2000.