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PCI honours powder coating pioneers
The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) has named its 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. With decades of combined experience, Kevin Biller, Champ Bowden and Nick Liberto are recognised for their significant contributions to the development and advancement of powder coating technologies.
At this year’s PCI Annual Meeting in Sun Valley, Idaho, the Powder Coating Institute honoured three long-serving experts with induction into its Hall of Fame. Established in 2001, the Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have retired and spent at least 15 years making notable contributions to PCI and the powder coating sector. The 2025 laureates are Kevin Biller (ChemQuest Group), Champ Bowden (Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings), and Nick Liberto (Powder Coating Consultants).
Kevin Biller, active in the industry since 1978, began his career at Glidden Paint Company and later worked with Herberts. He went on to found The Powder Coating Research Group and was a pioneer in powder coatings for non-metal substrates and UV curing. Biller served on PCI’s Board of Directors and several committees, and from 2012 to 2021, he was technical editor of Powder Coated Tough magazine. He also contributed to multiple editions of PCI’s technical handbook.
Long-standing technical engagement
Champ Bowden started in 1981 with Glidden Powder Coatings and was closely involved in PCI’s technical work for over two decades, including serving as chairman of the Technical Committee for five years. From 2000 to 2003, he chaired the Application & Recovery Equipment (ARE) Committee and contributed to several editions of The Complete Finisher’s Handbook.
Nick Liberto entered the industry in the 1970s, initially with Interrad, later with Ransburg-Gema, where he helped expand the company’s powder coating equipment portfolio. He then founded Powder Coating Consultants, focusing on helping manufacturers transition to powder-based technologies. Liberto was editor of the first two editions of PCI’s handbook and has contributed to all five published versions to date. He also developed the PCI Cost Comparison Worksheet, which remains in use today.
Commitment to industry knowledge transfer
All three awardees share a strong track record of promoting technical knowledge and standards in powder coating. Their continued involvement with PCI publications, committees and education programmes has helped shape the industry over several decades. PCI Executive Director Kevin Coursin praised their lasting impact, stating that they represent the spirit and excellence of the powder coating community.
