McLaren extend Henkel partnership

McLaren have announced a long-term extension to its Partnership with Henkel Technologies, with both organizations pleased to continuing a successful and mutually beneficial partnership, which began in 1995 under the "Loctite" brand name.

After the Henkel Group recently restructured its Technologies business sector, which encompass a broad range of specialist brands, the company is also revamping its external communications efforts to increase the awareness of Henkel Technologies' "pole position" as one of the leading global suppliers of industrial adhesives, sealants and surface technologies.

"With our innovative technologies, we are in demand as a partner from numerous industrial sectors. Formula One and Team McLaren Mercedes is an ideal platform, providing a quantum leap forward in conveying this message to external audiences," says Dr. Jochen Krautter, Executive Vice President, Henkel Technologies. "We want to appear in a unified manner to all our customers worldwide, being recognised by one umbrella brand name. Henkel Technologies stands for the highest level of competence and innovative strength when it comes to high-tech adhesives and applications for surface technologies.”

Henkel's know-how in the field of engineering adhesives is of great value to Team McLaren Mercedes' efforts in the Formula One World Championship battle. Henkel engineers will continue to cooperate closely with their counterparts from McLaren Racing in order to boost the team's chances of success through engineering measures designed to overcome the extreme challenges posed by Formula One races on vehicle components and materials.

High-performance adhesives from the aerospace division are used in the manufacture of the monocoque, while other products from the general industry and automotive divisions are used on the engine and in the assembly of the Team McLaren Mercedes race cars - a total of 92 different applications in all.

"The fact that our nine year-cooperation with Loctite has been extended under the Henkel Technologies banner is a clear testament to the technological capabilities of our Partner," confirmed Martin Whitmarsh, Managing Director, McLaren Racing. "The team will now have access to even more technologies and products than it did before and I am certain that as we enter the 2004 season we will be even more prepared than ever to fight for the World Championship and I'm glad that we can do this together."