Innovative Trailer Coatings that Drive Value
Dorsey Trailer Case Study | Contact Us | Trailer Coatings Portfolio
For decades, Sherwin-Williams has partnered with OEMs in the trailer industry to push the limits of what's possible.
We don't believe in the status quo, and the drive to innovate is etched deep in our DNA. Our vast portfolio of liquid, powder, and e-coat solutions are formulated to drive efficiency, quality, and sustainability for trailer manufacturers.
At Sherwin-Williams, we are more than just a paint supplier. We are a true partner that will work with you to understand your finishing operation and unique business needs and propose tailored products and services that drive value for your business. Contact us today to get started.
When demand started ramping up, we knew that something had to change on the finishing line.”
THE CHALLENGE
Scaling production to meet growing demand for over 100 years, Dorsey Trailer has been committed to building the most durable trailers on the road. Now the fastest-growing platform trailer manufacturer in the U.S., the Company is constantly challenged to scale production. As demand rose, the need to streamline operations became clear.
One challenge was Dorsey’s finishing line, which struggled to keep pace with demand while maintaining the Company’s high standards of quality. With limited supplier support and a growing need for speed, quality and custom colors, Dorsey sought a better way forward.
“Painting was always our Achilles’ heel,” says Trey Gary, President of Dorsey Trailers. “When demand started ramping up, we knew that something had to change on the finishing line.”
THE SOLUTION
One System to Streamline, Strengthen and Simplify
Dorsey Trailer connected with local Sales and Technical Service Representatives from the Sherwin-Williams General Industrial division, who conducted line surveys to bring hidden inefficiencies to light. Among a range of process improvements, Sherwin-Williams recommended Duraspar® Industrial Performance (IP) topcoat and primer — two products known to help transportation manufacturers increase efficiency while enhancing performance and aesthetic quality.
When tested side by side, Duraspar IP primer demonstrated superior corrosion resistance compared to the competitor coatings — delivering the long-term protection Dorsey’s customers expect and reinforcing its promise that “A Dorsey’s more durable.”
“Before we even shared that we had switched to Sherwin-Williams, people were calling, asking what we did differently with the paint,” continues Gary. “They were very impressed.”
To ensure painter success with the new products, local Sherwin-Williams Representatives were on-site weekly supporting implementation and training — pulling in resources from Company research and development labs and local facilities to provide the solutions and expertise Dorsey needed to realize sustainable improvements.
“Sherwin-Williams has the products, but they also have a staff invested in helping us be more efficient and cost effective,” says Gary. “Since they came on board, we've not had one production delay because of paint.”
Before we even shared that we had switched to Sherwin-Williams, people were calling, asking what we did differently with the paint.... They were very impressed.
THE RESULTS
More Output, Less Waste, Better Performance
Dorsey Trailer made Sherwin-Williams the Company’s main paint supplier in January 2025. Since making the switch from another major coatings supplier, Dorsey has achieved significant improvements in efficiency.
The simple application process and incredible first-pass coverage of Duraspar IP from Sherwin-Williams allows Dorsey to use between 1-1.5 gallons less paint per trailer and save 15-30 minutes in application time per unit — reducing material usage and increasing potential throughput.
With the ability to deliver low-volume custom colors and rapid color matching, the Sherwin-Williams unique local facility model offers Dorsey greater flexibility and shorter lead times for custom orders. Ongoing support from Sherwin-Williams technical experts helped Dorsey expand from two to six paint booths, improving production capacity and efficiency. Weekly inventory checks have reduced overstock and waste, further streamlining operations, improving safety and freeing up capital.
“The most impressive thing about Sherwin-Williams, other than the quality of paint, was that they did exactly what they said they were going to do,” concludes Gary. “We’re unlimited on growth now that we have Sherwin-Williams as a partner.”
Duraspar IP
Duraspar IP is a liquid 2k polyurethane designed for the demanding needs of the commercial vehicle and trailer markets. Consisting of 27 colored monobases, Duraspar IP delivers the optimal hide-to-sag ratio, allowing you to maximize first-pass yield while minimizing rework, touch-ups and overall paint usage. With Duraspar IP, you can expect:
- Outstanding hide and sag resistance
- Enhanced edge coverage
- Simple 3:1:1 mix ratio
- Compatible with a wide range of primers to meet nearly any spec
- Wet on wet capable
- Smooth, high gloss (90+) finish
- Available in thousands of pre-matched solid and metallic colors
Powdura OneCure
Powdura OneCure™ is a single-cure primer and topcoat system that offers enhanced edge coverage and corrosion resistance. This patented formula co-reacts and crosslinks without the need to gel or cure the primer, resulting in decreased cycle times and lower costs for equipment, labor, energy and maintenance. Powdura OneCure Delivers:
- Faster Cycle Time
- Lower Finishing Operation Costs
- Outstanding Edge Coverage
- Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
- Uniform finish
Powdura ECO
Powdura ECO polyester resins contain up to 25% recycled plastic, reducing CO2 emissions while mitigating plastic waste.
Each pound of Powdura ECO standard durable TGIC and TGIC-free formulas contains the recycled plastic equivalent of roughly 16 sixteen-ounce water bottles, making the positive impact of every customer clear.*
*Dependent upon final product formulation.
Download Powdura ECO Brochure