Adhesives use to continue modest climb: Large number of producers and wide diversity of end uses will help adhesives maintain about 6% average annual growth through 1985

Adhesives have come a long way since people sent their worn-out plug horses to the glue factory. Although some adhesives still are produced from animal parts, many others are made from a variety of synthetic materials-acrylics, cellulosics, epoxies, urethanes, polyesters, silicones, and others. However, in spite of the complexity of the products, the U.S. adhesives industry is laden with manufacturers. Consultants estimate the number of adhesive makers at 650 to 1000 in the U.S. alone. In its 1977 Guide to the Chemical Industry, marketing consulting firm Charles B. Kline & Co., says, "The adhesives and sealants business is one of the most diffuse in the entire chemical industry with a number of small- and medium-sized companies specializing in different products for different end uses. It is, in fact, one of the few areas remaining in the chemical industry where the small company thrives." And adhesives go into a large number of end-use applications in such ...