About

Imms Industrial Coatings, Inc. has been serving the Southeast since 1973, giving us over 50 years of specialized experience in industrial coating systems. Founded by Richard Imms with a commitment to technical excellence and customer service, we have completed over 1,000 successful projects throughout our history while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

We specialize in serving demanding industrial sectors including pulp & paper mills, chemical processing plants, oil & gas facilities, power generation stations, and manufacturing facilities. Our extensive experience in these industries means we understand the unique challenges, performance requirements, and regulatory compliance needs of each sector. We have established long-term relationships with major industrial facilities throughout the Southeast.

Our primary service area covers the Southeast United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Headquartered in Helena, Alabama, we have the manpower, equipment, and logistics capabilities to handle projects throughout the region. For special projects, we have also successfully completed work beyond our primary service area.

We maintain comprehensive certifications and compliance standards including DOT/PHMSA compliance for pipeline work, SSPC/NACE (now AMPP) membership for industry best practices, operator qualification programs meeting DOT requirements, OSHA safety training for all employees, EPA environmental compliance for coating materials handling, and ISNetworld certification. All work is performed to SSPC and NACE specifications. Our certifications ensure we meet the rigorous requirements of major industrial facilities.

We currently employ approximately 12 skilled professionals including experienced coating applicators, surface preparation specialists, project managers, safety coordinators, and support staff. Every team member receives comprehensive training in safety protocols, technical procedures, and industry standards. This right-sized team allows us to provide personalized attention to each project while maintaining the manpower and equipment necessary to handle large-scale industrial coating projects efficiently.

Safety is our top priority. All employees complete minimum OSHA 10-Hour training with many holding OSHA 30-Hour certifications. Training covers hazard recognition, fall protection, confined space entry, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and other critical safety protocols. We maintain comprehensive drug and alcohol testing programs meeting DOT requirements, conduct regular safety meetings and toolbox talks, and have achieved significant safety milestones including 500,000 safe work hours without lost-time incidents. Our safety-first culture protects our workers, your facility, and project integrity.

We employ a full range of professional surface preparation methods including abrasive blasting (sandblasting, grit blasting, shot blasting) using various media types, high-pressure water jetting and power washing, chemical cleaning and degreasing, and hand/power tool cleaning when appropriate. All surface preparation work is performed to SSPC standards (SSPC-SP series) appropriate for the specified coating system. We have state-of-the-art equipment and experienced operators ensuring proper surface preparation—the most critical factor in coating system performance.

We have extensive experience applying a wide range of industrial coating systems including epoxy coatings (high-build, 100% solids, coal tar epoxy), polyurethane systems (aliphatic and aromatic), zinc-rich primers for corrosion protection, high-temperature coatings for boilers and stacks, chemical-resistant linings for tanks and vessels, floor coating systems (epoxy, urethane, MMA), fireproofing and intumescent coatings, and specialized coatings for unique environments. We work closely with major coating manufacturers and follow their technical specifications for optimal performance.

Quality assurance begins with proper specification and coating system selection based on environmental conditions and performance requirements. We follow SSPC and NACE standards for all surface preparation and application work, conduct thorough inspections at each phase including surface cleanliness verification and dry film thickness measurements, maintain detailed documentation including environmental conditions and application parameters, use calibrated inspection equipment, and provide comprehensive project documentation and warranties. Our 50+ years of experience means we understand what it takes to achieve long-lasting coating performance.

Yes, we have extensive experience working within planned shutdown windows and turnaround schedules. We understand that time is critical during facility outages and plan accordingly with adequate manpower, equipment staging, detailed scheduling, 24/7 work capabilities when required, and close coordination with your maintenance team. Our project management experience ensures we complete work safely, correctly, and on schedule to minimize downtime and get your facility back online as quickly as possible.

Absolutely. We offer comprehensive turnkey solutions from specification through application. Our services include free on-site evaluations and consultations, coating system selection assistance based on your specific requirements, detailed project estimates with scope of work breakdown, specification development and review, and ongoing technical support throughout the project. Our technical expertise helps ensure you select the right coating system for your application and understand all project requirements upfront.

We maintain modern equipment suitable for large-scale industrial projects including mobile abrasive blasting systems with multiple units, plural-component spray equipment for high-volume coating application, high-pressure water jetting systems, containment systems for environmental protection, aerial lift equipment and scaffolding capabilities, mobile equipment for on-site work, and backup equipment ensuring no project delays. Our equipment is professionally maintained and operated by experienced, trained personnel.

Environmental and regulatory compliance is integrated into every project. We maintain full EPA compliance for VOC regulations and hazardous waste handling, proper SDS (Safety Data Sheet) management for all materials, containment and waste disposal following environmental regulations, dust and overspray control measures, documentation meeting regulatory requirements, and compliance with state and local environmental regulations. We use low-VOC and compliant coating materials when specified and ensure all work meets environmental standards.

Project timelines vary based on scope, size, and environmental conditions. Our scheduling process includes initial consultation and site evaluation, detailed project planning with timeline development, coordination with your facility operations and maintenance schedules, weather considerations for outdoor work, material procurement and delivery coordination, and regular project updates and communication. We provide realistic timelines based on our extensive experience and work diligently to meet deadlines while never compromising safety or quality standards.

Requesting a quote is easy. Call us directly at (205) 663-5222 to speak with our team, use our website contact form to describe your project needs, or email us project details and site information. We will schedule a convenient time for an on-site evaluation, discuss your specific requirements and performance expectations, provide a detailed written estimate with scope of work, and answer any technical questions. We offer free consultations and estimates with no obligation. Our goal is to understand your needs and provide solutions that deliver long-term value.