Introduction
The merger of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), and the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) in 2021 created the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), representing a significant advancement in the field of asset protection and corrosion control. Its historical background, the merger process, the achievements made and the future challenges of this unified organization have transformed the landscape of corrosion management globally.
Corrosion represents one of the greatest challenges to industrial infrastructures and assets worldwide, with an estimated economic impact of $2.5 trillion annually, equivalent to 3.4% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Koch et al., 2016). Given this reality, the merger of two leading organizations such as NACE International and SSPC in 2021 marked a turning point in addressing this phenomenon and its consequences.
The creation of AMPP represented the administrative union of two entities, and the integration of knowledge, resources, and capabilities to more effectively address the challenges related to the protection of materials and assets in various industrial sectors. The historical context that led to this merger, the integration process, the achievements during its first four years of existence and the future prospects of this global organization are just the beginning to learn more about the AMPP.
Historical context: Origins of NACE and SSPC
NACE International, founded in 1943 as the “National Association of Corrosion Engineers,” initially emerged to address corrosion problems in the oil and gas pipeline industry (Revie & Uhlig, 2008). Over time, the organization expanded its focus to encompass all aspects of corrosion in various industrial sectors. For its part, SSPC, established in 1950 as the “Steel Structures Painting Council” (later renamed the “Society for Protective Coatings”), focused on developing standards for surface preparation and application of protective coatings (Munger & Vincent, 2014).
For decades, both organizations operated independently, developing standards, certification programs and educational activities in their respective fields of expertise. However, the growing interrelationship between corrosion and coating protection systems led to an inevitable overlap in their fields.
As industries evolved and asset protection challenges became more complex, the need for a more integrated approach became apparent. Industry professionals frequently had to look to both organizations for certifications and resources, leading to duplication of effort and potential inconsistencies in standards (Jones, 2019).
The 2021 merger of two leading asset protection member associations, NACE International and SSPC, brought together more than 140 years of service to members and industries around the world. Together, under AMPP, our members promote the protection and performance of steel, concrete, industrial and commercial structures and surfaces. The following video provides an overview of AMPP, highlighting the merger between NACE and SSPC, as well as its impact on materials protection and corrosion control globally.
AMPP the Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
In addition, technological advancement and globalization drove the need for a unified voice to represent the interests of the industry worldwide, the existing fragmentation limited the ability to influence public policy and the development of international regulations for corrosion protection.
Steps in the merger process
Initial exploration and vote
The path to merger formally began in March 2019, when the NACE and SSPC boards of directors established a “Membership Working Group” to explore possible models for collaboration (AMPP, 2021a). After a thorough analysis of options, from strategic alliances to full merger, the group recommended the latter as the best alternative to maximize the value offered to members and the industry.
In April 2020, members of both organizations participated in a historic vote that approved the merger with over 89% support in NACE and 88% in SSPC (Chalker, 2020). This broad support reflected widespread recognition of the potential benefits of unification.
Implementation and transition
Implementation of the merger occurred in a phased manner, beginning with the creation of a formally unified governance structure in January 2021. The full transition included the integration of certification programs, publications, events, and membership services, culminating with the official launch of AMPP as a fully unified entity in 2022 (AMPP, 2022).
During this period, specific working groups were established to address key issues such as harmonization of standards, integration of databases and unification of educational programs. The involvement of experts from both organizations ensured that the transition process preserved the best of each entity while creating a more efficient organizational structure.
AMPP today
Organizational structure and global reach
AMPP currently has more than 35,500 members in more than 140 countries, consolidating its position as the world’s largest organization dedicated to asset protection and materials performance (AMPP, 2023). Its structure includes multiple technical committees specialized in areas such as atmospheric corrosion, cathodic protection, industrial and marine coatings, among others.
It is important to highlight that AMPP’s global presence is materialized through regional sections and local chapters that facilitate interaction between professionals and the dissemination of knowledge at the local level. This capillarity allows solutions to be adapted to specific contexts while maintaining consistency with global standards.
Unified certification programs
One of AMPP’s most significant achievements has been the harmonization of the certification programs previously offered by NACE and SSPC. The organization has developed a unified certification framework ranging from coatings inspection to cathodic protection to corrosion control program management (AMPP, 2023).
These internationally recognized certifications have helped to raise professional standards in the industry and ensure the implementation of best practices. In 2023, more than 20,000 professionals held active AMPP certifications, demonstrating the broad reach of these programs (AMPP, 2024).
Economic and technical impact
Reduction of corrosion costs
AMPP work has also had a significant impact on reducing corrosion-related costs. Recent studies indicate that effective implementation of corrosion management programs based on AMPP standards can reduce corrosion-related costs by 15% to 35% representing a potential global savings of between $375 billion and $875 billion annually (Thompson & Lawson, 2022).
In sectors such as transportation, energy and public infrastructure, these reductions represent potential savings of hundreds of millions of dollars annually. For example, in the oil industry, the adoption of AMPP recommended practices has allowed extending the useful life of critical assets by up to 40%, with the consequent positive impact in economic and environmental terms (Rivera et al., 2023).
Technical advances and standardization
The unification of technical and research resources has accelerated the development of new standards and technologies for corrosion protection. AMPP has published more than 50 unified standards since its formation, addressing everything from corrosion assessment methods to procedures for the application of high-performance coatings (AMPP, 2024).
These standards have been adopted by numerous governmental and industrial organizations worldwide, consolidating AMPP’s role as a technical reference in its field. Particularly relevant has been the influence of these standards in developing regions, where they have contributed to improve the durability and safety of critical infrastructures.
Future challenges and opportunities
Sustainability and the environment
One of the main challenges AMPP is currently facing is the need to align corrosion protection practices with global sustainability goals. The organization has begun to develop standards and recommendations that consider the environmental impact of protection technologies, promoting greener alternatives to traditional methods (Gonzalez & Park, 2023).
The development of coatings free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), less aggressive surface preparation methods and more energy-efficient cathodic protection technologies are priority areas in AMPP’s research agenda. These advances not only respond to regulatory requirements, but also to growing environmental awareness in the industrial sector.
Digitalization and Industry 4.0
The integration of digital technologies represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Remote corrosion monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence to predict material failures and the implementation of digital twins for asset management are emerging trends that are definitely transforming the sector (Martinez & Chen, 2024).
AMPP has established specific committees dedicated to exploring these technologies and developing recommendations for their effective implementation. The organization has also updated its training programs to include digital competencies, preparing professionals to operate in increasingly connected and automated industrial environments.
Conclusions
The first four years of AMPP represent a period of significant transformation in the field of asset protection and material performance. The merger of NACE and SSPC has proven successful in terms of organizational integration, harmonization of standards and expansion of global reach.
The economic impact of this unification is reflected in the improvement of corrosion management practices and the consequent reduction of costs associated with this phenomenon. Likewise, the strengthening of the industry’s technical voice has made it possible to positively influence public policies and international regulations.
Future challenges related to sustainability, digitalization and adaptation to a changing industrial environment will require AMPP to continue to evolve. However, the solid foundation established during these early years and the demonstrated commitment to technical excellence and innovation bode well for the organization’s future.
Finally, AMPP demonstrates that collaboration and unified efforts can generate significantly greater impact than the sum of individual contributions. This model could serve as an inspiration for other technical sectors where fragmentation limits the potential for development and influence.
For a safer, secure and sustainable world, Inspenet invites you to be part of the industry’s biggest event of the year! The AMPP 2025 Annual Conference & Expo to be held in Music City, Nashville, April 6-10.
References
- AMPP. (2021a). Merger implementation roadmap. Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
- AMPP. (2022). Annual report 2021-2022: Building on a unified foundation. Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
- AMPP. (2023). Global certification program handbook. Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
- AMPP. (2024). Technical standards catalog. Association for Materials Protection and Performance.
- Chalker, B. (2020). Historic merger of NACE International and SSPC approved by members. Materials Performance, 59(6), 8-10.
- González, M., & Park, J. (2023). Environmentally friendly corrosion protection systems: Current trends and future perspectives. Journal of Sustainable Materials Protection, 12(3), 245-260.
