Bala is originally from Madras, India. He holds a bachelor's degree in Metallurgy from the famed Indian Institute of Technology and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. He was earlier Assistant Chief Metallurgist for Leyland India. He has an extensive background in metallurgy and materials science, thermochemical diffusion and deposition processes, vacuum deposition coatings, ceramic coatings and failure analysis. He has done advanced training in the UK, France and the United States.

"We consider Bala to be our secret weapon," said Calico owner, Tracy Trotter. "His experience in this industry is second to none and we're lucky to have him on our team at Calico."

Calico is working on several new coatings that could change the face of the coatings industry and Bala is leading the way with his experience in the areas of coating technology and application engineering.

Calico Coatings is the industry-leader in performance coatings. Their top-selling CT-1 coated bearings are proven to dramatically reduce catastrophic engine failures. Calico offers several types of coatings including dry-film, ceramic and non-wetting coatings. Calico Coatings, 6400 Denver Industrial Park Road, Denver, North Carolina 28037, Tech Line: 704-483-2202, www.CalicoCoatings.com.