Axalta Coating Systems has started construction on a new Asia-Pacific R&D and technology center in Shanghai.
Planned to open in the second quarter of 2016, the facility will feature product development and application laboratories, and will serve global light vehicle OEM, commercial vehicle, refinish and industrial segments.
The 15,500 m2 facility will have a global refinish color development center and a training center as well as paint formulation, color development, dispersion, resin development, spray application and analytical characterization facilities.
Axalta chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver said: "This new facility in Shanghai will help us meet the growing demand for innovative coatings in the global market and especially those of our expanding customer base in China."
With this project, Axalta will be able to capitalize on its existing regional R&D network based in China.
Shaver said: "The new facility will enable Axalta to streamline our ability to rapidly develop world-class products with benefits that include more advanced protective properties, superior temperature performance and additional durability."
Said to be the company's largest technology center in Asia-Pacific, the R&D facility will complement Axalta's global R&D and laboratory network.
Image: The new center will have paint formulation, color development, dispersion, resin development, spray application facilities. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire / Axalta Coating Systems.
