US-based coating maker Axalta has strengthened its presence in India with construction of an automotive OEM coatings development laboratory at its operating center in Savli, Gujarat.
The company did not disclose the exact amount it plans to invest in the facility.
Axalta however said the facility will allow the company to double production, which is expected to meet the need for additional coatings among light vehicle automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India.
The Savli facility is presently responsible for manufacture coatings for Axalta's refinish, automotive parts and commercial vehicle customers.
Axalta said that the facility has a range of environmental, health and safety processes and systems that are designed to reduce the facility's environmental impact.
The company expects the development work at the OEM coatings laboratory to be completed by next year with the project scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2017.
The improved laboratory space will feature contemporary robotic spray applicators that are capable of replicating line application conditions inside customer manufacturing plants.
Axalta will also add color measurement tools and accelerated paint testing equipment in the facility.
The expansion is likely to enable the company to expand production capacity of both high and low temperature bake coatings that are used in latest lightweight plastic and composite materials.
Axalta Chairman Charlie Shaver said: "Our investment aligns with Axalta's global growth strategy and will allow us to expand our presence in India with light vehicle manufacturers.
"Axalta's improved laboratory and expanded production capacity in Savli will provide high-quality products designed to meet the needs of the growing local automotive OEM market and reinforce our position as a key coatings supplier in India."
According to Axalta, it has strong presence in the refinish, commercial vehicle and automotive part segments in India.
