Axalta expands in GCC region with Dubai office
Global coatings specialist plans to further bolster regional presence with Refinish Training Centre in city
Global industrial and automotive coatings specialist Axalta Coating Systems has opened its regional office in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) to expand its sales and customer service capability in the GCC.
The company said in a statement that its move is in response to the continued growth in sales in the region’s automotive industry, which is outperforming other global markets. In addition to the regional office, Axalta also plans to commission a regional Refinish Training Centre in Dubai by early 2017, the statement added.
The new facility will enable refinish technicians to hone their skills and learn how to maximise their use of Axalta’s refinish brands, the company said. Both the office and training centre are in commemoration of Axalta’s 150th anniversary in the coatings industry.
“Our investment demonstrates our confidence in the region and our commitment to serve our regional customers with industry-leading coating solutions and services,” said Charlie Shaver, chairman and CEO of Axalta, who formally opened the new Dubai office. “Our strength in both transportation and industrial coatings will enable us to support the growth of consumer spending on vehicles and the rapid industrialisation being witnessed across the region.
“With our new facility, we will be more effective and efficient in building our brand and enabling our customers to maximise the benefits of our products, especially our industry leading waterborne coating systems. Our investment in the Middle East signals our expectation for additional business opportunities in this growing region of the world.”
Axalta’s first coatings were developed in Europe in 1866 for horse-drawn carriages. Since then, Axalta has grown into one of the top suppliers to light vehicle original equipment manufacturers and the refinish segment, supporting body shops and the vehicle repair industry. The company is also among the largest global suppliers to heavy duty truck and bus manufacturers, and to electrical insulation, powder coatings and industrial markets. The statement added that the company invests approximately 4% of its sales revenue into technology development every year, which equated to $165 million in 2015.
