Axalta opens automotive refinish training centre in Dubai
Global coatings company’s first facility in the region to deliver superior refinish services for the region’s automotive sector
Coatings major Axalta Coating Systems has launched its first Automotive Refinish Training Centre in the region in Dubai to provide expert training in the use of Axalta products for repainting vehicles in body shops.
The Dubai centre is Axalta’s 47th of its kind in the world and will host world class training programmes for body shop, repair and refinish technicians to hone their skills and learn to use the latest coating technologies from the company, such as its premium refinish coating brands Spies Hecker, Standox and Cromax, and other refinish brands, Axalta said in a statement.
The opening of the facility follows the October 2016 opening of Axalta’s regional office in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA). The company’s products are already available in 18 countries in the MENA region.
“We are excited to be able to expand our presence in Dubai and the region over such a short time span,” said Charlie Shaver, chairman and CEO of Axalta, who formally inaugurated the new facility. “The opening of this world-class customer learning and development facility highlights our commitment to invest in the region and support our customers.
“This interactive training and education facility establishes a solid foundation that will provide continuous support and development to vehicle repair specialists that will both enhance the level of refinishing services and optimise the use of Axalta technologies in the region.”
Fadi Medlej, Axalta’s managing director, MENA, added: “Decisions related to automotive repair are following global trends in favour of environmentally responsible products, as well as enabling refinish technicians to improve their productivity at work place while delivering superior car jobs results. The new facility will meet the needs of refinish technicians who will be trained in the use of all our products, and especially our latest waterborne products, be able to provide vehicles with a durable and beautiful finish.”
In 2016, Axalta spent $180m on technology and product research and development, which the company said enabled it to remain a leading supplier of coatings to light vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the number one global coatings supplier in the refinish segment. The company is also the largest global coatings supplier to heavy duty truck and bus manufacturers, and the number two global supplier of electrical insulation, powder and electrodeposition coatings.
