Axalta focuses on more sustainable coating technology and products at its second global Innovation Symposium in Düsseldorf, Germany

Speakers from Daimler and the Max-Planck-Institute addressed the group

DÜSSELDORF, Germany--()--Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, held its second global Innovation Symposium in Düsseldorf, Germany, between 9 and 11 September 2014. The conference focused on the development of sustainable coating products, such as water-based and reduced-VOC (volatile organic compounds) coating formulations. The symposium also explored trends in the development of lighter weight advanced composite materials that improve vehicle fuel efficiency and the formulations that are needed to ensure effective coating performance. The company’s first R&D Symposium was held in Philadelphia, USA, in September 2013.

More than 115 Axalta researchers from North America, Asia, Europe and Latin America showcased their discoveries, new technologies and new products during the three-day event and heard from guest speakers.

Dr. Ing. Specht, Head of Corrosion Protection and Coating Technology, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler AG, addressed the Symposium and presented the German carmaker’s view on coating requirements for the automotive industry.

“One automotive trend is that many different types of materials will be used for car chassis and other parts to garner improved fuel efficiency from the lighter weight, better safety, easier manufacturing and improved styling,” said Dr. Specht. “Different materials will require a variety of coatings to work effectively on different substrates and provide better protection and visual appeal. Axalta, with its broad range of excellent coatings, will play a critical role in the future of the industry.”

Dr. Rohwerder, Head of the Christian Doppler Laboratory at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH (MPIE), which is a leading research institute on advanced materials including steels and related metallic alloys, also spoke at the Symposium.

Dr. Rohwerder said, “Coatings are an important component for corrosion protection, especially for vehicles’ metal parts, so research and development are critical for continued improvements. Coatings that offer good corrosion protection not only extend the useful life of a vehicle, but also reduce the impact on the environment. We are excited to see Axalta’s commitments to this important field.”

Charlie Shaver, Axalta Chairman and CEO, said, “In addition to providing a platform for Axalta scientists and engineers to exchange ideas, this Symposium also offered an opportunity to hear from our customers so we can continue to deliver products that will meet the needs of our customers and their consumers.”

Panos Kordomenos, Axalta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said, “This symposium was all about innovation and collaboration, particularly with the world’s leading car manufacturers and research institutions at the cutting edge of developing new, light weight materials for vehicle manufacture.”

Some 1,200 scientists and engineers work across Axalta’s seven research and development centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia to develop products that will enable the Axalta to provide ever-more sustainable systems for its customers.

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, automotive refinish and commercial vehicles to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 145 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on twitter.

Contacts

DA Public Relations Ltd
Chantal Bachelier-Moore, +44 845 095 2800
chantal@dapr.com

Contacts

DA Public Relations Ltd
Chantal Bachelier-Moore, +44 845 095 2800
chantal@dapr.com