Axalta Coating Systems Coats Latest Generation of Trucks for Australian Army

Axalta's Camouflage APAS certified coatings have been scientifically formulated to meet the rigorous demands of Australian Defence vehicles. Image courtesy of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia.

PHILADELPHIA--()--The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has received its first medium and heavy-duty trucks in Brisbane, with coatings supplied by Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, under the Land 121 Phase 3B Defence program. The delivery of the first 12 trucks and 70 trailers are a landmark achievement for Axalta, as they are considered the world’s most modern army vehicles designed to revolutionize the ADF’s logistical capabilities.

Axalta, working with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA), provides the entire supply chain for its paint products – production, supply, warehousing and distribution, both locally and internationally. To optimize application techniques and ensure quality control, Axalta also provides technical support and training for paint application.

“I am extremely proud of Axalta’s achievements as part of the Land 121 program,” noted Michael Cash, President of Industrial Coatings. “With painted components originating from up to a dozen global locations, Axalta’s ability to assess site capabilities, design customized training, implement strict quality controls and establish efficient supply chains for its coating products, has ensured these cutting-edge military vehicles are delivered just as the Australian Defence Force had envisioned. Axalta has truly demonstrated our customer-focused capabilities through this project.”

To create the Army’s camouflage pattern on the vehicles, Axalta produces the entire suite of paints, including hardeners, thinners, primers and the colors required for the pattern. Complying with the Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS), all coating products are produced in Australia, then exported for application where the equipment is being manufactured. For such a highly specialized project, Axalta also developed customized product solutions, including special application techniques designed to improve cycle times and coating productivity.

“We are extremely happy that this successful delivery also happens at a time when Axalta is celebrating its 150 years of innovation, leadership and growth in the coatings industry. It is strong proof of Axalta’s expertise and capability to serve our customers,” added Cash.

The Land 121 program aims to replace the current fleet of Australian Defence Force vehicles, modules and trailers. RMMVA signed the Land 121 Phase 3B contract in 2013 to supply the Commonwealth of Australia with more than 2,500 medium and heavy military logistical trucks, all of which must be pre-treated and painted with Axalta’s APAS certified paint.

About Axalta Coating Systems – Celebrating 150 Years

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications 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 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,800 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.com.au and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

About Rheinmetall

RMMV is the Rheinmetall Group’s centre of excellence for logistic and tactical wheeled vehicles. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology, including wheeled and tracked military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, simulation solutions, command and control technology, force protection systems, sensors.

Contacts

Axalta Coating Systems
Frederica McCauley
D +61 2 8818 4324
axalta-information@axaltacs.com
axalta.com.au

Contacts

Axalta Coating Systems
Frederica McCauley
D +61 2 8818 4324
axalta-information@axaltacs.com
axalta.com.au