Coatings World - August 2017

automation has improved the control of the production process and, in turn, the quality of the products.

“AkzoNobel stands out for having excellent products and services and an extraordinary customer base in this region of key importance for the company,” explained Pablo Ribeiro, business manager for Marine and Protective Coatings in South America. “It certainly makes the difference in such a competitive market.” International products provide protection for ships, yachts, infrastructure projects and buildings around the world, including the world famous Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Axalta Opens Americas
Technology Center for
Next Generation Coatings
Development in Michigan

Axalta Coating Systems recently
held the grand opening event of its
Americas Technology Center (ATC) lo-
cated at its Mount Clemens, Michigan
manufacturing and research complex.

Reflecting Axalta’s commitment to innovation and performance, the ATC will provide product research and development resources dedicated to customers across the Western Hemisphere as one of the company’s four principal global technology centers.

The ATC project was an 18-month endeavor to transform and expand existing laboratory space and spray facilities. Axalta scientists, chemists, and engineers will develop the next generation of coatings products for light vehicle, commercial vehicle, refinish, and industrial customers throughout the Americas. Previous R&D conducted at the facility principally served the light vehicle segment in North America.

“As a strategic part of Axalta’s global
network of technology centers, the ATC
will combine our global expertise and
research resources with local talent and
market knowledge across the Americas,”
said Barry Snyder, Axalta’s senior vice
president and chief technol-
ogy officer. “This new space
adds new capabilities to aid the
Axalta team in further advanc-
ing our coatings technology to increase
the durability of coatings, enhance cus-
tomer productivity and, of course, pro-
vide beautiful colors. Michigan is home
to nearly 400 automotive research and
development centers, and we are proud
to count our Americas Technology Center
among them.”

AkzoNobel Launches
Training Program for
Coatings Industry

AkzoNobel has launched a new training program for coatings industry professionals. A range of accredited courses are now being offered by AkzoNobel in partnership with The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), covering several aspects of coatings application including spray painting and abrasive blast cleaning.

With the launch of SSPC TrainthePainter,

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