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Improving and maintaining skills is essential to stay competitive, so training should be a part of every refinisher’s professional development. While Axalta’s online training videos were able to bridge training gaps whilst face to face training sessions were unable to proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to announce the return of training sessions in most states, with new dates available now for registration.
The July issue of The Ultimate Finish is now available to view online. Featuring some stunning restorations and interesting applications of our coatings, it makes for a great lunch time read.
Soon you will see a brand-new look on the product labels of three Axalta brands – Standox, Spies Hecker and Cromax. The new look label designs are aimed at improving product selection, but also assist in identifying products that work well together in a repair system.
Whether carrying out damage appraisals, comparing car colour with samples or checking the freshly painted finish for dust inclusions, using the right light is critical to getting it right. Using your Axalta Colour Inspector, you can achieve optimal colour conditions at any time by choosing the right light level.
The new 20/21 Body Repairers Guide to Workplace Safety is now available. Keep an eye out for Axalta's ad in the top left corner.
Experienced refinishers know the problem: as winter approaches and temperatures drop, refinish preparation work needs to be adapted accordingly. Lower temperatures can render clear coats and hardeners more viscous, making them much harder to work with. Read on to see how you can best prepare your paint room for the cooler season?
As we head into winter, wet weather becomes more prevalent and subsequently so does the occurrence of slips. On surfaces that can become especially slippery, the new CS220 Percotop Antislip Additive (designed for industrial applications) could be a life saver, or at least a slip saver.
Axalta Coating Systems, the Australian importer for Sagola, is thrilled to announce that the Limited Edition 4600 Trophy Truck spray gun is now available in Australia! Inspired by off-road vehicles, Sagola has combined the fast, agile and efficient nature of these sturdy vehicles with cutting edge spray gun technology in the release of the Limited Edition 4600 Trophy Truck.
The new 1K Waterborne Stonechip Guard from Axalta is a chip resistant, flexible coating designed to extend the lifespan of commercial vehicles on the road.
With broad social restrictions being enforced, many tasks we took for granted are no longer possible. For many vehicle painting students, this means they are no longer able to receive much needed hands-on training in their courses. To support students during this break in their education, for the next two months, Axalta has opened up their E-Learning platforms to provide all refinish training organisations/institutes with free access.
Axalta is leveraging its global operations and technical know-how to provide critical equipment and products to people and organisations in its local communities around the world.
Mercedes-Benz AG has renewed its Certified Refinish Supplier status to Axalta (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, for its two global premium refinish brands - Spies Hecker and Standox – both of which are manufactured out of Axalta’s Wuppertal production site.
Axalta customer, Mangano Body Repairs in Woolloongabba, Queensland has been awarded the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.
Axalta customer, Peter Kittle Collision Repair, has become the first repairer in SA to achieve I-CAR Gold Status.
Due to the sudden outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-CoV) in China, there has been a sharp rise in demand for negative pressure ambulances on the front lines in Wuhan and Hubei. When Ford JMC approached Axalta about painting a fleet, speedy arrangements were made to fulfil the order.
Axalta has recently signed up as a supporter of the Waste-Motive initiative, aimed at better managing the repair industry’s automotive plastic waste. The Waste-Motive initiative is based on a 6-pillar foundation to tackle these environmental issues including reducing plastic waste sent to landfill. For more information on this initiative visit www.plastfix.com/wastemotive.
Axalta recently hosted the first round of 2020 Automotive Refinishing Technology TAFE NSW Campbelltown students at its new state-of-the-art training centre in Marsden Park, NSW.
On January 29, Axalta announced that the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, driven by William Byron, will showcase the company's 2020 Global Automotive Color of the Year, Axalta Sea Glass, at this year's DAYTONA 500. Race fans will feel the cooling effects of the high-tech premium blue-green chroma paint scheme as the race heats up on Sunday, Feb. 16, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Axalta Services has recently launched its 2020 training schedule. The 2020 programme will cover a range of topics, providing participants with valuable insights into the latest tools, techniques and methodologies needed to increase throughput and decrease cycle times within the body repair process.
Axalta made a splash with its 2020 Global Automotive Colour of the Year “Sea Glass.” This modern turquoise blue shimmers and sets the trend as a fresh new colour for all vehicle types.
Need to update your colour matching techniques or do you want to better understand how tinted clearcoats work? Our training dates have now been announced for the first half of 2020.
Axalta has officially opened the doors to its 1,000 square metre regional customer training centre (the “RTC”) in Western Sydney. The state-of-the-art training facility was inaugurated by Sobers Sethi, President, Emerging Markets, Axalta on November 14. The new centre fits with the company’s strategic focus on making its customers more productive, efficient and profitable.
In November a WorldSkills Regional Heat took place at Campbelltown TAFE on November 1. The competition was fierce, with the Gold Medalist moving on to compete at the finals to be held in 2020. All winners walked away with a Sagola Gun, courtesy of Axalta.
Axalta today released its 67th annual Global Automotive Colour Popularity Report which reveals the top three automotive colours as: White (38%), Black (19%), and Grey (13%). White has been the top automotive colour worldwide since 2011.
Axalta announced that it has gained its 1,000th Syrox bodyshop in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) since the brand’s global launch in 2016. Syrox, one of the refinish brands from Axalta, is formulated to fulfil specific customer demands for a straight-forward, conventionally-applied refinish system for passenger car repairs that is economical to use and delivers exceptional colour matches. The Syrox complete and compact refinish paint system delivers just that.
With many leading insurance companies now requiring repairers to have I-CAR Gold Class status, there is a great deal of pressure to achieve this accreditation. To give more insight into the process, Axalta, in conjunction with I- CAR’s Industry Training Alliance, recently held the first of a national series of “Road to Gold” information sessions, in Queensland. This session focused on providing further information around what exactly Gold Class status is and how Axalta can help achieve it, with it’s I-CAR accredited training courses, including e-learning modules.
The Agoria Solar Team has won the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. The team was the first to cross the finish line in the city of Adelaide, winning their first world championship.
Congratulations to Weststar Prestige Paint & Panel from Victoria who are the winners of the 2019 Axalta Business Excellence Awards. Axalta is very proud to sponsor the 2019 Business Excellence Award with Paint & Panel. This award recognises bodyshops who excel through their use of better, safer and sustainable business practices that are key steps to future proof our industry. Weststar Prestige show that dedication to detail in all aspects of their business played a pivotal role in their growth.
Axalta has been named a strategic partner of Rheinmetall Defence for its Land 400 Phase 2 project. Under the new contract, Axalta will provide the global boxer supply chain for coatings, including application training and technical support to optimise their painting operations. The Land 400 Phase 2 project involves delivering 211 Boxer wheeled 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles to replace the Australian Army’s light armored vehicles.
In September, two Regional Heats took place at TAFE's in NSW. The first took place at Ultimo TAFE on September 14 and the second at Glendale TAFE on September 18. The calibre of the competitors at both events was outstanding, with the Gold Medalists moving on to compete at the finals to be held in 2020. All winners walked away with a Sagola Gun, courtesy of Axalta.
Axalta, the leader in digital colour management for the automotive aftermarket, today announced that it has sold its 60,000th spectrophotometer, with 10,000 sold in the past 15 months. The rapid increase in recent sales is attributed mainly to a strong global digitisation trend. These increasingly popular handheld digital tools are an accurate and fast way of colour matching that boost the efficiency of bodyshops.
In early September, the Agoria Solar Team, a collegial solar racing team from the University of Leuven in Belgium arrived in Australia ready to continue preparation for the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from October 13 to 20. Axalta has donated its industry leading Cromax refinish coatings for a final touch up for the University of Leuven’s competing car, named BluePoint. The team is well on its way toward ensuring the car is looking its best and is ready to tackle the challenge beginning in mid-October.
We are proud to be supporting WorldSkills Australia at the upcoming regional heats. The upcoming competitions include: Sydney, Ultimo Tafe - 14 September (Comp Full) Hunter, Glendale - 18 September (Comp Full) Sydney, Campbelltown - October (Date TBC) Queensland, Gold Coast - 26 November For more information, speak to your local Training Specialist.
On a chilly August evening, eight members of the Queensland Axalta team spent a night on the streets in support of the Basement Soup Kitchen in Toowoomba, as part of “Homeless for a Night”. This night provided an opportunity for participants to join Nat Spray from Basement Soup Kitchen on the first day of his “Homeless For a Week” venture.
On Saturday 27 July, the team from Sommerville Smash Repairs in Queensland attended a 1 day course hosted by the Axalta Services team. It is clear that the team at Sommerville understand the value of training, as all team members were encouraged to attend the course, ranging from admin staff through to repair staff and detailers.
With the newly launched Axalta Cosmetic Car Repair program, from the refinish experts at Axalta Coating Systems, there is a whole new potential revenue stream for bodyshops (who don’t currently do small repairs), car dealerships or even those that want to explore setting up a specific shop for cosmetic repairs.
A team of UNSW students were more than excited that they were the only Australian team selected to attend the competition finals on July 21, and Axalta was a proud supporter in the preparation of the hyperloop which was used in the competition. The team came in 7th place out of 21 international teams.
Need to update your colour matching techniques or do you want to better understand how tinted clearcoats work? Our training dates have now been announced for the second half of 2019.
The Agoria Solar Team unveiled its entry for the 2019 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, on 3 July 2019. The car, named BluePoint, will take part in the gruelling challenge in Australia from the 13 to 20 October 2019.
Axalta importer, Resene Automotive and Light Industrial, has recently launched Axalta’s latest refinish waterborne brand, Syrox, into the New Zealand Market. The launch coincided with Collision Repair Association Conference that was held in Napier in late May.
Earlier this year, a group of students from Mission Australia’s social enterprise, Synergy Auto Repairs, were invited to attend an Apprenticeship Day at Axalta’s Training Centre in Victoria. The students were able to gain insights into the refinish industry as well as processes and techniques required to complete different refinish tasks.
Axalta brands Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox recently received re-approval from FCA for worldwide use on US brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.
Axalta Coating Systems is proudly hosting the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition for the Gold Coast and Brisbane Regions on November 26, 2019.The competition gives young apprentices an opportunity to showcase their talents in a test of skill and knowledge in the Vehicle Painting category. The winner will go on to represent their region at the 2020 National Championship.
BMW Group has renewed its annual approval of Spies Hecker and Standox - two of the premium refinish brands of Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings. The agreement, which is for BMW and MINI passenger car repair, covers the BMW Group service network in 51 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.
Success in the collision repair industry comes down to two words – productivity and profitability. With special guest, Mike Anderson, the Axalta Services team will be showing bodyshops how to meet these challenges head on through a National Business Council symposium held in Melbourne from August 11-13, 2019.
Axalta has concluded their ‘Think Sustainable!’ promotion in Australia by announcing the winner to be Robbie Manson from Apex Smash Repairs, QLD. The promotion encouraged customers to strive in achieving their own business sustainability goals. By simply purchasing a Promotion Kit that includes a range of Axalta premium branded clears and Finixa paint processing products, the purchaser was able enter the draw to win up to $20,000 towards a solar panel system installation. Robbie purchased his Promotion Kit from Business Refinish Supplies.
In March, Axalta officially began accepting and sending shipments from its new purpose-built regional distribution warehouse. This new 3,450 square metre facility enables higher quality and faster service for customers throughout the region, provide greater access to Axalta’s broad selection of advanced coating technologies and products and ensure a more efficient supply chain solutions for customers.
Being with a company for 30 years is quite an achievement. This month it is one that Mick Tutty can add to his list of accomplishments as he celebrates 30 years of service at Axalta.
As import partner of spray guns manufacturer Sagola, Axalta has recently expanded the range of guns available in Australia to include an industrial range. These guns are designed specifically for general industrial use – including solvent and water-based painting of decorative walls and ceilings, steel fabrication, wood, metal and more. Other new products include pneumatic pumps, pressure pots and gun cleaners.
Axalta, a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, and the refinish industry leader in Digital Colour Management - continues to drive innovation and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to meeting customers’ needs with branded daylight lamps. To date, 17,000 Axalta Colour Inspector Lamps have been sold globally since they were introduced in 2015.
We have today officially opened our new Australia and New Zealand regional multi-functional facility. This new 5,300 square metre facility will enable higher quality and faster service for customers throughout the region, greater access to Axalta’s broad selection of advanced coating technologies and products, and more efficient supply chain solutions for customers.
We have unveiled our promotion ‘Think Sustainable!’, to encourage customers to strive in achieving their own business sustainability goals. By simply purchasing a Promotion Kit that includes a range of Axalta premium branded clears and Finixa paint processing products, customers will be able enter the draw to win up to $20,000 towards a solar panel system installation.
For the first time in its five-year history, Axalta’s Automotive Color of the Year is showcasing a color primed for vehicle customization both at manufacturing facilities and in the aftermarket. Sahara, a golden bronze tone, radiates warmth, richness and strength for vehicles of all sizes – especially the expanding global truck and SUV markets – and can serve as the principal color for two-tone possibilities including black roofs.
We today released our 66th annual Global Automotive Colour Popularity Report which shows white as the global leader in consumer vehicle color choice in 2018. At an astounding 38 percent, white held its top spot with a significant gap ahead of second-place black (18%) and a third-place tie between silver and gray (12%).
Porsche AG has added Cromax® to its list of approved car paint repair brands, making all three of our premium global refinish brands – Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox - authorised for use by Porsche AG dealerships and bodyshops worldwide.
Congratulations to Kate Zovi of Wallaby Crash Supplies (Axalta Distributor). Kate was awarded the Best Supplier Award at the 2018 Women in Collision seminar hosted by Paint & Panel magazine on Friday 16th November in Melbourne.
We have recently celebrated the official opening of our Global Innovation Center, the largest coatings research and development (R&D) center in the world, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The 175,000-foot Global Innovation Center offers unparalleled specialty labs, as well as office space.
We are proud to announce the renewal of our two-year contract as Gold Partner with WorldSkills Australia, a not-for-profit organisation focused on skills excellence in vocational, technological and service oriented careers in Australia.
We are passionate about supporting the sustainable business practices of our industry, which is why we are staunch advocates and sponsors of the 2018 Axalta Sustainability Award. This award allows us to celebrate the best of the best in the industry, recognising hard work, innovation and strong sustainable business practices that are key steps to future proof our industry and this year’s winner, Fleurieu Crash Repairs, exemplifies this commitment.
Axalta has been awarded the 14th Annual Tell Award – named after William Tell, the national Swiss folk hero – for its substantial and innovative investments in Basel, Switzerland.
Axalta recently concluded its “European Excursion” that saw a large group of our customers and distributors visit several automotive landmarks through-out Germany, including the renowned Automechanika tradeshow. The tour, which took place in early September, provided the opportunity for our customers to broaden their knowledge on the most advanced repair techniques, view the latest industry-related products on offer, as well as network with like-minded repairers.
For bodyshops looking to grow and improve their business, Axalta Services, will be conducting local Business Council Meetings on Wednesday, 14 November in South Australia and Wednesday, 27 November in Queensland, to provide bodyshop owners exposure to the latest industry trends and techniques, with an opportunity to network with like-minded industry professionals.
Axalta has launched its latest website Axalta Racing, the race fan’s home for up-to-date news and information regarding the company’s network of global partnerships in motorsports.
We would like to announce that our Colour Retrieval System featuring Acquire™ Quantum EFX was named a finalist for R&D Magazine's 2018 R&D 100 Awards, which features the top 100 revolutionary technologies of the past year. The Colour Retrieval System is our proprietary online process designed to help customers obtain any colour information needed, quickly and more efficiently than ever before.
Audurra continues to design and develop high-quality user friendly products with the introduction of a disposable spray gun cup system that is suitable for the automotive repair industry, plus commercial, industrial and joinery applications.
Sagola has recently launched the new 4100 Xtreme Suction Spray Gun to meet the high output application demands of the commercial and industrial segments head on. The new gun is an addition to the industrial range offered by Axalta the sole importer of Sagola guns in Australia, providing painters with the right industrial solution at an economical price without sacrificing the quality of the final finish.
We are offering nationally I-CAR® approved Leadership Course designed for bodyshop owners, managers and team leaders to develop the skill set to become successful leaders within a team and business. Participants will walk away with an in-depth understanding of how to differentiate leadership from management, motivate and develop staff, build a positive working culture and create the next generation of leaders that will ultimately translate into happier more effective staff and a strong business model.
We recently concluded its “2018 Win a Trip to Germany” promotion by announcing the winners to be Franco Missaglia from Stylefinish Auto Body, Mentone VIC and Craig Hall from Craig Hall Bodyworks, Canberra ACT.
We have been developing colour formulations and processes for light vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) around the world for nearly a century. More importantly, Axalta’s expertise has led them to specialise in providing solutions for exceptionally challenging colours, such as the recently released Mitsubishi’s Red Diamond (P62) and Lexus’ Structural Blue (8Y0), whose exclusive cutting edge colour technology require specialised formulas and processes to achieve the perfect colour match.
Axalta would like to congratulate the 2 winners of our recent "Win a VIP Trip to Germany" promotion. The winners were drawn by an independent third party on Wednesday 4th July 2018. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers who entered this promotion.
Axalta issued its Sustainability Report 2016-2017, highlighting the company’s advancements in sustainable business practices, including technology and operations. Axalta’s Sustainability Report was prepared using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Standards, the most widely adopted global standards for public sustainability reporting.
Faster, Smaller and More Accurate Unit Wirelessly Connects to Colour Retrieval System to Boost Bodyshop Productivity. Axalta has sold its 50,000th spectrophotometer globally since the launch of the first generation of handheld devices in 2005.
Congratulation to Kaine Corpuz for being crowned the 2018 WorldSkills Australia National 'Vehicle Painting' Champion.
BMW Group has renewed its annual approval of Spies Hecker and Standox for the repair of BMW passenger cars.
Axalta is offering nationally an I-CAR® approved Recruiting, Hiring and Staff Training Course designed for owners and managers to develop a strategy to attract and sustain high quality candidates to a bodyshop.
Axalta recently concluded its “Reel Expert” promotion by presenting a brand-new Quintrex 450 Fishabout boat to a delighted customer, John Spiteri from Collision Repair Australia Group, as part of the marketing campaign.
Axalta has commissioned construction of a new 10,200m2 Australian headquarters in Marsden Park, in Western Sydney. The facility will house corporate offices, a state-of-the-art training facility, and a warehouse and distribution centre. It will be scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019 and will serve the Company’s refinish and commercial vehicle customers, light vehicle OEMs, as well as industrial and military customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Axalta received the Frost & Sullivan 2017 Market Leadership Award for the automotive refinish coatings industry, which recognised the company’s refinish brands Cromax®, Spies Hecker® and Standox® as best in class globally.
Earlier February 2018, Axalta Coating Systems’ head office in Sydney, had the unique opportunity to host Rheinmetall Defence Australia, to learn more about the company’s plans to establish a national military vehicle industry in Australia that included a hands-on demonstration of their Boxer CRV.
Axalta today announced the release of StarLite, its 2018 Automotive Color of the Year. StarLite is a modern, technology-savvy, premium colour for vehicles of today and tomorrow. Borne from Axalta’s ChromaDyne™ line of colour coats developed for automotive OEMs, StarLite is a light and reflective hue that uses Axalta’s tri-coat process which is formulated with synthetic pearl flakes to create an eye catching pearlescent effect.
Axalta released the findings of its 65th annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, which shows white as the worldwide leader in consumer vehicle colour choice in 2017, followed by black in second place at 16 percent, with grey and silver tied in third place for the second consecutive year at 11 percent.
Paull & Warner Accident Repair Centre in Belmont, WA are the winners of this year's Axalta Sustainability Award. What most impressed the judges was their approach to this second shop. Staff are a top priority will a focus on flexible working hours, regular training and support for apprentice programs. All initiatives taken made them clear winner for this year's Axalta Sustainability Award.
We are currently seeking established and results driven businesses to join our distribution network in Queensland, including the Brisbane metropolitan area. Interested distributors should have extensive automotive or industry market experience, a solid customer base and a successful track record.
Wow, What A Race! Lewis Hamilton is 2017 FIA Formula One™ World Champion Driver. He is just the fifth driver in the sport’s history to become a four-time world champion and he is also the most successful British Formula One driver in history. Congratulations to Lewis and the entire Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team!
Axalta was recently presented with an Appreciation Award at GM Holden’s Supplier Appreciation Awards night. The award signified Holden’s appreciation of Axalta’s contribution towards its manufacturing heritage in Australia, as they embark on a new chapter in the company’s history with the roll off of the last car on the production line, a red Holden Commodore.
The Punch Two, the Punch Powertrain Solar Team’s entry into the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2017 race in Australia, finished third (out of 14 entries) in the Challenger Class. The Punch Two sported logo of Cromax® , one of the premium brands of Axalta Coating Systems, that was a Silver Partner of the team.
Under the lights of the Singapore Marina Bay Street Circuit, the two Silver Arrows of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport gleamed for two hours as they fought a great 2017 Formula OneTM Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, which took place on September 17, 2017.
Axalta has recently opened a new training facility in Bentley, Perth, Australia. The centre will become the key training destination for refinishers from the Western Australian region, focusing on Axalta’s refinish and industrial products, to help maximise refinishers’ skill-sets and keep them up-to-date with latest technology and techniques.
Independent Slovakian car maker Brutal has just launched the S1, its road legal, tuned-for-performance super sports car. The project was realised with the support of Color Centrum Vráble s.r.o., Spies Hecker’s Slovak distributor.
Axalta Coating Systems today formally opened its newest investment in innovation, the Asia-Pacific Technology Center (APTC), in the Minhang District of Shanghai.
Axalta Coating Systems has completed its previously announced acquisition of The Valspar Corporation’s North American Industrial Wood Coatings business. Valspar divested the business in connection with the antitrust approval of its acquisition by The Sherwin-Williams Company.
Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has launched a new addition to the Audurra range - the A9 Polish Fine Glaze.
Axalta Coating Systems once again has provided an exclusive colour scheme formulation for the high-impact, instantly-recognisable liveries of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Silver Arrows race cars and has done so for the last three years, including the Championship-winning 2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid car.
There is still time to nominate your bodyshop for the 2017 Axalta Sustainabilty Awards. Entries close 2 June 2017.
Axalta Coating Systems has announced a new two-year alliance as a Gold Partner with WorldSkills Australia, a non-profit organisation focused on skills excellence in vocational, technological, and service-oriented careers in Australia.
BMW Group has renewed its approval of Spies Hecker® and Standox®- two of the premium refinish brands of Axalta Coating Systems for the repair of BMW passenger cars.
Axalta Coating Systems recently celebrated the sale of its 40,000th spectrophotometer at the Specialty Equipment Market Association tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where Mike Carr, Axalta President – North America, and Michael Gogoel, BYK-Gardner USA President, unveiled a commemorative spectrophotometer
Axalta has launched a new website www.axalta.com.au. With new features, a simpler navigation structure, advanced search capabilities and contemporary design, the site is now faster, and more informative, providing its customers in Australia and New Zealand with a heightened, intuitive user experience that can be easily accessed from a Smartphone, Tablet or PC.
Axalta Coating Systems is excited to announce its Automotive Color of the Year 2017 – Gallant Gray. This luxurious colour is enhanced by blue and silver flakes that produce a unique sparkle effect and dark undertones that enrich the finish, adding sophistication.
