Axalta Coating Systems has officially opened the doors on a new state-of-the-art Training Academy located in Welwyn Garden City, UK. It will provide state-of the-art training facilities for the company’s three global refinish brands, Cromax®, Spies Hecker® and Standox®. Each brand has its own dedicated training room, mixing area and spray booth. These practical facilities are equipped with high-end materials and energy saving features such as LED lighting.

Adrien Schrobiltgen, Axalta Vice-President Refinish Systems EMEA, cut the ribbon outside the Training Academy and explained the importance of the day. He said, “For us, coatings are just the beginning. With over 146 years of experience and know-how behind us, we are committed to putting our customers first. We collaborate closely with them, because when they are successful, we are successful. This new Training Academy underscores Axalta’s commitment to our customers and to the Irish and UK markets.”

During the course of the day, guests were able to view demonstrations of three new products in the spraybooths, a direct to metal primer, a next generation basecoat and a low energy, super-fast clearcoat. In addition, new e-learning software for refinishers and apprentices was unveiled as well as the latest colour tools and a cloud based network performance management system, PerformanceGateway™.

Mike Davis, Managing Director, Axalta Coating Systems said, “Our new Training Academy is an investment in the future. It will offer refinishers the chance to train with the very latest products and equipment in a fresh and modern working environment. Everything has been designed and built to ensure that course participants get the very best training experience and return to their bodyshops with increased confidence and competence.”

Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox training courses are currently taking place at the new Training Academy and some Irish refinishers have already had a chance to use the facilities.

Courses will run throughout the year. For more information on the courses on offer, visit the brands’ websites at www.cromax.com/gb, www.spieshecker.co.uk and www.standox.co.uk speak to your Crownn Paints representative, call Allyson Hill on 0044 1707 518 021 or email: allyson.hill@axaltacs.com