Axalta "Innovation Center Will Become Our Global R&D Center"

In November, Asda Coatings Systems launched the world's largest coatings research and development center in Philadelphia. We interviewed Barry Snyder, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, to find out about the investment.
did you choose Philadelphia as the location of your paint research and development center?
Barry Snyder: The New Site of the Global Innovation Center at the Navy Yard, located between Axalta's global headquarters in downtown Philadelphia and several major philadelphia universities, allows Axalta employees, business partners and customers to work together and provides an attractive workplace
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for new talent.
to what extent do these research and development centers affect research and development centers in different regions?
: The Global Innovation Center will serve as Axalta's global research and development center, where we build the core applications, resins and color technologies on which our products are based. From there, our regional research and development centers - located in the Americas, Europe and Asia - and our global network of laboratories can use these innovative platforms and transform technology into customized products for our customers. This hierarchical structure allows us to solve customer problems from a centralized center and then distribute technology globally, with our other research and development centers focusing on tailoring products to local customer needs.
-related coatings initially become the focus of the new center?
Barry Snyder, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Axalta,
Snyder: The Global Innovation Center will focus on developing next-generation coatings and keeping pace with emerging application needs. Vehicles are increasingly using lightweight plastics and composites to save fuel, which requires special coating formulations. Regulations and customer requirements require updated water-based coatings. Customers engaged in vehicle manufacturing and maintenance need faster, more efficient applications and technologies. Developing products that meet these and other needs will be the mission of the Global Innovation Center and Axalta's global research and development network.
center will also promote STEM education through a series of programs. Can you explain why?
: Axalta has a long history of activities and programs dedicated to STEM education, Axalta, and organizations supported by our partners aimed at benefiting K-12 and university students and institutions. To raise the profile of STEM programs and the philadelphia area's outstanding classroom experience, Axalta sponsored the Axalta All-Pro Teacher Program of the Philadelphia Eagles, Franklin College's Philadelphia Science Festival, and other programs honoring STEM educators and students. The Global Innovation Centre will play a role in this ongoing commitment.