Axalta demonstrates its drive for innovation at Kinetic

Axalta Refinish presented its portfolio for helping bodyshops to increase performance at the Vizion Kinetic event at the Telford International Centre, UK, 22 and 23 March 2023. Axalta Refinish was one of the event’s Diamond Partners and visitors to its stand, DS1, learnt more about how the brand is driving innovation in the collision repair industry as well as discovering how bodyshops can boost their productivity and profitability at the same time as reducing their environmental impact.

Jason Hopkins, Country Manager UK and Ireland for Axalta’s Refinish business and U-POL, says, “Driving innovation and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, especially our technological developments, our high quality coatings and the approach we bring to bodyshops, improving the productivity and performance of their paint repair journeys. Axalta Refinish is a trusted partner to our customers, empowering them to build future-proofed, stronger businesses and we are excited to have important conversations around this, with visitors at this show.” 

Axalta Refinish exhibited it’s state-of-the-art, energy-saving patented Fast Cure Low Energy technology and its business services brand Drivus. Attendees also heard from Farrell Dolan, Global U-POL Integration Director for Axalta, who was a keynote speaker at the event, presenting on Refinish Technology and the Environment Re-imagined.

Reducing energy costs

One of the key challenges bodyshops are facing is increasing energy costs, and the impact these are having on their bottom lines. Axalta Refinish showcased its Fast Cure Low Energy technology, which is revolutionising the industry and enabling bodyshops to make significant energy savings, as well as reducing their carbon footprint.

The technology, which is based on Axalta’s in-house chemistry, cuts process times and is proven to lower the energy costs of running a direct gas-fired combi spraybooth by approximately 75% based on a typical 30 minute, 60oC bake cycle. It is the only refinish system that can be dried at lower baking temperatures, which makes it the perfect system to use for EV Repairs, or at air dry temperatures of 20oC, and still have the productivity of traditional systems.

The innovative technology is proven to give the highest quality finish and at a lower repair cost, and is offered by Axalta’s three premium global refinish brands Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox.

Improving productivity and performance

Another highlight on stand was Drivus, Axalta’s business services brand. Drivus is a suite of innovative services, cutting-edge programmes and tailored expert consultancy designed to directly address the daily challenges faced by refinishers. With attention on optimising processes, Drivus delivers higher productivity, performance and profits, and enbles bodyshops to build better businesses for today and the future.

Exceptional quality

U-POL, who Axalta acquired in 2021, was also on stand. It showcased its portfolio of high-quality automotive refinishing paint-related products including fillers, coatings, aerosols and adhesives, from brands such as Dolphin and RAPTOR. For example, U-POL’s newest innovation, Dolphin Speed Glaze, was a key feature on the stand. This premium fast-curing glaze with snap cure technology can cure up to three times faster than standard Dolphin Glaze and is ideal for minor imperfections such as pinholes, scratches and stone chips. 

Hopkins, says, “As a world leader in the coatings industry, we recognise the importance of each stage of the refinishing process, from the preparation and fillers, to the final application, and we support bodyshops, adding value at every step of their repair and refinish journey.”

The Vizion Kinetic event is one of the UK’s leading event for the collision repair industry. The event brings together over 1,000 professionals from all areas of the industry including bodyshops, insurers and vehicle manufacturers, to collaborate and to. discuss the future of collision repair.  

For more information on Axalta Refinish’s presence at the event, visit www.axalta.com/eu/kineticevent.