Axalta steps up coatings activity in China

NEW high performance thermoplastics powder coatings will be produced by Huajia Chemical Co. Ltd. to meet the increased domestic demand in China. Huajia, the  joint venture of Axalta Coating Systems and Yongjia Chemical, is adding manufacturing capacity for new modified polypropylene powder products that have significantly higher corrosion resistance than can be achieved with other powder coatings.

Axalta Coating Systems is a leading global provider of liquid and powder coatings to automotive, transportation, general industrial, and architectural and decorative customers.

Due to increasing demand for this exceptionally durable coating, Axalta and Yongjia have made the decision to develop manufacturing capacity in China in order to meet the growing demand from local customers. By adding capability for cryogenic milling to the Huangshan factory, the joint venture partners will make this important commitment to customers in China which can significantly shorten the lead time previously required to supply domestic customers.

“This is an important step forward in Axalta’s long term commitment to the China market. Together with our partner, Yongjia Chemical Co. Ltd, we are continuing to bring new global products to the region, while also reinforcing our leadership position in the powder coatings markets,” said Mike Cash, senior vice president and president of Axalta’s global industrial coatings business.

The modified polypropylene powder coating manufactured in the Huangshan facility will be applied on the shelves of dishwashers, go-carts, flange, furniture, buttons and other surfaces requiring a high hardness coating.

Sun Yi, general manager of Huajia Chemica, said, “Axalta is our long-standing strategic partner, along with Yongjia Chemical Co. Ltd. With Axalta’s strong expertise in providing powder coating solutions in sustainable ways, together with Yongjia’s long-term customer relationships, we anticipate a successful and collaborative approach to support our domestic customers in China.”

Abcite, Axalta’s sustainable powder coating technology with virtually no VOC emissions, is manufactured in Bulle, Switzerland and marketed and sold successfully throughout the world including in China in conjunction with its Huajia joint venture company. Abcite has excellent resistance to moisture and chipping and can be used for outdoor furniture, light poles, sign posts, railings and stairways, fencing panels, bike racks, cable grids, battery trays and perforated steel.

In China, Axalta’s powder coatings are used in a variety of end-user applications, including customers in the automotive, oil and gas pipeline, transportation, architectural, information technology, furniture, and general industrial sectors. In addition, Axalta’s powder coatings feature environmentally sustainable technology and have earned a reputation for corrosion resistance and durability due to superior edge coverage, thick film build, and primer-less systems.

In addition to a manufacturing facility in Huangshan, Axalta and Yongjia Chemical operate powder coating manufacturing plants under the Huajia name that are strategically located in Qingpu (Shanghai), Guangdong, Chengdu, and Shandong. Axalta and Yongjia recently announced a significant capital expansion to double the capacity of its Qingpu manufacturing facility to serve the needs of customers in Shanghai and eastern China.