Axalta opens world’s largest coatings research, development center at Philadelphia Navy Yard

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Axalta, a global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, officially opened on Wednesday its Global Innovation Center, the largest coatings research and development (R&D) center in the world, in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard.

“Axalta’s Global Innovation Center will become the central hub for our global research, product development, and technology initiatives where we develop and deliver the most innovative coatings products in the world,” Robert Bryant, interim CEO at Axalta, said. “Whether in color technology, polymer and formulation chemistry, or application knowledge, the world-class capabilities and talent at Axalta’s Global Innovation Center will fuel new products and deliver the solutions that our customers want to grow their businesses into the future.”

Bryant and Axalta Chief Technology Officer Barry Snyder were joined at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, PIDC President John Grady, Liberty Property Trust Senior Vice President and Regional Director John Gattuso and Axalta employees. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf also provided remarks on Axalta’s economic contributions to Pennsylvania and the current and future jobs planned for the Global Innovation Center.

“The City of Philadelphia is known for the innovative spirit that founded our nation. This spirit still permeates today with countless companies choosing our city to put down roots for growth,” Kenney said. “Five years ago, Axalta showed its commitment to Philadelphia by relocating its global headquarters to Center City. Today, they open the doors to the Global Innovation Center, bringing new, highly-skilled jobs to Philadelphia. I thank Axalta for their contributions to our region and wish the company many prosperous years at the Navy Yard.”