Recently, Axalta's world's largest coatings research and development center, the Global Innovation Center, officially opened and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.
It is understood that the Global Innovation Center is located in Philadelphia's historic naval shipyard and covers an area of 175,000 square feet. It provides Axalta employees with unparalleled professional laboratory and office space, enabling Axalta employees, business partners and the entire Customers in the Philadelphia area and beyond can collaborate.
Axalta interim CEO Robert Bryant said, "Axalta's Global Innovation Center will become the company's global hub for research and development, product development and technological innovation. Here, we will develop and deliver the world's most innovative coating products. "Whether it is in color technology, polymers and formula chemistry, or applied knowledge, Axalta's world-class capabilities and talents will drive the development of new products and provide solutions that customers hope to grow their businesses in the future."
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said in a statement that Axalta plans to provide current global innovation centers in addition to the job opportunities currently offered by the company in Philadelphia, Glen Mills and Exton. And future job opportunities also bode well for Axalta's economic contribution to the federal government of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said, "Philadelphia is known for its innovative spirit that created our country. This spirit still permeates today and countless companies choose to take root in our city to achieve growth. Five years ago Axalta's relocation of its global headquarters to the center of Philadelphia demonstrates its commitment to Philadelphia. Today, they opened the door to the Global Innovation Center and brought new, highly skilled jobs to Philadelphia. I Thank you Axalta for your contribution to our region and wish the company a prosperous future at the Naval Shipyard. "
The location of the Naval Shipyard provides an attractive workplace for new talent, while Axalta's campus was built under the consideration of researchers, and it simulates an academic environment with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to Develop teamwork and creativity.
Axalta ’s Chief Technology Officer Barry Snyder said, “Axalta ’s Global Innovation Center team of scientists and technicians will develop next-generation coating products and keep pace with emerging application needs. Relevant regulations and customers require updated technology-leading coatings. The increasing use of lightweight plastics and composites in vehicles to save fuel requires new coating formulations. Developing products that meet these and other needs will be the mission of Axalta's Global Innovation Center and Global R & D Network. "
The building is owned and developed by Liberty Property / Synterra and designed by Erdy Mc Henry, incorporating design elements from the entire Naval Shipyard. The facade of the building is reminiscent of a classic building preserved adjacent to the historic center of the Naval Shipyard, while the rear of the building resembles a nearby attic and warehouse facility. The front of the building also uses two glass curtain walls to maximize the use of daylight, while using inclined blades to reduce the low-angle glare and shadows of the evening sun.