KANSAI HELIOS Opens Powder Coatings Facility in Ohio

KANSAI HELIOS, member of the international KANSAI PAINT Group, has acquired a state-of-the-art production facility in Ohio. Dedicated to the production of innovative powder coatings, the 135,000 square-foot site will be the central hub for KANSAI HELIOS efforts to serve key markets across the automotive and general industry sectors in North America. With this $20 million investment, the group takes the next bold step in its long-term growth strategy and marks its most significant North American expansion to date – both as a leading global coatings manufacturer and as an international employer in the chemical industry.

On the 28-acre site at 231 Commerce Boulevard in Johnstown the newly acquired KANSAI HELIOS facility is equipped with advanced infrastructure. Set in a naturally scenic area of the city, the facility combines air-conditioned production zones, cleanrooms, advanced security systems, and sustainable design elements – creating an ideal environment for modern coatings manufacturing and offering a compelling workplace within a global coatings group. The Columbus area’s enhanced infrastructure as well as business-friendly climate provide a solid foundation for long-term success. “With this move, we’re not just expanding, we’re taking a giant leap. The opening of this new KANSAI HELIOS production facility will quadruple our production capacity and serve as a cornerstone of our future in North America – enabling us to serve our customers there with greater flexibility and efficiency,” said Bastian Krauss, President and Executive Director of the KANSAI HELIOS Group.

Powering the Future with Powder Coatings

The launch of the production site in Ohio clearly demonstrates KANSAI HELIOS´s commitment to innovation-driven development, sustainability, and know-how in industrial coatings or – in the words of the Group´s own claim – in ‘Designing Excellence’. It will further deepen the group’s footprint in North America, expand its international expert network, and accelerate the delivery of specialized industrial powder coatings across the U.S. The new facility will initially be equipped with state-of-the-art production machinery sourced from the group’s powder coating specialists in Germany. This will enable the site to produce KANSAI HELIOS powder coatings of the highest quality – meeting top standards for durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. “Powder coatings combine outstanding technical performance with environmental leadership,” Krauss stated, “They help our customers meet stricter regulatory requirements.” The group’s expertise as a system supplier – offering aligned coating solutions including liquid coatings, e-coat, and sealants/adhesives – will also feed into this pivotal hub, further strengthening the company’s future at its Ohio location.

Global Strength, locally rooted – for Customers and Employees

KANSAI HELIOS aims to create around 50 new jobs in the Columbus region by 2030 – including technical, production, and administrative roles. Shared R&D capabilities, technical know-how, and best practices from across the Group at this site in Ohio, create the conditions for faster innovation cycles and a more agile response to shifting market demands. U.S. customers will benefit from localized support paired with the technological power of a multinational group: a combination that sets KANSAI HELIOS apart in a highly competitive industry.

Local leaders have applauded the decision. “This expansion not only brings high-quality jobs to our city but demonstrates that Johnstown is an ideal environment for global manufacturers seeking long-term success,” said Johnstown Mayor Donald Barnard. “We are honoured to welcome KANSAI HELIOS and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our economy.”

Future employees will benefit from world-class training programs developed in collaboration with KANSAI HELIOS European production sites in Germany and Austria. This ensures that every team member is equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a high-performance, safety- and quality-driven work environment. “We are launching more than a production facility. Our goal is to build a highly skilled local workforce that reflects the values and excellence of our global organization. This requires dedicated and motivated employees, and we’re excited to find them in the promising Columbus region,” Bastian Krauss pointed out.

This acquisition further deepens KANSAI HELIOS’ strategic integration with its parent company, KANSAI PAINT. By joining forces with a network that spans Asia, Europe, and now an even stronger presence in North America, the facility in Columbus region becomes part of a truly global ecosystem. Much like its namesake who charted new worlds, this strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in KANSAI HELIOS´ strategical journey to explore new markets, enhance supply chain resilience, deepen customer relationships, and deliver cutting-edge coating solutions across the continent.