On 1 July, 2015, Axalta Coating Systems completed the acquisition of Metalak Benelux B.V. For more than 60 years, Metalak has been the exclusive distributor of Axalta’s Spies Hecker refinish coating products sold in the Netherlands and in Flanders, Belgium. Formerly a privately owned company, Metalak has offices in Bornem, Belgium and in Tiel, the Netherlands and will continue to operate under the Metalak name. The agreement will take effect immediately.

Dirk Lippens, country business manager for Axalta in the Benelux, said, “Metalak has been operating successfully in the premium segment of the refinish market in the Netherlands and in Belgium for many years, and has established long-term relationships with hundreds of independent body shops and several repair networks. This acquisition strengthens Axalta’s position in the market and is designed to optimise our operational infrastructure while at the same time complement our sales activities. We have a fantastic opportunity to grow our business in these two fast-paced European markets. The entire Benelux team is completely focused on our customers and we look forward to the new opportunities this acquisition brings with it.

Metalak’s managing director and owner, Bas van de Ven, joins Axalta’s Benelux management team as business director, Metalak, and will continue as operational lead for Metalak in the Benelux. He said, “I speak for all of my colleagues when I say that this is an exciting time for us. We are now part of Axalta. And while that’s a change, the support we deliver to our customers will certainly not change. They will continue to receive the level of personal service they have come to expect from us as Metalak, except that now that service and support will be accompanied by the backing of Axalta.”

Metalak will remain the sales organization for Spies Hecker and for Metalak’s Plus Paint products sold in the Netherlands and Belgium.