Axalta Coating Systems has opened a first-of-its kind dual Refinish and Powder Coatings Learning and Development Center in Houston, Texas.  The Center, built adjacent to Axalta’s powder coatings manufacturing plant, serves Axalta’s collision repair and commercial coatings customers by providing the latest learning and development programs designed to improve technician and business performance.

The Learning and Development Center is expected to attract thousands of collision repair professionals to the Houston area for multi-day classes that provide students with classroom education and hands-on experience.  The center features three classrooms equipped with technology for distance learning, innovative seating pods to support collaboration, two paint mixing stations, two spray booths, and space for the build-out of the powder coatings training program in 2016.  Classes will be available in both English and Spanish.

“We are proud to offer a centrally-located, multi-lingual training facility to serve customers in the South,” remarked Jeff Blake, Axalta Business Director.  “The investment in this high-tech facility reinforces our commitment to help our customers continue education through in-person technical training and eLearning programs that are hosted here in Houston and can be broadcast to customers throughout North America,” Blake added.

“Axalta’s commitment to the improvement and economic well-being of the local industrial economy through its Houston Refinish and Powder Coatings Learning and Development Center is a genuine asset to this city,” as stated in a proclamation from Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s office.

The Learning and Development Center opened with a celebratory program that featured Ray Evernham, three-time NASCAR® champion crew chief and TV host, Houston Rockets cheerleaders, and a special scholarship and grant presentation to students attending Universal Technical Institute (UTI) collision repair program.  The event culminated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Blake, Evernham, Nigel Budden-Axalta Vice President, and Jeannie Bollinger-Houston West Chamber of Commerce President.  Axalta customers, partners, and employees enjoyed the program that was followed by tours, photos with the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet SS NASCAR racecar, spray paint sessions and more.

Thanks to the generous support of Axalta Coating Systems, the UTI Foundation is able to help the next generation of collision repair professionals as they pursue their dreams,” said Jennifer Maher, UTI Foundation Vice President and Executive Director.  “The UTI Foundation’s Axalta Collision Repair Awards help deserving collision repair program students to achieve their educational goals. The award helps the recipient with tuition support or assists with an unexpected emergency that threatens their ability to stay in school.  We are grateful to have the support of such a wonderful industry leader as Axalta!”