Auto refinish technicians and distributors who attend classes at Valspar's Automotive Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas will benefit from a state-of-the-art learning environment thanks to an extensive renovation.



The facility received a complete makeover, with remodeled classrooms, expanded color mixing room, upgraded spray booth, a new cafeteria and the latest in digital media.

"Our goal is to provide the best training in the industry, and this ultra-modern facility gives us the learning environment to deliver that along with our expert staff," said Pete Willman, sales director – Branded Coatings, Valspar Automotive North America. "Students will come away with a comprehensive education on the Valspar paint process, giving them the skills necessary to enhance the quality and productivity of their refinish operations."

The center's training curriculum, which is approved by the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance, includes both theory and practical workshops and gives students hands-on experience in the preparation booth, spray booth and state-of-the-art color mixing room. Courses cover a wide range of skills, from basic workshop and color skills to advanced programs, using Valspar's trusted brands — Valspar Refinish, DeBeer Refinish, Prospray, Matrix and House of Kolor.

In addition to Grand Prairie, Valspar has five Automotive Training Centers around the world: Massillon, Ohio; Gold Coast, Australia; Rome, Italy; Lyon, France; and Lelystad, The Netherlands. The sites have hosted thousands of painters from all segments of the industry looking to improve their craft. Collision-repair specialists, color-match experts, custom painters and airbrush artists all have benefitted from Valspar Automotive training.