As it maintains its growth trajectory and raises awareness to the opportunities and challenges faced by the refinish sector, Axalta continues to focus on developing new technologies and strategies to support its customers and remain at the forefront of the industry.
Axalta to make its debut at AMB 2025
A big part of that is becoming an exhibitor at Automechanika Birmingham for the first time, according to Jason Hopkins, country director for Axalta/U-POL, who said:
While it is Axalta’s first time it isn’t for U-POL, and the experience we gained from being a supporter of Automechanika Birmingham previously with the U-POL business is something I’m looking to replicate with Axalta. We are an evolving business, particularly in the UK and Ireland and as such I feel it is important we are present and that we support next year’s biggest refinish show for the UK.
I would like attendees to see Axalta and U-POL as one business and look to work with us in partnership to truly deliver all of their repair needs through one company. We will have a number of innovations on show which will give our customers, whether they be distributors or end-users, the confidence that Axalta/U-POL is the company to work with to help them achieve their commercial goals and profitable growth.
The automotive coatings industry is currently navigating several challenges, including the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and unprecedented rises in energy and utility prices. These pressures have heightened the focus on reducing operational costs, with energy-efficient products and services taking centre stage. Axalta is responding to these challenges by developing coatings that enhance energy savings and reduce key-to-key times, helping bodyshops remain productive and cost-effective,” Hopkins added.
Integrated approach
Axalta has significantly evolved its business operations in the UK and Ireland in recent years, focusing on adding value through strategic acquisitions and expanded services. The integration of U-POL has bolstered Axalta’s position, allowing the company to offer a comprehensive range of market-leading paint products alongside U-POL’s repair solutions.
With a dedicated team of more than 45 professionals in technical, sales and commercial roles, Axalta is poised to continue delivering its much-valued support to distributors and end-users. The company’s state-of-the-art training facility in Welwyn Garden City and its advanced manufacturing and technical development labs at U-POL’s head office in Wellingborough illustrate its commitment to superior service and innovation.
As Axalta prepares for its first appearance at Automechanika Birmingham, the company aims to demonstrate its unified approach with U-POL, with visitors to its stand expected to see several ground-breaking new products and advanced technologies.
Positives for bodyshops
With Axalta to make its debut at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, Hopkins continued: “We’re looking forward to making our debut at Automechanika Birmingham next year. This event is a pivotal platform for us to showcase how Axalta, in partnership with U-POL, can support the industry with innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability for repairers.”
Alex Jones, marketing director for Automechanika Birmingham organiser Messe Frankfurt UK, added:
We are absolutely thrilled that Axalta has joined us on the journey towards Automechanika Birmingham 2025. This is the first time they have ever exhibited at the UK-based Automechanika and as a team their involvement is reassurance that we’re absolutely on the right track in delivering the practical, theoretical and social elements to the collision repair community that they really need to not just survive but thrive.
We’re absolutely dedicated to making this the best event it can be for the community and the fact Axalta has joined the line-up of other big brand who are also coming on board is just a hugely positive thing for UK bodyshops and collision repair teams.
For more information about next summer’s big event, visit the Automechanika Birmingham 2025 website.