Axalta Opens Largest R&D Center
Global coatings supplier Axalta (Philadelphia) celebrated the grand opening for what it calls the largest coatings research and development center in the world with a ribbon-cutting last week.
The 175,000-foot Global Innovation Center offers specialty labs and office space in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard neighborhood.
"Axalta's Global Innovation Center will become the central hub for our global research, product development, and technology initiatives where we develop and deliver the most innovative coatings products in the world," said Robert Bryant, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Axalta.
"Whether in color technology, polymer and formulation chemistry, or application knowledge, the world-class capabilities and talent at Axalta's Global Innovation Center will fuel new products and deliver the solutions that our customers want to grow their businesses into the future."
The building, which is owned and developed by Liberty Property/Synterra, was designed by Erdy McHenry and merges design elements present throughout the Navy Yard.
The front of the building is reminiscent of the classic buildings in the adjacent historic core of the Navy Yard, while the back of the building resembles the lofts and warehouse facilities nearby, the company says.
The front of the building also features a two-story glass facade to maximize daylight while utilizing angled vanes to reduce glare and shade staff from the low angles of the late afternoon sun.
"There has been a long history of innovation at the Navy Yard, from the design and construction of state-of-the-art battleships and commercial vessels to today's leading companies working on innovations like therapies to treat cancer, electric microgrids, energy efficiency buildings and now coatings and color technologies that are used on products all around the world," said John Grady, President of PIDC, at the ceremony.
"We are proud to gather today with our partners to cut the ribbon on Axalta's Global Innovation Center at the Navy Yard and continue this tradition of innovation for years to come."
