Our History
More than 150 years of innovation in the coatings industry
From the inception of our business in 1866 to the manufacture of next-generation, environmentally compatible products demanded in the 21st century, we have continued to evolve. What has not changed is a tradition of quality, technology, innovation, and leadership that puts our customers first and positions us to innovate smarter surface solutions for better living and a sustainable future.
1882
Spies Hecker® is founded, with its first facilities in London and Cologne
1923
The automotive industry takes on new life when the first Duco® color paints are used on cars. Advances in the manufacturing of nitrocellulose lacquer make it possible to apply paint with spray guns (instead of by hand) while also reducing paint drying times from days to hours
1929
Dulux® alkyd enamel coatings take advantage of new baking and curing technologies, making them more resistant and durable
1935
The first mixing-machine tinting system is developed, leading to greater accuracy, productivity and quality
1948
Our ColorMaster™ colorimeter is commercialized, improving color design and matching for OEMs and refinishers alike
1957
Our scientists develop the first L, a, b color cube-root equation for color, which becomes part of the foundation of modern color science
1970
Imron® polyurethane enamel is introduced, bringing brilliant coatings to transportation vehicle manufacturers around the world
1980
Alesta® powder coating is launched, providing decorative finishes for customers in new industries
1982
The first waterborne OEM coatings are introduced in North America, featuring lower VOC levels and a reduced environmental impact
1984
The debut of Voltatex®, the world’s first line of insulation coatings to deliver faster hardening and better handling
1992
Our Cromax® waterborne refinish basecoat offers improved appearance while meeting more aggressive environmental goals
2007
Our EcoConcept paint technologies are launched, making it possible for OEMs to reduce the number of coating applications
2011
Acquire Plus EFX™ is created. This advanced spectrophotometer looks deep into a paint film to gather color and flake characteristics that are the key to better color matching
2013
Axalta Coating Systems is established as the leading global company fully dedicated to coatings
2014
On November 12 Axalta becomes publicly traded, NYSE: AXTA
2016
Axalta Coating Systems celebrates 150 years in the coatings industry
2017
Axalta enters industrial wood coatings business with acquisition of Valspar North America
2018
Axalta opens new 175,000-square-foot Global Innovation Center in Philadelphia
2019
Axalta opens new regional warehouse and training facility in Western Sydney
2021
Axalta acquires U-POL, a leading supplier of paint, protective coatings and accessories primarily for the automotive aftermarket
2022
Axalta commits to new sustainability goals for 2030 on our way to becoming carbon neutral in our operations by 2040
2023
Axalta unveils its new Purpose -- We innovate smarter surface solutions for better living and a sustainable future -- along with updated Values and Behaviors
2023
2023 marks 10 years as Axalta – backed by more than 150 years of breakthrough innovation and impact
We’re proud of our legacy and excited about what’s next!
2023
Axalta launches Irus Mix, a fast and efficient, fully automated and completely hands-free mixing machine for the automotive refinish industry
2023
Axalta, in partnership with Xaar, introduces NextJet™, a next generation, sustainable digital paint technology for the transportation industry that allows for precise paint placement
2024
Axalta acquires The CoverFlexx Group, which manufactures and sells coatings for automotive refinish and aftermarket applications, including established brands Transtar® Autobody Technologies, Pro-Form™ and Aftermkt Armor™ products.
