Governor Tom Wolf announced Axalta Coating Systems, LLC, a global developer and supplier of coatings and application tools, will establish a new research and development facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The move will create 190 new, high-paying jobs. On behalf of the governor, Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver, as well as other state and local officials, to make the announcement.
“The Axalta project demonstrates positive momentum for Pennsylvania’s ability to continue to attract new jobs,” Governor Wolf said. “Axalta is showing a true commitment to our commonwealth by bringing nearly 200 high-paying jobs here, along with the promise of future growth. This is exactly the type of investment in our future that I am confident will help our middle class thrive.”
Axalta will relocate its existing research and development operations to the Philadelphia Navy Yard where it will construct a new 175,000-square-foot facility. The company has committed to the creation of 190 new, full-time jobs and the retention of 372 current positions upon completion of the new site.
Axalta received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $400,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant.
“Innovation is central to Axalta’s growth and ability to meet the needs of our customers years into the future,” said Shaver. “Coatings are a critical component of so many everyday products. Cars and other vehicles, motors and electronic components, automotive parts, white goods and countless other materials exposed to the elements rely on coatings to make them not only beautiful but more durable, energy-efficient and productive. Our Global Innovation Center will ensure Axalta sets the pace for coating technology around the world.”
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the Governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, in collaboration with City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce and Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
“Axalta’s decision to expand further in Philadelphia and bring its Global Innovation Center to the Navy Yard is further evidence of Philadelphia’s standing as one of the nation’s leading innovation hubs and a place for exciting businesses to start, stay, and grow,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We were excited to welcome Axalta’s global headquarters to Philadelphia in 2013 and this additional presence, bringing almost 200 new jobs by 2018, is a signal of their commitment to our city. I want to thank all of the partners involved, including Governor Wolf and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
Axalta is a leading global developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of innovative, high performance coatings for the automotive and industrial transportation industries as well as industrial customers such as manufacturers of electrical insulation systems and machined metal. The company has approximately $4.3 billion of annual global revenue. Axalta’s global corporate headquarters is located in Center City Philadelphia. Its North America headquarters is located in Glen Mills, PA and a customer training center is based in Exton, PA.
For further information on Axalta Coating Systems, LLC, visit www.axaltacs.com.
For more information about the Governor’s Action Team, visit www.newpa.com.