By Hiran H. Senewiratne
‘Sri Lanka is a top market in the South Asian region for quality powder coatings, Franck Derouen, Business Director, Industrial MEA – West & Central Asia, Axalta Coating Systems (ME) LLC, said.
‘We see significant long-term potential for powder coatings in Sri Lanka and look forward to working closely with Richardson Holdings to offer Axalta’s technology, expertise and global standards for all customers, Derouen said at a launch of the products in Sri Lanka together with Richardson Holdings recently. The event was held at the ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.
Derouen added: ‘More than a brand transition, this appointment comes as project volumes and material demand continue to rise across Sri Lanka’s construction and property development sectors, giving developers and specifiers greater access to premium performance powder coatings at a time of renewed industry activity.
‘For architects, engineers, extruders and applicators, Axalta’s powder coatings combine UV resistance, gloss retention and corrosion protection with the technical performance expected for long-term architectural projects.’
Group Managing Director, Richardson Holdings, Nazri Nizar said, ‘A strong global brand might open the door. However long-term customer trust is built locally through dedicated support and reliable delivery. The true measure of a distributor lies in the service, care, and operational execution which follows after the product arrives.
‘Combining Axalta’s 150 years of global coating expertise with Richardson’s two decades of deep local relationships and technical know-how, we are bringing customers the best of both worlds.
‘Bridging global standards with local expertise, Richardson Projects will serve as Axalta’s trusted local powder coatings partner, combining global technology with two decades of on-the-ground experience serving Sri Lanka’s construction ecosystem.’
Pradeep Kahawalage, Chief Executive Officer, Richardson Projects, said, ‘After two decades building trust in Sri Lanka’s powder coatings industry, this marks an important new chapter for Richardson. Axalta gives us a global technology partner that matches the standards we have already built our reputation on. We are excited to bring that expertise to Sri Lanka’s construction and aluminium industries in the years ahead.
‘With a focus on sustainability, technical excellence and long-term partnership, Richardson looks forward to supporting architects, developers, fabricators and applicators throughout Sri Lanka with Axalta powder coating as the industry continues to grow.’