AWFS marks high-octane debut for Axalta wood finishing
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AWFS attendees listen as William Sturgill, Axalta’s director of North American Motorsports, interviews Dale Earnhardt Jr. about racing, retirement and of course, finishing.

LAS VEGAS – Axalta Coating Systems marked its debut into the woodworking industry this week with an exhibit at the biennial AWFS Woodworking Fair, including a special guest appearance by NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Axalta (NYSE: AXTA) completed its acquisition of Valspar’s North American Industrial Wood Coatings business on June 1. Wood coatings was a market the company had shown interest in for a number of years, said Michael Cash, Axalta president/ industrial coatings,

Michael Cash

“We’re seeing a nice trend upward with new construction and remodeling,” he said, adding that the related markets of furniture, cabinetry and fixtures are also trending well.

“There’s a real growing sentiment, especially among custom woodworking, that products made in America carry strong levels of quality. I think the domestic [woodworking] market is going to be strong for years.”

Cash estimated that wood finishing will account for approximately 5 percent of the company’s revenues. “We expect to grow and pace ahead of the market. We’re continuing to bring new wood products to the market and will be leveraging all the resources Axalta has to the industry.”

In addition to its wood finish offerings, Axalta is a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings for a diverse range of customers in the automotive and commercial vehicle markets, as well as industrial segments including electric motors, buildings and pipelines.

At AWFS Fair, Axalta is presenting new additions to its wood coatings portfolio, including a reformulated, low-odor, Zenith waterborne finish. The company is also introducing Ultraguard Low Formaldehyde Conversion Varnish, which it says contains 75 percent less formaldehyde than traditional formulations, with the durability, clarity, and appearance of conventional varnishes.

AWFS also presents “a great opportunity” for Axalta to meet with customers in one location, and discover how the company can “make a difference in their businesses,” Cash said. Axalta will also be at Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo, WMS 2017, November 2-4 in Toronto, in Booth 1059

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]