Axalta Coating Systems held the grand opening of its Customer Experience Center on May 16, in Concord, North Carolina. Charlie Shaver, Axalta chairman and CEO, and Michael Carr, Axalta president – North America, officiated the opening program with special guests – Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Rick Hendrick, owner of 12-time Cup champion Hendrick Motorsports.
The Customer Experience Center is a 36,000-square-foot training and conference complex designed to serve Axalta’s refinish, transportation OEM and industrial customers. The Customer Experience Center boasts two world-class paint application centers, a collaborative mixing lab, and an exhibit lobby where visitors can witness the breadth and depth of Axalta’s coating systems and technology. The facility is located on the Hendrick Motorsports campus adjacent to some of the finest automotive technology and expertise in the world.
“Axalta’s Customer Experience Center is part of our global commitment to put customers first and to revolutionize the coatings landscape,” said Shaver. “The facility combines cutting-edge technology and Axalta expertise. I’m confident that the combination will be an asset for customers and help drive their productivity, growth and profitability.”
Federal, state and local officials participated in the event, honoring Axalta with certificates of recognition and welcome letters. United States Senator from North Carolina, Thom Tillis had an American flag flown over the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., which was presented to Shaver.
“Axalta Coating Systems designs and mass-produces transportation coatings all around the world and having your new facility in Concord is not only exciting but will be a boon for our economy,” said Congressman Richard Hudson, in a letter presented at the event. “The center will bring people from all over the country to train with state-of-the-art paint booths and a collaborative mixing lab.”
Concord City Mayor Scott Padget welcomed attendees to the Customer Experience Center and presented Shaver with a welcome letter from the city government that stated, “The City of Concord is honored to welcome Axalta Coating Systems and allowing us to be a part of the grand celebration on this day of May 16, 2017. On behalf of the Concord City Council, our management team, and the citizens of Concord, we welcome the opportunity for Axalta Coating Systems to make Concord home.”
In the evening program, Axalta honored Hendrick for his contributions to the sport of racing and for his recent induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Shaver revealed that the boardroom in the Customer Experience Center will be officially named and dedicated as the Rick Hendrick Hall of Fame Boardroom.
