Axalta is not resposible for content you are about to view

|

Show Language Brand Selector Show Searchbox Show Navigation

Understanding changes in the market

Standox, the paint manufacturer from Wuppertal, Germany, sees bodyshops and paint shops faced with numerous challenges. “Increasing competitive pressure, the growing role played by insurers and new technologies all demand a flexible response from bodyshops,” says Standox EMEA Brand Manager Olaf Adamek. These challenges not only relate to advances in paint technologies and refinishing techniques, but also to advances in automotive engineering such as new propulsion technologies and intelligent driver assistance systems. These have caused refinishers to fear the loss of accident business over the medium term, according to Adamek. He recommends that bodyshops understand the introduction of such systems as an opportunity and rely on efficient repair techniques to address them. “Less severe accidents mean fewer total write-offs, resulting in more work for damage repair professionals,” he says.

In this difficult market situation, Adamek believes the key task for paint manufacturers is to provide bodyshops with exactly those products and services which enable them to deliver perfect results every time. But Adamek warns not to forget that the needs and requirements of bodyshops differ considerably. Large repair centres and those cooperating with insurance companies will put a premium on efficiency and the highest possible vehicle throughput, while others may attach greater importance to maximum application safety and easy processing. “Moreover, bodyshops’ requirements differ from country to country,” he says.

“Because of these different requirements, we offer our partner bodyshops flexible product systems which meet their specific needs,” Adamek explains. The Standohyd water-based paint system will continue to play an important role next to the brand’s flagship product, the Standoblue basecoat system, which can also be applied using the extremely efficient one-visit application technique. “The tried-and-tested Standohyd system is the perfect alternative for bodyhops where a high throughput is not top priority,” says Adamek.

In the field of colour management, Standox also relies on customised solutions. “We lead the industry in the development of digital colour tools, but we are aware that not all our customers want such high-tech devices in their bodyshops. This is why we continue to improve and to update our proven Colorbox system,” he says.

Standox will continue to bring highly productive and flexible, easy-to-use products to the market. Adamek says, “Currently we are working on a new clearcoat which will offer excellent drying properties. Apart from being sandable, this new clear will feature an incomparable gloss.” Standox is also working on a primer that can be used on different substrates such as steel or plastic. A fully automatic mixing system, which can completely replace the manual paint mixing process, is also already at the testing stage. “We support our customers not only with forward-looking products, but also with comprehensive consultancy services and training opportunities,” Adamek adds. “We have only just developed a modern e-learning tool, which will soon be available. It will allow refinishers to undergo further training on an in-house basis in line with the bodyshop’s time management needs.”

###

Standox, one of the global refinish coating brands from Axalta Coating Systems, is one of Europe’s leading automotive refinish brands. From its headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany, the brand delivers high-quality results through its innovative product systems and superior paint technology. Standox provides premium product quality and in-depth consultancy to continue to build enduring relationships with its worldwide customers. Approvals from all major car manufacturers reflect the brand’s position as a leading partner to the automotive industry. Standox gives professional refinishers the assurance of perfect results every time.

Download Image

Olaf_Adamek_31