The joint ventures were formed to supply automotive coatings to Japan-based auto companies for their operations in the U.K. and North America, and will continue to service customers for a one- to two-year transition period, the companies say.

DuPont and Kansai operate three joint ventures that supply coatings to Japanese automakers in North America and the U.K. The joint ventures are DuPont Kansai Automotive Coatings Co., formed in 1990 and headquartered in Troy, MI; Pinturas Automotorices DuPont Kansai S.A. de C.V., formed in 1990 and headquartered in Mexico City; and DuPont Kansai Automotive Coatings (U.K.) Ltd., formed in 1997 and headquartered in Hemel Hempstead, UK.

DuPont is the world's largest producer of automotive coatings. Kansai Paint, founded in 1918, is a major Japanese coatings manufacturer and produces automotive, industrial and architectural coatings sold in Japan and elsewhere in Asia.