China has the world's largest automotive market and second-largest car parc, which stood at a total vehicle population of 348 million at the end of 20191. Car ownership per thousand people in China just surpassed global averages, demonstrating ample potential for future growth in China's automotive industry.

"As the industry continues upgrading to sustainable products, the waterborne coatings market will likewise continue to grow in China," said Willie Wu, President of Axalta Greater China. "The next generation of world-leading waterborne coatings technology that will be produced at our expanded facility is designed to benefit the industry and environment by creating superior appearance, lowering energy consumption, and reducing carbon dioxide and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Our investment in waterborne coatings production will embody the principles of sustainable manufacturing, while ensuring we continue to meet both our efficiency and profitability goals. This win-win scenario will be a long-term competitive edge that will benefit our company and our customers."

The expanded waterborne coatings plant will combine the best practices adopted at Axalta's other global plants with China's local R&D advantages, while also implementing a unique design process. This includes automated production technology to maximize productivity, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impacts.

Sun Lianying, Chairman of the China National Coating Industry Association, added, "China's automotive and industrial coatings industries are rapidly upgrading their manufacturing processes to continue delivering high-quality products, while becoming more sustainable. With its Jiading waterborne plant, Axalta set the gold standard in the industry in 2015, and this expansion is further proof of its commitment to the sustainable development of the Chinese market and the industries it serves."