Axalta

Corporate brand

A global coatings company supplying automotive, commercial-vehicle, industrial, refinish, and specialty coating systems.

Last updated October 14, 2026

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Overview

Axalta is a global coatings manufacturer whose products protect, color, insulate, and restore surfaces across transportation, industrial, and aftermarket applications. The company supplies liquid and powder coatings for light vehicles, commercial vehicles, vehicle refinishing, industrial equipment, infrastructure, electrical components, and other specialized uses. Its customers include vehicle manufacturers, body shops, distributors, industrial producers, and infrastructure operators. The business has a long technical heritage. Its origins are commonly traced to Herberts GmbH in Germany, which began by developing protective finishes for horse-drawn carriages in 1866 and later moved into automotive coatings. Herberts developed early automotive refinishing technologies and introduced the Standox finish in 1955. In the United States, DuPont had established a separate coatings business during the twentieth century. Herberts and DuPont Automotive Finishes combined in 1999 to form DuPont Performance Coatings, bringing together European and American automotive-coatings expertise. The modern Axalta identity emerged after The Carlyle Group acquired DuPont Performance Coatings from DuPont. The transaction closed in 2013, and the newly independent company was renamed Axalta Coating Systems. Axalta completed an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in November 2014 under the symbol AXTA. Carlyle subsequently disposed of its remaining stake, leaving Axalta as an independent publicly traded coatings company. Axalta's portfolio includes established brands such as Standox, Spies Hecker, Cromax, Imron, Nason, Alesta, Abcite, Nap-Gard, and Voltatex. The portfolio covers premium refinishing, waterborne automotive finishes, industrial liquid coatings, powder coatings, pipeline coatings, and electrical-insulation systems. The company also expanded through acquisitions, including the 2016 purchase of United Paint and Chemical's automotive-interior coatings business and the 2021 acquisition of U-POL, a manufacturer of fillers, coatings, and aerosols for automotive repair and related markets. Research and color technology are central to Axalta's positioning. The company's predecessors published an early annual automotive color-popularity report, contributed to color-measurement methods including L*a*b* color notation, and developed coatings for demanding electrical and industrial environments. In 2018 Axalta opened its Global Innovation Center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, presenting it as a major global hub for coatings research and development. Axalta operates internationally and maintains regional activities across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Its business model combines global technology platforms with regional manufacturing, distribution, technical service, and repair-shop support. In addition to selling coatings, the company provides color-matching tools, application guidance, training, and workflow systems for collision-repair professionals. The brand has also built visibility through motorsports. Its relationship with Hendrick Motorsports dates back to the DuPont era and was associated for many years with Jeff Gordon's No. 24 NASCAR car. After Gordon's retirement, the sponsorship moved through Hendrick-affiliated drivers and was later associated with William Byron's No. 24 car. Axalta has also supplied coatings to racing teams and promoted its brands through NASCAR, Formula One, Stock Car Brasil, snocross, and other racing programs. Its positioning combines coating performance, durability, color expertise, productivity, and sustainability-oriented technology, particularly in areas such as waterborne refinishing and lower-emission coating systems.

History

Axalta's industrial history reaches back to nineteenth-century Germany. Herberts GmbH began in 1866 by producing protective finishes for carriages exposed to gravel and road conditions. As road transport developed, the company shifted its expertise toward automotive painting. In 1920 it introduced a fast-drying, multicolor lacquer range, helping address the growing need for more efficient vehicle production and refinishing. Under Kurt Herberts, the business continued to develop automotive finishing systems and introduced Standox in 1955, a brand that later became one of Axalta's best-known refinish offerings. A parallel lineage came from DuPont's coatings operations in the United States. DuPont Automotive Finishes had been established in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1922 and developed technologies for transportation and industrial coating applications. Herberts and DuPont Automotive Finishes merged in 1999, creating DuPont Performance Coatings. The combined business provided automotive OEM, commercial-vehicle, refinish, and industrial coating technologies within the broader DuPont organization. The decisive transition to the Axalta brand took place in the early 2010s. The Carlyle Group announced an agreement to acquire DuPont Performance Coatings in 2012, and the transaction was completed in February 2013. The private-equity-owned company was renamed Axalta Coating Systems and operated as an independent coatings specialist rather than as a division of DuPont. Axalta went public on the New York Stock Exchange on November 12, 2014, under the ticker AXTA. Carlyle sold its final ownership interest in 2015. After the IPO, Axalta pursued geographic expansion, partnerships, and portfolio development. In January 2015 it announced a partnership with Shanghai Kinlita Chemical focused on the Chinese market. In April of that year Berkshire Hathaway invested in Axalta, although it later disposed of its entire position in 2021. Axalta expanded its automotive capabilities in 2016 by acquiring United Paint and Chemical's automotive-interior coatings business. In 2021 it acquired U-POL from Graphite Capital, adding a manufacturer and distributor of automotive repair fillers, coatings, and aerosols. Technology has remained a defining part of the company. Axalta and its predecessors developed color measurement and color-popularity research, including an early annual global color report and contributions associated with L*a*b* color equations. The business also developed specialized systems such as waterborne automotive coatings, pipeline powder coatings, and electrical-insulation coatings. In November 2018 Axalta opened its Global Innovation Center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, consolidating significant research and development activity in a large facility intended to support global product and process innovation. Axalta's current operating model spans automotive OEM and refinish markets, commercial transportation, industrial equipment, infrastructure, and specialized electrical applications. Its brands serve different performance, price, distribution, and application requirements. Premium refinishing brands such as Standox and Spies Hecker are supported by color tools, technical training, and body-shop workflow services, while brands such as Cromax address waterborne and productivity-oriented refinishing needs. Industrial and specialty brands address powder, liquid, pipeline, and electrical-insulation applications. Motorsports has been an important communications platform. The sponsorship relationship associated with Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports began during the DuPont era and continued under Axalta. Gordon drove Axalta-branded cars, including schemes promoting Cromax and Standox, and became an Axalta global business adviser in 2015. Following his retirement, the sponsorship moved through Hendrick-affiliated programs involving Dale Earnhardt Jr. and other substitute or successor drivers before becoming associated with William Byron's No. 24 car. Axalta has also sponsored racing events and teams in NASCAR, Stock Car Brasil, snocross, and other series, while supplying paint technologies to selected motorsport programs. Through Spies Hecker, it has been connected with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One activities. The company is incorporated in Bermuda but headquartered in Philadelphia and serves customers in roughly 130 countries. Its long-term identity is that of an independent, specialized coatings company built from European automotive-finishing heritage, DuPont technology, private-equity separation, public-market independence, acquisitions, and continued investment in coating science.

2021
U-POL acquisition
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Axalta acquires U-POL, expanding its repair fillers, coatings, and aerosols business.
2018
Global Innovation Center opens
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Axalta opens a major coatings research and development facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
2016
United Paint and Chemical automotive-interior coatings acquisition
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Axalta expands its automotive capabilities by acquiring United Paint and Chemical's automotive-interior coatings business.
2015
China partnership and Berkshire Hathaway investment
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Axalta forms a partnership with Shanghai Kinlita Chemical and receives an investment from Berkshire Hathaway.
2014
Initial public offering
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Axalta completes its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange under AXTA.
2013
Axalta Coating Systems is established
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
The Carlyle Group completes its acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings and establishes the Axalta identity.
1999
Herberts and DuPont Automotive Finishes merge
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
The two businesses combine to form DuPont Performance Coatings.
1955
Standox introduced
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Herberts introduces Standox, which later becomes a core Axalta refinish brand.
1922
DuPont Automotive Finishes established
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
DuPont establishes its automotive finishes business in Wilmington, Delaware, developing technologies for transportation and industrial coating applications.
1920
Fast-drying automotive lacquer introduced
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Herberts develops a fast-drying, multicolor lacquer line for automotive painting.
1866
Herberts begins coatings operations
[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
The predecessor Herberts GmbH begins by developing protective finishes for horse-drawn carriages.

Products and positioning

Axalta positions itself as a technology-led global coatings specialist, emphasizing durable surface protection, color science, repair-shop productivity, application performance, and innovation for transportation and industrial customers.

Automotive refinish · 1955
Standox
A premium automotive-refinish brand originating with Herberts in Germany. Standox provides paint systems, primers, clearcoats, color tools, and application support for professional collision-repair facilities. Its heritage and technical positioning make it one of Axalta's principal global refinish brands.
Automotive refinish
Spies Hecker
A professional refinish brand serving collision-repair and body-shop customers. Its portfolio includes repair coatings and color-management tools, and the brand has also been used in motorsport applications, including paint supplied to Mercedes-AMG Formula One activities.
Automotive refinish · 1990
Cromax
An Axalta refinish platform associated with waterborne and productivity-focused paint technology. Cromax systems are designed to support efficient color matching and application in professional body shops while helping reduce solvent emissions compared with conventional solventborne processes.
Industrial coatings
Imron
An industrial liquid-coatings brand used across demanding equipment, transportation, infrastructure, and other applications requiring durable protection and appearance. Imron is one of the prominent brands inherited through the DuPont coatings lineage.
Powder coatings
Alesta
A powder-coatings brand serving industrial and architectural applications. Alesta products are used where coating durability, finish consistency, and reduced reliance on liquid coating solvents are important.
Pipeline coatings · 1990
Nap-Gard
A powder-coating system associated with oil and gas pipeline protection. It is designed to provide corrosion resistance and durable substrate protection in infrastructure environments exposed to demanding service conditions.
Electrical insulation coatings
Voltatex
A specialty coating range for electrical insulation applications. Voltatex technologies are used on electrical steel and related components where dielectric performance, thermal resistance, processing compatibility, and reliable insulation are required.
Automotive repair materials
U-POL
A repair-materials brand acquired by Axalta in 2021. U-POL produces fillers, coatings, aerosols, primers, and related products used by automotive repair professionals and other customers requiring surface preparation and restoration materials.

Marketing campaigns

2015Jeff Gordon global business adviser program
Global
After Gordon's driving career ended, Axalta appointed him as a global business adviser, extending the commercial relationship beyond race sponsorship. Gordon continued to represent the company in business and brand activities.
Outcome. Gordon continued to represent the company in business and brand activities.
Source
2015Stock Car Brasil C2 Team sponsorship
Brazil
Axalta became title sponsor of the C2 Team in Stock Car Brasil. The partnership expanded Axalta's motorsport visibility in Brazil.
Outcome. The partnership expanded Axalta's motorsport visibility in Brazil.
Source
2014Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200
United States · NASCAR Xfinity Series
Axalta sponsored the Phoenix Raceway Xfinity Series event as part of its racing and brand-activation program. The naming-rights sponsorship continued for a period and was replaced by another sponsor in 2017.
Outcome. The naming-rights sponsorship continued for a period and was replaced by another sponsor in 2017.
Source
2014We Paint Winners 400
United States · NASCAR Cup Series
Axalta sponsored the June NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, connecting its coatings message with racing performance. The event later reverted to the Pocono 400 name.
Outcome. The event later reverted to the Pocono 400 name.
Source
1992Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon sponsorship
United States · NASCAR
The sponsorship lineage began when DuPont-backed branding appeared with Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports. It continued under Axalta and linked coating brands with NASCAR performance, vehicle design, and color visibility. The relationship continued through Gordon's retirement and later transferred to other Hendrick-affiliated drivers, ultimately centering on William Byron's No. 24 program.
Outcome. The relationship continued through Gordon's retirement and later transferred to other Hendrick-affiliated drivers, ultimately centering on William Byron's No. 24 program.
Source

Brand decisions

2021
Acquire U-POLM&A
Background
Axalta sought to expand its automotive-refinish and repair-material portfolio.
Action taken
Axalta acquired U-POL from Graphite Capital.
Aftermath
The transaction added fillers, coatings, aerosols, and related repair products to Axalta's offerings.
Source
2014
List Axalta on the New York Stock ExchangeOther
Background
Following its separation from DuPont, Axalta pursued access to public capital markets.
Action taken
The company completed an initial public offering and began trading under AXTA.
Aftermath
Axalta became an independent public company, while Carlyle later exited its remaining stake.
Source
2013
Separate DuPont Performance Coatings from DuPontStrategy
Background
The Carlyle Group acquired DuPont Performance Coatings as DuPont divested the business.
Action taken
The acquired company was renamed Axalta Coating Systems and operated as an independent coatings specialist.
Aftermath
The separation created the corporate platform that later became publicly traded as AXTA.
Source

Recent events

2021
Axalta acquires U-POL[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Axalta purchased U-POL from Graphite Capital, expanding its automotive-refinish, repair-material, filler, coating, and aerosol portfolio.
2021
Berkshire Hathaway exits Axalta investment[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Other
Berkshire Hathaway sold its remaining stake in Axalta Coating Systems.
2018
Axalta opens Global Innovation Center[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company opened a major coatings research and development center at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
2016
Axalta acquires automotive interior coatings business[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Axalta acquired the automotive-interior coatings business of United Paint and Chemical Corporation.
2015
Berkshire Hathaway invests in Axalta[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Other
Berkshire Hathaway made a substantial investment in Axalta after the company entered the public markets.
2015
Axalta forms China coatings partnership[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Axalta and Shanghai Kinlita Chemical established a partnership intended to operate in China's industrial-coatings market.
2014
Axalta completes New York Stock Exchange IPO[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Other
Axalta became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AXTA.
2013
Carlyle acquisition creates Axalta Coating Systems[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The Carlyle Group completed its acquisition of DuPont Performance Coatings, creating the independent Axalta Coating Systems business.
Axalta continues Hendrick Motorsports sponsorship with William Byron[1]Axaltaen.wikipedia.org
Campaign
Axalta remains associated with Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 24 NASCAR program driven by William Byron, continuing a sponsorship lineage that began with Jeff Gordon.

Sources14 sources

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