Axalta Collaborates with Universities in China

Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA) has launched its Axalta Paints the Future internship program, which aims to develop future talent for the coating industry in China. The program offers internships to outstanding university students from four Chinese universities – Shanghai Jiaotong University, East China University of Science and Technology, Tianjin University, and Shanghai University of Engineering Science - that major in chemistry, chemical engineering and material science.

Axalta Paints the Future program aligns with the company’s global support of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In China, the program will expand on its Axalta Sustainable Education Program, which echos China’s national agenda for sustainable economic development and growth.

“Talent is the key to developing the coating industry. As a leading global coatings company, Axalta is committed to fostering the future generation of technicians and scientists for the industry across China. That is why we are rolling out the Axalta Paints the Future program. The R&D, engineering, product development, testing, training facilities and industry experts available at our new Asia-Pacific Technology Center will take on a crucial role as the produce-learn-research base for this program,” said Willie Wu, Vice President and President of Axalta Greater China.

“As a university, we are privileged to benefit from Axalta Paints the Future, which I believe will bring a meaningful and professional experience to college students. The programs will help to broaden students’ horizons with the resources, exposure, and support needed to develop their skills and capabilities in a realistic work environment. Axalta’s contribution and commitment to China’s education will not only benefit students, but also the entire coating industry,” said Professor Chen Kaimin from Shanghai University of Engineering Science.

The first group of interns, comprised of 17 students that major in chemistry and chemical engineering, will undergo a two- to ten-month internship at Axalta’s Asia-Pacific Technology Center. The interns will explore high performance coating technology, coating applications in the automotive industry, chemical production safety practices, as well as marketing and sales. To enhance the real-world experience, the program enables interns to participate in operations at select vehicle OEM plants. The program also offers a series of career training including mentoring, career planning, and time management, to help the students develop a diversified set of skills and experiences.

About Axalta Coating Systems

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 13,600 people of Axalta continue to find ways to better serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.