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Celebrating Axalta's 150th Anniversary

Topics: Axalta

Celebrating Axalta's 150th Anniversary

Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Congressional Record: 114th Congress
Extensions of Remarks
14 July 2016

HON. BOB GOODLATTE of Virginia in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 14, 2016

Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, for 150 years, Axalta has been a leader in the coatings industry. Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and I extend our congratulations to Axalta on its 150th year in business. Since its founding in 1866, Axalta has evolved to meet ever-changing industry demands and to fully utilize today's innovative technology. Axalta now does business in over 130 countries and employs more than 12,800 people. However, what has remained constant during this time is Axalta's commitment to quality and to its many customers across the globe.

In Virginia, Axalta's Front Royal Plant is celebrating 35 years of operation. The Front Royal Plant, located near the border between the Sixth and Tenth Congressional Districts, employs many of our constituents and is a valued member of the community.

The Front Royal Plant manufactures and distributes high quality paint products primarily in small container packaging for the ``Low Bake'' customers in the Refinish and Industrial markets with more than 12 million gallons produced annually. Constructed in 1980 with the first batch of paint produced in March 1981, the facility is nine acres under roof and includes a finished product warehouse that serves as a critical Regional Service Center for the business. There are more than 325 full-time Axalta employees in Front Royal and approximately 80 additional contractor employees onsite.

We thank Axalta for their commitment to providing employment and driving economic growth in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Congratulations again on reaching this milestone. We look forward to the next 150 years and Axalta's continued presence in Virginia.