New Navy Yard Construction Means 190 New Jobs
Aerial of the Navy Yard | Photo: PIDC
Axalta Coating Systems is constructing a 175,000-square-foot facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard — and bringing at least 190 jobs to Philadelphia.
Called the Global Innovation Center, the new building will be home to the company’s global research, product development and technology initiatives. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2017.
The project is being developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners, and Axalta has entered into a long-term lease agreement for the building. Axalta received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development that includes a $400,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant.
Once completed, the facility will be a place where Axalta’s scientists and technicians develop next-generation coating products. For example, many vehicles increasingly use light-weight plastic and composite materials to save fuel, which require special coatings.
Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver called innovation center “central to Axalta’s growth.”
“Cars and other vehicles, motors and electronic components, automotive parts, white goods and countless other materials exposed to the elements rely on coatings to make them not only beautiful, but more durable, energy-efficient, and productive,” said Shaver. “Our Global Innovation Center will ensure Axalta sets the pace for coatings technology around the world.”
Axalta’s global corporate headquarters is located in Center City and its North American headquarters is in Glen Mills, Pa. It also has a customer training center in Exton, Pa.
