AkzoNobel opens first yacht paint training centre in Asia-Pacific

AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings division has opened its first Yacht Paint Application Center (YPAC) in the Asia-Pacific region, providing product and technical training alongside the latest digital paint application tools. The facility is located at Gold Coast City Marina in Coomera, Australia, and aims to strengthen AkzoNobel’s global technical support network for applicators and industry professionals.

Paint and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel says the new facility offers personalised consultations and hands-on training designed to improve skills and support high-quality results.

The news comes a month after the Dutch multinational confirmed it plans to cut around 2,000 jobs as it attempts to cut its costs and make operations more efficient. The move will affect more than five per cent of the group’s 35,700 global employees, although the firm has not supplied further information about which countries will be impacted.

The new facility in Coomera features a mezzanine-level training room, a paint mixing area, preparation bays and an advanced spray booth. Applicators and distributor representatives will receive both theoretical and practical training on paint application for yachts of all sizes at the hub. Training to be offered covers various aspects of the process, including preparation, priming, filling, topcoat application, maintenance and paint system repairs.

Jemma Lampkin and Simon Knight opening YPAC. Photo courtesy of Libertad Magallan.

AkzoNobel says the facility also incorporates digital innovations such as the XpertEye headset, which offers remote assistance by streaming live video and images to a technical support team.

The facility’s VR spray gun offers a simulated training environment for applicators, allowing them to practice techniques for applying primers, topcoats, and fouling control without using physical products. The system supports Awlgrip, Interlux, International and Sea Hawk systems, providing instant feedback on techniques to help users refine their skills before working with actual coatings.

The Awlgrip 3D Colour Visualiser, also available at the hub, is a tool that allows users to explore colour options for their boats in a virtual 3D environment. The system provides access to a large colour database and helps users visualise different colour schemes.

“The opening of the Yacht Paint Application Center in Asia-Pacific reinforces our commitment to meeting the specific needs of our customers in this rapidly growing market,” says Simon Knight, regional sales manager for AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings. “With personalised services, product expertise, and cutting-edge technology, we are uniquely positioned as a partner of choice for any type of project.”

VR Spray Gun in action. Photo courtesy of Libertad Magallan.

Kane Barfoot, regional technical services coordinator for AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings, adds: “Our focus is to empower professional applicators with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. Following on from the success of our YPACs in North America and Europe, this new facility will offer comprehensive training programmes that cover everything from theoretical paint knowledge to innovative application techniques.

“We’re excited to be the centre for professional development in the region, helping applicators, distributors, retailers and yards stay ahead of the curve.”

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