Junair Help Create a New Training Academy for Axalta

Axalta Coating Systems recently drew up plans for its brand new Training Academy in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Due to the long standing relationship between Axalta and Junair Spraybooths, Axalta was confident that we could help to create a state-of-the-art facility that would feature dedicated spraybooths, training rooms and mixing areas for its three global refinishing brands – Cromax^®, Spies Hecker and Standox which would offer refinishers the very best training experience. In addition, a key goal for this facility was to reduce energy consumption and operating costs.

The Technical Manager, Low Bake Systems for Axalta Coating Systems in the UK Michael McInnes has this to say, “We have worked with Junair Spraybooths for many years. Their products are of the highest quality and the service they provide is second-to-none, so we know Junair could help us create a dynamic, leading-edge training environment, while also making it as energy efficient as possible.”

Our Sales Director, Grahame Kitchen comments, “From the onset of this exciting project we worked very closely with the team at Axalta to understand their specific requirements for this new installation. The overall design and the equipment that we recommend were all aimed at not only enhancing productivity and offering the highest quality paint finish but also reducing energy usage.”

“The beauty of the project was that we were working with a completely blank canvas. This gave us the freedom to create the optimum space for training, allowing easy access and unobstructed viewing into the Spraybooths, paint mixing rooms and other work areas,” adds Michael.

Three Brand New Energy Efficient Spray Booths for Axalta

The three large Spraybooths that were installed by Junair at the Training Academy were fitted with three leaf fully glazed door in order to provide an extra wide opening. Down the lengths of each spray booth are viewing galleries which offer a clear view of the activity within the spray booth. The unique EVAC design sits flush with the floor of the building and is fully extracted and balanced. This ensures refinishers get the paint finish to the highest quality. The spray booths operate at maximum energy efficiency due to the Junair QADS advanced auxiliary air movement system. This supplies heated and filtered airflow from each corner of the spray booth. This proven system speeds up the drying process by up to 35%. The fully automatic variable airflow systems fitted in the spray booths require no operator selection and automatically reduce the airflow through the spray booth, which reduces fuel and electricity usage. Energy efficient LED lighting was installed in all three Spray booths to provide a bright, clean light that replicates natural daylight.

Two preparation stations were created to feature outside of the spray booths. These areas provide a clean filtered workspace where refinishers are able to prepare vehicles before they then enter the spray booth.

Each of the three brands has its very own double-skin paint mixing room which incorporate viewing windows above the mixing benches. This provides clear visibility into the rooms. In addition, two separate gun-cleaning rooms have been installed.

Radiant heating has been installed by Junair throughout the body shop area of the Training Academy as well as LED lighting. This has provided an estimate of 80% to 90% energy saving when compared to traditional and conventional lighting solutions.

Project Completed with Excellent Results

Michael added, “Coordinating and implementing an installation of this magnitude takes up valuable time and resources. But Junair’s bespoke mechanical and electrical services package simplified the whole process for us. We moved into the premises just before Christmas 2013 and were able to start training courses in April 2014. What Junair achieved for us in that time was extraordinary.”

Grahame concludes, “Over the years, we have developed a great relationship with Axalta. Being a leading global coatings company, Axalta is always prepared to invest in the best and most advanced equipment and technology on the market, and the Training Academy in Welwyn Garden City is no exception. The results are clear to see: Axalta now has a new training facility to match its outstanding products.”

Contact Junair Spraybooths to Make an Enquiry

If you would like to contact Junair Spraybooths to discuss our range of spray booth products and equipment you can do so by calling the team on +44(0)1706 363555. You can also request a call back by entering your details into the contact form provided.

Written by