Houston, Texas, March 11, 2019 – Axalta Coating Systems, a provider of OEM coatings for seven of eight North American commercial vehicle manufacturers and leader in coatings for collision repair, increases its support of the annual heavy-duty collision repair conference, HD Repair Forum.

North American Sales Manager for Axalta’s Commercial Transportation Division, Richard Cecchini states, “The idea of the forum is to bring influential people in to examine the state of the industry including trends and issues, understand the impacts on repairers and other industry stakeholders, such as insurance companies, and discuss what we need to do to prepare for the future.”

He further added, “Axalta is committed to advance and improve the heavy-duty collision repair industry. The HD Repair Forum provides individuals and companies an opportunity to make a difference, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Earlier this year, Axalta committed to their continued involvement and support, with an increased sponsorship level of the HD Repair Forum. It also wholeheartedly supports their Business Council Member’s unanimous decision to host their spring meeting alongside the program.

Axalta Coating Systems has two Commercial Transportation Business Council Member groups, one designed for Truck and Fleet based collision repairers and another geared towards RV and Emergency Vehicle collision repairers. “The goal of our councils is to promote an environment where owners and managers can interact with other professionals, share best practices and further develop their business management skills,” explains Cecchini. “Joining an Axalta Business council is a solid commitment by owners and managers to continuously improve their businesses. Our council members are the best of the best, true leaders in the industry.”

Business council member, Steve Wolfe, President of Diversified Body & Paint in Colorado, was in attendance at last year’s inaugural event and has secured his registration for this year. “During the 2018 HD Forum I learned so much and met some wonderful people. The event restored my faith in our industry’s growth and potential,” he explains. “The topics covered, networking time provided, and products showcased are what all of us are looking for, each and every day in our businesses. Time and cost is very important to our group, so holding our council meeting alongside the HD Repair Forum is a ‘Win, Win!’.” Wolfe continues.

The HD Repair Forum aims to foster growth and progress in the heavy-duty collision repair industry through the exchange of knowledge, experience, and feedback from all industry stakeholders. On April 2nd & 3rd, 2019 heavy-duty collision repair professionals, insurance parties, OEs and equipment and service providers from across North America will gather at the Hilton in Fort Worth, TX. They will obtain information on the latest trends and industry issues and learn about the newest vehicle technology, solution-based services, and training opportunities available to the market.

“I’m looking forward to hearing about topics this year like OE repair information, parts sourcing, and identifying equipment that fits my needs. For myself, other members in my council, and repairers in my industry these are all high on our need lists.” Wolfe concludes.

The complete agenda for the HD Repair Forum was released early last month and can be found here.

Heavy-Duty Collision Repair Event Schedule:
Tuesday, April 2nd
6:30 AM Registration Opens
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference
5:00-6:30 PM Networking Reception
Wednesday, April 3rd
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference
Thursday, April 4th
Axalta Coating System’s Business Council Meetings

Many other industry stakeholders, including truck manufacturers, equipment suppliers, insurance companies, independent appraisers, and heavy-duty repair facility owners have already marked the second annual HD Repair Forum on their calendars.

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit this link call 281-819-2332 for more information.

Online Registration can be found at HD Repair Forum Registration

For more information about the conference, please visit www.hdrepairforum.com

About the HD Repair Forum
Created as a dedicated resource for heavy-duty collision repair information for shop owners, managers, estimators, appraisers, insurance personnel, manufacturers, educators, and consultants. The HD Repair Forum offers a monthly newsletter, a website, news articles, webinars, and an annual conference that brings all industry stakeholders together. The HD Repair Forum’s conference will take place April 2-3, 2019 in Fort Worth, TX with numerous classes and panels dedicated to education and problem solving.

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 approximately 14,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.