21 March 2022 – The cost of living is increasing but what is hitting homeowners and businesses alike is the soaring cost of energy. In January 2022, the Eurozone saw energy prices increase 28.6%[1].

“For bodyshop owners across the region these rising energy cost could not come at a worse time. After two years of struggling during the pandemic, energy costs are spiking  with no assurance that the increases will slow. This latest trend could be the final straw that breaks some bodyshop’s back. Ultimately, this could force some repairers to close their doors. Fortunately, Axalta Refinish is committed to driving continual technological innovation, with the end goal of making a bodyshop’s entire paint repair journey faster, easier and more profitable. Our patented Fast Cure Low Energy technology, reduces energy consumption in the spraybooth while still achieving the best quality repair. It is exactly what bodyshops need now to support them through this crisis,” says Jim Muse, Vice President, Axalta Refinish, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Based on Axalta’s revolutionary in-house chemistry that uses both temperature and ambient humidity to accelerate the drying process, the full product system delivers the perfect balance between high speed and low baking energy consumption, while providing the highest quality finish. It is proven to lower the energy costs of running a direct gas-fired combi spraybooth by approximately 75% based on a typical 30 minute, 60oC bake cycle. It is the only refinish system that can be dried at lower baking temperatures, or at air dry temperatures of 20oC, and still have the productivity of traditional systems.

Bodyshops can opt to use this speed of performance to offer rapid repair services that will increase their profitability.

“Our Fast Cure Low Energy technology is unique. At a time when bodyshops are facing a significant energy crisis that will eat into already pressurised margins, it is the lifeline they have come to expect from Axalta Refinish,” adds Muse.

The Fast Cure Low Energy technology also allows bodyshops the ability to repair temperature-sensitive electric vehicles, which are growing in popularity across the region.

This patented technology is offered by Axalta’s three premium global refinish brands, Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox. For more information please visit www.cromax.com/eu/ultrasystem, www.spieshecker.com/speed-tec or www.standox.com/xtreme-system. To find out how Axalta’s Fast Cure Low Energy technology can help bodyshops save on energy costs, please contact the local representative. For more information about Axalta Refinish, please visit www.refinish.axalta.eu.

About Cromax

Cromax, a global refinish coating brand from Axalta, is designed to increase productivity. Our coatings are formulated specifically to optimise business with advanced time-, energy- and material-saving processes that increase throughput and lower operating costs. Our value-added solutions provide customers with the most advanced systems to get the best out of the entire workflow. And our smart tools, our people’s in-depth knowledge and our strong approved networks all make our bodyshop customers more attractive to work providers. Cromax - drive your productivity.