A PHOENIX RISES IN PRUSZKÓW
A fire has only given the AkzoNobel Automotive Training Center in Pruszków, Poland new life. After being restored and expanded, it’s the most advanced of our automotive training facilities in Europe.
Doubling in size and sporting new, state-of-the-art equipment, the revived AkzoNobel Automotive Training Center in Pruszków, Poland is going to get customers even more excited about our vehicle refinishes. It will serve as a hub of learning and collaboration, hosting more than 1,000 people a year.
Customers will deepen their knowledge of coatings and application techniques through a variety of classes, while our experts will also work closely with them in the research and development of potential new products and services.
Cutting-edge technology
The facility in Pruszków joins many other AkzoNobel training centers around the world, like one opened just three years ago in Dubai, in serving our customers with cutting-edge equipment and training to promote product innovations locally.
Pruszków’s entire expansion is dedicated to world-leading technology. One of the exciting additions is two integrated USI Italia spray booths. These booths are equipped with a system of cameras that allows us to train customers in the application of the newest coating solutions: candy colors, matt and semi-matt finishing products and special purpose varnishes.
Another innovative feature is a moving booth from Spraybooth Technology Ltd. (STL). One of only a few used in Europe, it’s perfect for spot repair. And in the Advanced Mixing Room, colors are measured and selected using our digital color application MixitTM and AutomatchicTM , our spectrophotometer – part of our digital transformation of the painting process.
New life, new look
"We are very excited that, despite the tragedy, we were able to rebuild and upgrade our ATC, with new equipment and a modern, fresh look and feel" said Sławomir Bugajski, Technical Services Manager EMEA. It’s not just what’s inside the building that’s changed. For decades the facility looked like a standard office building. Now it’s got its original character back. Katarzyna Jaśkiewicz, Technical Digital Training Specialist, says: “We discovered bricks and wooden and steel structures that we wanted to keep. The fire was a terrifying experience, but it revealed the soul of that building. It’s inspiring.”