PHILADELPHIA, PA — Axalta Coating Systems, a global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, is locating its new Global Innovation Center at The Navy Yard in Philadelphia. The 175,000 square foot facility will be home to Axalta's global research, product development, and technology initiatives and partner with the company's other technology centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The project is being developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners, and Axalta has entered into a long-term lease agreement for the building.

Project construction is expected to be complete in late 2017. Upon reaching full operation in 2018, Axalta will bring at least 190 new jobs to Philadelphia with the possibility of additional positions in the future. Axalta's global corporate headquarters is already located in Center City Philadelphia, and its North America headquarters is located in Glen Mills, PA, with a customer training center in Exton, PA.

“Innovation is central to Axalta's growth and ability to meet the needs of our customers years into the future,” says Axalta chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver. “Coatings are a critical component of so many everyday products. Cars and other vehicles, motors and electronic components, automotive parts, white goods and countless other materials exposed to the elements rely on coatings to make them not only beautiful, but more durable, energy-efficient, and productive. Our Global Innovation Center will ensure Axalta sets the pace for coatings technology around the world.”

"Axalta locating its Global Innovation Center in Philadelphia is tremendous news for Pennsylvania's workforce," says Pennsylvania Secretary for Labor & Industry Kathy Manderino. "The addition of nearly 200 high-paying jobs will stimulate the local economy and help to spur continued growth at The Navy Yard in Philadelphia. Governor Wolf and I look forward to seeing more companies make Pennsylvania home, as we continue to rebuild the workforce and encourage a pro-business climate here."

“Axalta's decision to expand further in Philadelphia and bring its Global Innovation Center to the Navy Yard is further evidence of Philadelphia's standing as one of the nation's leading innovation hubs and a place for exciting businesses to start, stay and grow,” says Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We were excited to welcome Axalta's global headquarters to Philadelphia in 2013 and this additional presence, bringing almost 200 new jobs by 2018, is a signal of its commitment to our city.”

“There has been a long history of innovation at The Navy Yard - from the design and construction of state-of-the-art warships and commercial vessels, to today's leading companies working on innovations like electric microgrids, energy efficiency, new cancer therapies and now coating technologies that will be used on everyday products around the world,” said John Grady, president of PIDC. “We are thrilled that Axalta Coating Systems has chosen to locate its Global Innovation Center at The Navy Yard and continue this tradition of innovation for years to come.”

The Global Innovation Center, designed by Erdy McHenry Architecture, will feature a west-facing façade that frames views of League Island Park while providing solar shading for the building's interior. The building's central location, just two blocks from Central Green, allows employees to take advantage of The Navy Yard's unique outdoor amenities essential in creating the campus-like setting.

“In a decade of development at The Navy Yard, Liberty has sought to create an environment uniquely suited to dynamic companies such as Axalta,” said William P. Hankowsky, Liberty Property Trust president and CEO. “We are excited to have Axalta join the expanding number of companies and talented people who have found The Navy Yard the perfect inspirational environment to create, innovate and grow.”