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Tracy
Tracy
Oct 12 2026
17Richardson Projects, a subsidiary of Richardson Holdings, a multi-sector Sri Lankan conglomerate, has been appointed the official local agent and distributor for powder coating materials from Axalta, a globally established leader in performance coatings technology serving more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries. The partnership was recently unveiled at an official launch held at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.
Richardson Projects is recognised as a trusted supplier of premium, technically certified powder coating solutions to Sri Lanka's architectural and industrial sectors. The appointment ushers in the next chapter of the company's two-decade legacy in Sri Lanka's coatings industry, building on a foundation of trust and experience.
The decision comes at a time of intensifying competition in Sri Lanka's powder coatings market, with a growing number of manufacturers entering the local space. The company’s choice of Axalta as its local powder coatings partner reflects a shared focus on long-term relationships with customers, rather than competing purely on price or product alone.
Nazri Nizar, Group Managing Director, Richardson Holdings, said, "A strong
global brand might open the door, however long-term customer trust is built
locally through dedicated support and reliable delivery. The true measure of a
distributor lies in the service, care, and operational execution which follows
after the product arrives. Combining Axalta's 150 years of global coating
expertise with Richardson's two decades of deep local relationships and
technical know-how, we are bringing customers the best of both worlds.”
Bridging global standards with local expertise, Richardson Projects will serve
as Axalta's trusted local powder coatings partner, combining global technology
with two decades of on-the-ground experience serving Sri Lanka's construction
ecosystem.
Commenting
on the partnership, Franck Derouen, Business Director, Industrial MEA - West
& Central Asia, Axalta Coating Systems (ME) LLC, said, "Axalta accounts
for more than six decades of experience in powder coatings alone, backed by
decades of investment in technology and innovation. Richardson's reputation in
Sri Lanka, together with its technical capability and understanding of the
construction and industrial sectors, made it a strong partner for the local
market. We see significant long-term potential for powder coatings in Sri Lanka
and look forward to working closely with Richardson to offer Axalta's
technology, expertise and global standards for all customers.”
More than a brand transition, this appointment comes as project volumes and
material demand continue to rise across Sri Lanka's construction and property
development sectors, giving developers and specifiers greater access to premium
performance powder coatings at a time of renewed industry activity. For
architects, engineers, extruders and applicators, Axalta's powder coatings
combine UV resistance, gloss retention and corrosion protection with the
technical performance expected for long-term architectural projects.
Beyond the product itself, Richardson Projects will support local applicators in working toward ‘Approved Applicator’ status for Axalta's powder coatings, providing them with a manufacturer-backed credential that supports extended warranty eligibility and strengthens their competitiveness when tendering for projects. The company's technical team also provides on-the-ground support for application equipment, helping applicators diagnose and resolve issues to ensure coating quality and consistency.
Pradeep Kahawalage, Chief Executive Officer, Richardson Projects, said, "After two decades building trust in Sri Lanka's powder coatings industry, this marks an important new chapter for Richardson. Axalta gives us a global technology partner that matches the standards we have already built our reputation on. We are excited to bring that expertise to Sri Lanka's construction and aluminium industries in the years ahead."
With a focus on sustainability, technical excellence and long-term partnership, Richardson looks forward to supporting architects, developers, fabricators and applicators throughout Sri Lanka with Axalta powder coating as the industry continues to grow.
