International expands R&D team to Texas

“Historically, the U.S. market has set the pace for new technologies, specifications and VOC reductions in protective coatings that are ultimately adopted by the worldwide market,” said International Paint CEO of the Americas Ian Walton in a news release. “It makes good economic sense for International Paint’s worldwide operations to invest in a market where products can be tested for immediate use, while also paving the way for a global rollout.”

Under the direction of worldwide protective coatings technical manager Dipak Mistry, the new global laboratory will focus on the development of performance-based coating technologies that provide better environmental compliance, long-term durability, productivity and life-cycle economics in the global markets they serve. The new laboratory will be shared with the U.S. development team currently located at International Paint’s Houston facility. Approximately $1 million in capital expenditures will be invested over the next 12 months to upgrade and modernize the 12,000-square-foot facility.