Richardson Projects, a subsidiary of Richardson Holdings, a diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate, has been appointed the official local agent and distributor for powder coating materials from Axalta, a globally recognised leader in performance coatings technology. The partnership was officially unveiled at a launch event held at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.
Richardson Projects is an established supplier of premium, technically certified powder coating solutions to Sri Lanka’s architectural and industrial sectors. The appointment marks a new chapter in the company’s two-decade presence in the local coatings industry, building on its longstanding experience and customer relationships.
The partnership comes amid intensifying competition in Sri Lanka’s powder coatings market, with an increasing number of manufacturers entering the local industry. Richardson Projects’ decision to partner with Axalta reflects a shared emphasis on long-term customer relationships, technical expertise and service quality, rather than competing solely on price or product offerings.
Commenting on the partnership, Nazri Nizar, Group Managing Director of 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.”
Through the partnership, Richardson Projects will combine Axalta’s global coatings technology with its two decades of local market experience to serve Sri Lanka’s construction and industrial sectors. The collaboration aims to bridge international product standards with local expertise and customer support.
Franck Derouen, Business Director for Industrial MEA – West & Central Asia at 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.”
The appointment comes as project activity and demand for construction materials continue to evolve across Sri Lanka’s construction and property development sectors. By expanding local access to Axalta’s powder coating solutions, the partnership aims to provide developers, architects and other industry professionals with additional options for high-performance coatings to meet their project requirements.