AkzoNobel, a leading global paints company, has marked the launch of its world-renowned refinish coating brand, Sikkens, with an upscaled portfolio of innovative, advanced and sustainable products in the UAE.

A market leader globally and in the region with a heritage that spans 225 years, Sikkens came to the UAE in signature style at a gala event in Dubai, said a statement.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials of the Dubai Government as well as high-profile professionals from the automotive industry including original equipment manufacturers, body shops, key distributers from the Middle East and Africa region, and local retailers.

At the event, AkzoNobel also announced that Arwani Trading has been appointed as the official distributer for Sikkens in the UAE market.

With an advanced colour offering, the Sikkens brand portfolio has been developed using the latest technology meeting all needs of bodyshops, retailers, and other customers. Approved by leading original equipment manufacturers, Sikkens ensures superior colour matching – with customers getting their choice of colour right the first time – and faster process times, which will benefit bodyshops to conduct more business in the same period.

Sikkens also adds value to users with reduced material usage and for its sustainable features, in addition to being cost-effective.

Peter Tomlinson, managing director for vehicle refinishes and specialty coatings of AkzoNobel, said: “Sikkens is a world leader in refinish coating, and with the launch of the brand in the UAE we are bringing best-in-class technology and an innovative suite of products that meet all the requirements of our customers, including bodyshop owners.”

“No other brand in vehicle refinish has such a successful track-record as Sikkens, which has continuously evolved to meet market needs through our focus on innovation. Assuring reliable service and bespoke support, we will continue to follow our ‘creating together’ philosophy to build our partnerships with our customers in the UAE and the region,” he added.

Reflecting AkzoNobel’s passion for paints, Sikkens promotes customer satisfaction and profitability through products such as the Sikkens Autsurfacer UV that has excellent sanding quality and addresses all areas where bodyshops typically lose time, material and money, said a statement.

It dries at the speed of light with UVA-LEDs in less than five minutes or 30 seconds for small spots. The Autowave line that has been upgraded as the new Autowave 2.0 Waterborne promotes speed, reliability and sustainability, and has been enhanced with new colour tones, it said.

AkzoNobel has also launched its Colorvation initiative that integrates digital colour tools, the best digital colour process and a unique database of over 2 million colour formulae.

In addition, AkzoNobel has launched Carbeat as digital tool to improve the communication and production efficiency of individual body shops and multi-shop operators.

Further underlining its commitment to the region, AkzoNobel has opened its first regional Application Training Centre in Dubai.

The centre aims to strengthen customer service standards, promote localised innovation of paint products and also offers staff training to customers, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service