Richardson Projects raises bar for Sri Lanka’s powder coatings industry with global Axalta partnership

Axalta Coating Systems (ME) LLC Business Director, Industrial MEA – West and Central Asia Franck Derouen (left) and Richardson Holdings Group Managing Director Nazri Nizar commemorating the official launch of the partnership between Richardson and Axalta

Richardson Holdings Group Managing Director Nazri Nizar

Richardson Projects Chief Executive Officer Pradeep Kahawalage 

Richardson 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.

Richardson Holdings Group Managing Director Nazri Nizar 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, Axalta Coating Systems (ME) LLC Business Director, Industrial MEA - West and Central Asia Franck Derouen 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.

Richardson Projects Chief Executive Officer Pradeep Kahawalage 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.