Peterbilt Motors Company has introduced a new formulation for its complete lineup of Axalta coatings used on its heavy duty truck cabs and sleepers that enhances color qualities and durability. Additionally, the new coatings make production more environmentally friendly and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
“The new paint coatings have better color characteristics for greater gloss, reflectivity and luster,” said Leon Handt, Peterbilt’s Assistant General Manager of Operations. “Resistance to environmental damage, such as acid rain, de-icers and bird debris is also increased.”
If aftermarket repainting or refinishing is required, such as in the event of collision repair, it can be done through Peterbilt dealerships with the same paint formulations to ensure consistency and maintain durability.
The new formulations – which include both base and clear coats – are robotically applied at Peterbilt’s Denton, Texas manufacturing facility. The new coatings dry significantly faster than the previous formulations so the drying ovens operate at lower temperatures requiring less energy. Additionally, the faster process releases fewer emissions.
“These benefits further promote Peterbilt’s green initiatives and environmental leadership,” said Handt. Among those initiatives, Handt said, are the plant’s zero-waste-to-landfill program, no-idle policy and carpooling and shuttle services. Regarding the latter, more than 25 percent of Denton plant employees utilize carpooling or a shuttle system to get to and from work.
