New Valspar R&D lab gives innovation full rein

Valspar Automotive, manufacturer of brands including DeBeer Refinish, Octoral and Valspar Industrial Mix, has opened a new research & development (R&D) laboratory in Lelystad. Alongside a doubling of capacity, three extra test rooms have been created. The laboratory was opened by Dr Cynthia Arnold, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Valspar. The new R&D lab fits seamlessly within Valspar Automotive global growth ambitions.

The new R&D lab consists of a large chemical laboratory and various test rooms. All rooms are equipped with the latest climate control systems so that all tests can take place under standardised conditions. In order to be able to assure colour accuracy, the R&D laboratory has been fitted with daylight systems.

Innovations
In the laboratory, R&D specialists develop new solutions, which are then intensively tested in the test rooms. Special test equipment measures the levels of weather-proofing, adhesion, gloss retention and mechanical load of coatings. Valspar is planning numerous innovations for the coming years. Thanks to the expansion and professionalisation of the R&D laboratory, these can be developed at an accelerated rate.