Australia operations of Axalta Coating Systems has signed an agreement with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) to provide coating products for over 2,500 Australian military logistic vehicles being produced as part of the Australian government’s LAND 121 Phase 3B Defence Project. Rheinmetall is a global leader in the supply of military vehicles. The agreement was reached based on Axalta’s capability to develop and manufacture specific end-use coatings required especially by the project.

“This is the first defense contract of such magnitude for Axalta and signals another important step in our company’s growth strategy,” explained Sobers Sethi, Vice President for Axalta’s South and East Asia region. “Backed by a century and a half of product innovation and thought leadership, Axalta is well-placed to meet the critical needs of this important project and we look forward to a strong working partnership with RMMVA.”

To win the bid, Axalta demonstrated its ability to develop customized product solutions for this highly specialized market. In addition to providing special end-use coatings, Axalta’s technology includes application techniques designed to improve cycle times and coating productivity. Under the contract, Axalta will provide the entire supply chain from production and supply of coatings as well as warehousing and distribution within Australia and also will provide technical support to optimize application.

“The agreement with Axalta Coating Systems Australia showcases RMMVA’s ongoing commitment in engaging commercial companies to support the defense industry sector,” said RMMVA Managing Director Peter Hardisty. “This partnership creates cost efficiencies for the entire program.”

Axalta will produce in Australia and export the full suite of components for the paint, which includes hardeners, thinners, primers and the different colors required for the camouflage pattern. All coating products comply with the Australian Paint Approval Scheme (APAS) and will be produced in Australia, generating flow-on benefits into the Australian economy through localized trade and employment.

LAND 121 Phase 3 was established to replace the current fleet of Australian Defence Force (ADF) field vehicles, modules and trailers and will enhance the ground mobility of the ADF. RMMVA signed the Land 121 Phase 3B contract in 2013 to supply the Commonwealth of Australia with more than 2,500 medium and heavy military logistical trucks, all of which must be pre-treated and painted with APAS certified paint.