DuPont Opens Automotive Paint Laboratory in Japan

DuPont Automotive Systems today opened a $10 million laboratory in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, to facilitate technical services and approvals for automotive coatings used by Japanese auto manufacturers worldwide, and to support their home country assembly operations.  The facility will employ approximately 30 scientists and be managed by DuPont and DuPont Shinto Automotive Systems, a joint venture between DuPont and Shinto Paint Company.

The new DuPont Aichi Coatings Laboratory is focused on the development and testing of automotive OEM coatings to meet the requirements of Japanese auto manufacturers.  The laboratory is an integral part of a global network of DuPont automotive coatings laboratories, manufacturing plants and technical centers in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

"Our aim is to offer rapid responses to Japan-based customer needs for the latest coatings technology in any part of the world," said Marty M. McQuade, vice president and general manager for DuPont Automotive Systems, the company's automotive coatings unit.  "DuPont is developing technology that will help its customers improve application productivity and environmental compliance as they meet rising consumer demands for improved vehicle paint aesthetics and long-term durability."

DuPont also named Isao Matsuura as general manager of the DuPont Aichi Coatings Laboratory.  Matsuura has been with DuPont Japan for 26 years in a variety of assignments, including marketing and technical management for engineering plastics and most recently, as corporate research and development manager for DuPont automotive businesses in Japan. 

DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

Contacts:

For Press Information