AkzoNobel Sikkens has wrapped up the 2011 Collision Repair Expo on a high.

As the three-day event’s major sponsor, this year’s expo, recently held in Melbourne, was a valuable opportunity for AkzoNobel to share its products, knowledge and staff with a large and supportive audience.

“My team and I thank everyone who attended this year’s Collision Repair Expo,” said General Manager Australasia, AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings, Joe McFadries. 

“We are very pleased with the enthusiasm shown by the event’s local and international guests and the obvious support from the Australian collision repair industry, both of which were instrumental in this important event’s success.”

Sikkens AkzoNobel put on a fascinating display for event guests, which comprised an informative collection of innovative products and special exhibits that underlined the Sikkens’ theme of “Creating Together”. This unique philosophy has been the driving force behind Sikkens' carefully developed customer-focused approach. Wineth Malvar, Marketing Manager Australasia, AkzoNobel Automotive & Aerospace Coatings, explains.

"When it comes to attributes such as quality and productivity the Sikkens range of products essentially speaks for itself. But ensuring our customers achieve these, along with the longer-term success they seek, requires strong partnerships.  

"Creating Together is the philosophy that drives the strong relationships we enjoy with our valued customers; it is about working closely with them to help contribute to their success, which in turn drives our success. Nourishing these partnerships is essential and is a major focus for AkzoNobel Sikkens in Australia."  

At this year's expo, the company showcased its innovative range of Sikkens products, which included the brilliant Autoclear LV exclusive, a self-healing clearcoat. To demonstrate its seemingly magical properties, a small sample panel was placed under a heating lamp where guests witnessed minor scratches disappear before their eyes. 

Also on show at the AkzoNobel stand was, of course, the rear wing from this year’s Formula 1™ title-challenger, the McLaren MP4-26. This authentic F1 part, which proudly carried the AkzoNobel logo, was on loan from team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and constantly drew crowds of visitors, media guests and even fellow exhibitors. It was, after all, a rare chance to see both a working F1 component and AkzoNobel’s famous silver chrome paint finish.  

Bringing the Sikkens product range to life was an on-site Lowbake portable spray booth that featured live painting demonstrations. AkzoNobel’s best technical staff demonstrated their skills through a glass panel, showing guests valuable application techniques and gave a first-hand insight into Sikkens’ unique product characteristics.

“We hope everyone who attended this year’s event learned some valuable and exciting facts from its exhibitor stands, various seminars and live product demonstrations,” McFadries said.

Photograph courtesy of the National Collision Repairer magazine.