Owens State Community College in Toledo, Ohio, received a waterborne technology equipment upgrade thanks to BASF. The donation of the ONYX Waterborne Basecoat System was made through the I-CAR Education Foundation and included paint and related equipment to convert to waterborne refinish technology.
This material, combined with the existing primers, clearcoats, etc., will enable the school to keep pace with the collision industry by offering training in the latest repair paint technology.
“BASF believes in the I-CAR Education Foundation’s goal of supporting the future of the industry,” BASF OEM & Industry Relations Manager Joseph Skurka said. “We are delighted to assist Owens State Community College with its conversion to waterborne refinish technology.”
Owens State Community College Assistant Professor/Program Facilitator Jeffrey Howard added, “The Owens Auto Body Repair Program made a decision to feature BASF Automotive Refinish Products in January 2008. One of the deciding factors was the amazing support that we receive from the BASF Whitehouse, Ohio, facility, which is only 20 minutes from our campus.”
Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Salatin, technical director/BASF Refinish, Mike Carroll – manager of commercialization and commercial transport systems – and his staff have given their time to Owens students and the collision repair program partners on numerous occasions, Howard said. Owens students and faculty also have the ability to participate in facility tours in research and development and training.
“This donation will provide our students the opportunity to be trained with products and equipment that are the way of the future. They will understand first hand the benefits that this new technology will provide to the refinish technician, the repair facility and the environment,” Howard concluded. “This donation will allow us to enhance the students’ experience using state-of-the-art products and equipment without having to increase program fees. In my opinion, that’s what a partnership is all about.”
Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation executive director, said, “We are hearing reports across the country how schools are closing or programs being cut due to budgetary concerns. BASF stepping up with this donation not only assists Owens State Community College with costs for their collision program but is also providing the school the opportunity to teach with the latest in waterborne equipment and tools. The foundation was able to match Owens State Community College’s request for waterborne equipment through its 2009 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant application. We thank BASF for their continued support of the Education Foundation and for helping Owens State with this equipment upgrade.”
“The R&D facility in Whitehouse has had a longstanding relationship with OWENS Community College in Toledo and is excited to offer its support in terms of technology and training”, said Dr. Timothy Salatin, Technical Director at BASF Whitehouse.
More information:
• I-CAR Education Foundation
