KANSAI HELIOS Establishes Future U.S. Presence with New Powder Coatings Facility in Johnstown, Ohio

KANSAI HELIOS, part of the global KANSAI PAINT Group, has acquired a cutting-edge 135,000-square-foot production facility in Ohio, USA, dedicated to the manufacturing of advanced powder coatings. This new site will serve as the company’s central hub for supplying key markets across the automotive and general industry sectors in North America. Representing a $20 million investment, this move marks a major milestone in KANSAI HELIOS’ long-term growth strategy and its most significant expansion in North America to date—reinforcing its position as a leading global coatings manufacturer and a prominent international employer in the chemical industry.

Located on a 28-acre site at 231 Commerce Boulevard in Johnstown, the newly acquired KANSAI HELIOS facility features state-of-the-art infrastructure. Nestled in a scenic part of the city, the site includes air-conditioned production areas, cleanrooms, advanced security systems, and sustainable design features—offering an optimal environment for modern coatings manufacturing. As part of a global coatings group, the facility also provides an attractive and forward-looking workplace. Additionally, the Columbus area’s robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment lay a strong foundation for long-term growth and success.

Bastian Krauss, President and Executive Director of the KANSAI HELIOS Group, says, “With this move, we’re not just expanding, we’re taking a giant leap. The opening of this new KANSAI HELIOS production facility will quadruple our production capacity and serve as a cornerstone of our future in North America—enabling us to serve our customers there with greater flexibility and efficiency.”

Advancing the Future with Powder Coatings

The opening of KANSAI HELIOS’s new production facility in Ohio underscores the company’s strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technical expertise in industrial coatings—or as expressed in the Group’s vision, “Designing Excellence.” This strategic move will strengthen the company’s presence in North America, enhance its global expert network, and accelerate the supply of high-performance industrial powder coatings throughout the U.S. Initially outfitted with cutting-edge production equipment imported from the Group’s powder coating specialists in Germany, the site is poised to manufacture KANSAI HELIOS powder coatings that meet the highest standards for durability, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability.

Krauss states, “Powder coatings combine outstanding technical performance with environmental leadership. The KANSAI HELIOS Group helps our customers meet stricter regulatory requirements."

The Group’s expertise as a comprehensive system supplier offering integrated coating solutions such as liquid coatings, e-coat, and sealants/adhesives—will also be leveraged at this key Ohio hub, further reinforcing KANSAI HELIOS’s long-term growth and strategic presence in the region.

Global Strength, Locally Rooted – for Customers and Employees

KANSAI HELIOS plans to create approximately 50 new jobs in the Columbus region by 2030, spanning technical, production, and administrative roles. The Ohio facility will serve as a hub for shared R&D capabilities, technical expertise, and best practices drawn from across the Group, enabling faster innovation cycles and a more agile response to evolving market needs. U.S. customers will benefit from localised service backed by the advanced technologies of a global leader—a powerful combination that distinguishes KANSAI HELIOS in a highly competitive market.

Local leaders have applauded the decision. Johnstown Mayor Donald Barnard says, This expansion not only brings high-quality jobs to our city but also demonstrates that Johnstown is an ideal environment for global manufacturers seeking long-term success. We are honoured to welcome KANSAI HELIOS and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our economy.”

Future employees will gain access to world-class training programs designed in partnership with KANSAI HELIOS’s European production sites in Germany and Austria. These programs will equip team members with the skills and expertise needed to excel in a high-performance workplace focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Bastian Krauss points out, “We are launching more than a production facility. Our goal is to build a highly skilled local workforce that reflects the value and excellence of our global organisation. This requires dedicated and motivated employees, and we’re excited to find them in the promising Columbus region.”

This acquisition further strengthens KANSAI HELIOS’ strategic alignment with its parent company, KANSAI PAINT. By expanding its footprint across Asia, Europe, and now more prominently in North America, the new facility in the Columbus region becomes an integral part of a truly global network. Reflecting the spirit of its namesake—known for pioneering new frontiers—this expansion represents a major milestone in KANSAI HELIOS’ strategic journey to explore new markets, fortify supply chain resilience, strengthen customer partnerships, and deliver advanced coating solutions across the continent.

Source: KANSAI HELIOS

KANSAI HELIOS