BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – May 22, 2025 – Automotive Art, a leader in the automotive aftermarket refinish business, successfully concluded its regional conference in Barbados from May 21st to 22nd. The two-day event gathered 41 representatives from Franchisees and Distributors across 20 Caribbean countries, fostering collaboration and unveiling groundbreaking advancements in the automotive and industrial sectors.

The conference served as a pivotal platform for Automotive Art to reinforce its commitment to regional partners, highlighting dedication to bringing the latest product innovations, technologies, and services to the Caribbean market.

Attendees included Glenn Camacho, President of Automotive Art’s Miami distribution center, and Erik Bishop, Manager for Business & Product Development. Sales & Technical Representatives Negus Alleyne-Browne and Manny Figuero provided invaluable hands-on technical training.

Next-Generation Solutions Launched

A key highlight was the launch of new, state-of-the-art clearcoats and primers. These advanced formulations utilize the latest resin technology, engineered to deliver superb gloss and superior protection against the region’s aggressive climate.

Debuting alongside the new coatings was Automotive Art’s revolutionary A6 spectrophotometer. This cutting-edge device incorporates advanced camera and AI technology, promising unparalleled color matching accuracy for automotive refinishes across the company’s paint rooms regionally.

Entering New Markets with Simplex

The conference also marked the official launch of Simplex, Automotive Art’s new brand of commercial and industrial finishes. This strategic expansion allows the company to reach a new market segment with a revolutionary line-up of commercial and industrial products. Architects, metal fabricators, marine and industrial painters, as well as furniture and cabinet workshops, will benefit from Simplex’s extensive color palette (including metallic finishes), exceptional durability, fit-for-purpose application, and consistent matte finishes.

Supporting the launch was Karol Polechoński, Business Development Manager for Simplex at Automotive Art’s joint venture partner, Multichem in Poland. He shared sales and technical insights, guiding regional partners on achieving success in their markets.

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships

Further enhancing collaboration was the presence of Joe Kraz, Technical Director of Indasa Abrasives. Indasa, a steadfast partner, supplies innovative sanding systems and high-performance coated abrasives. Their ongoing partnership delivers solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, and quality for diverse Caribbean industries, including automotive, marine, composite, woodworking, and building & decorative.

A Vision for the Future

Automotive Art's CEO Doug AArmstrong, expressed immense pride in the enduring partnerships cultivated over 35 years with franchisees and distributors across the region. "Our 2025 conference was a great success," he stated. "Our customers are extremely excited with the product line-up and technologies we launched in Barbados, and are eager to return to their nations and share these new innovations they were able to test in Barbados with their customers."

The successful conference underscores Automotive Art’s commitment to driving innovation, fostering strong regional partnerships, and equipping its network with the advanced tools and products needed to thrive in an evolving market.