Owens State Community College in Toledo, Ohio, received a waterborne technology equipment upgrade donated from BASF through the I-CAR Education Foundation.
It included paint and related equipment to convert to waterborne refinish technology. This material combined with the existing primers, clear coats, 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. We are delighted to assist Owens State Community College with its conversion to waterborne refinish technology, ” says BASF OEM & Industry Relations Manager, Joseph Skurka.
“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 generously of their time to our students and our program partners on numerous occasions," says Owens State Community College Assistant Professor/Program Facilitator Jeffrey Howard.
"Owens students and faculty have the ability to participate in facility tours in research and development and training. We are fortunate to have these opportunities available to experience a true personal touch while interacting with many BASF employees. The Auto Body Advisory Board recently decided that it was time for us to make the switch to waterborne paint technology. With assistance from the I-CAR Education Foundation, BASF has donated to our program its ONYX Waterborne Basecoat System. 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. 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,” he says.
"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," says Scott Kruger, I-CAR Education Foundation Executive Director. "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 long – standing relationship with OWENS Community College in Toledo and is excited to offer its support in terms of technology and training”, says Dr. Timothy Salatin, Technical Director at BASF Whitehouse.
The I-CAR Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing donations that support philanthropic and collision repair education activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.
