BASF Coatings has entered a strategic distribution partnership agreement with the SAPE Group, a leading supplier of automotive collision repair equipment and consumables in Australia. Under this agreement, SAPE will have the rights to distribute BASF Coatings’ automotive refinish coatings solutions such as Glasurit and baslac in BASF’s own direct distribution territory within Melbourne, starting December 1, 2025.
The agreement also includes the transfer of employees and assets including BASF Coatings’ Automotive Refinish Technology (ART) distribution centre in Dandenong South to SAPE. Customers will continue to receive the same high standard of support, further strengthened by SAPE’s extensive national resources and logistics network, following the transfer of ART operations to SAPE.
“This partnership is another exciting step in SAPE Group’s strategic growth across Melbourne and regional hubs in Victoria,” director of the SAPE Group, Paul McMartin, said.
“With BASF Coatings’ ART facility now part of the SAPE family, we are even better equipped to deliver fast, reliable service and expert technical support to customers in the Melbourne CBD and beyond. We’re proud to welcome the team and customers into the SAPE network.”
SAPE has been BASF Coatings’ distribution partner for over 40 years, supplying automotive refinish customers along the Eastern seaboard of Australia. This extended partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to business growth through strong, customer-focused collaboration, as well as their dedication to providing the Australian collision repair industry with premium refinish solutions.
“Our partnership brings together our key strengths: BASF Coatings’ globally recognised, high quality refinish solutions and SAPE’s deep market knowledge and technical expertise,” BASF Coatings Australia managing director, John Ta, said.
“We are excited to capture new opportunities and grow alongside the refinish value chain in Melbourne.”