PPG Industries and Nissan part of world-class innovation network

Nissan office

The Monash Precinct Network (MPN) has been formed to enhance collaboration and engagement between industry, research, education and government, and when this happens, world class innovation is the result.

The network provides communication, activities and connections that drive engagement, helping build relationships and foster trust.

Monash Precinct Network supports its partners by facilitating:

  • Opportunities to network, meet and engage
  • Awareness building of their brand, skills and products or services
  • Collaboration with like-minded businesses and people
  • Meetings of people and businesses that have skills other than their own
  • Attraction and retention of good talent
  • Learning of new skills, understand global trends
  • Connection with government at all levels
  • Staying abreast of what is happening in the region

One of the world-class businesses that is part of the network is PPG Industries Pty Ltd. One of their key brands is the household name, TAUBMANS® paint.

Rachel Lacy, PPG colour category manager, architectural coatings, Australia and New Zealand, said the company has developed a phygital experience. A new word to many, it is a combination of physical world shopping with digital retail.

“It’s essential for the paint industry to undergo digital transformation in order to survive,” she said.

“The result of in-depth research and technical development is COLOURSMITH®, a proprietary system that allows consumers to create – and name – their own personal paint colours that they can order from home.”

Any colour can be matched with 10 billion colour combinations available using an RGB palette.

“Looking at a limited range of paint chips on a wall in-store just doesn’t cut it anymore. Today’s consumers who are looking for an experience rather than a purchase and they want to be engaged.” 

“We’ve developed a paint shop and a colour consultant in one app. The custom colour mix is provided as a QR code, can be ordered within the app and then delivered or taken into the local paint store. It’s innovation with a capital I,” Rachel added.

As part of the Monash Precinct Network online event held on 25 November, all 17 business presenters included a short video that showcased their achievements and highlighted what they are most proud of.

Nissan’s video on its Intelligent Mobility technology was extremely futuristic with hands-free electric vehicles that keep their distance from others on the freeway, a wireless charging lane, the ability to link the car’s battery power into the grid and use at home, uncrewed cars that can deliver your packages and more.

According to Ben Warren, Nissan’s National Manager for Electrification and Mobility, these are not all concepts, they are on their way to becoming a reality.

“We are about to start two Vehicle-to-Grid trials using the second-generation Nissan LEAF in Australia, which will help us address concerns around technical, economic and social expectations and standards that need to be set to enable wider adoption of this technology.

“It’s also good to know that every Nissan LEAF sold around the world has at least two parts that are manufactured here in Dandenong South.

“Nissan is striving to meet its global ambition and global mission of zero emissions and zero auto fatalities. We are well on the way,” Ben added.

For more innovative stories, visit Monash Precinct showcase

To become a partner or join as a member, please contact: events@monashprecinct.com.au

Follow the Monash Precinct for the latest news at: Linkedin - Monash Precinct

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