Fresh from its separation from BASF at the end of June 2026, Surventis is positioning itself for a new chapter focused on innovation, integration and delivering greater value to automotive refinish customers.
The company's renewed direction was highlighted during a live interview at Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, where Michel Malik, Global Publisher of BodyShop News, spoke with Steve Arndt, Executive Vice President of Refinish Coatings at Surventis, about the company's future strategy and ambitions.
Having joined Surventis on the first day of operations on 1 July 2026, Arndt has been tasked with helping shape the newly independent company's technology roadmap and strengthening its position within the automotive aftermarket repair industry. Surventis now owns and develops several established refinish brands previously associated with BASF, including Glasurit and R-M.
Rather than pursuing growth at any cost, Arndt says the company is focused on becoming the preferred partner for aftermarket customers.
“From the outset, we had to recognise that we cannot be all things to all people. We want to be the best paint supplier to the aftermarket. Not the biggest, but certainly the best,” he said.
A key element of Surventis' strategy is stronger integration across the organisation. The company is placing greater emphasis on collaboration between technical teams, sales departments, customer service functions and leadership teams to ensure customer needs are addressed more effectively.
That same philosophy is being applied to customer operations. Surventis believes future success for repairers will increasingly depend on connected technologies that streamline business processes, improve efficiency and provide actionable insights across all areas of the workshop.
To support this vision, the company has introduced new digital tools designed to improve productivity, accuracy and profitability for repair businesses.
One of the latest developments is Image PLUS, a colour-matching system integrated into the company's Refinity platform. Using advanced optical scanners, Image PLUS can analyse even the smallest paint samples and identify highly accurate colour matches. The system combines optical recognition technology with artificial intelligence to recommend the closest possible formulation, helping reduce rework and improve first-time accuracy.
Surventis has also developed Light Assist, a technology that visually presents colour-match options using data from the company's extensive paint database. By giving technicians greater confidence in selecting the correct colour, the system helps accelerate the matching process while reducing material waste and improving workshop efficiency.
According to Arndt, these technologies are not simply about introducing new tools but about helping customers operate more effectively in an increasingly competitive business environment.
The company also plans to leverage its long-standing relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide repairers with paint technologies and processes that align closely with modern vehicle requirements.
“Ultimately, it should serve our customers, save them money and help them do better business,” said Arndt.
Just a few months after becoming an independent organisation, Surventis appears focused on building closer customer partnerships and developing solutions that address the real operational challenges facing repair businesses. By combining advanced technology with a strong aftermarket focus, the company aims to establish itself as a leading partner for bodyshops seeking greater accuracy, efficiency and profitability.
