AWFI INFORMATION – 2021
AWFI is a for profit organization that delivers solutions to the professional coating application industry.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, AWFI has been providing solutions to paint & finishing operations for 20 years. We accomplish this by providing data verification, process engineering, training.
AWFI has operated throughout the US and overseas, offering comprehensive services to the industry since incorporation in 2000.
From small shop hobbyist to large scale automated manufacturing facilities, AWFI has provided SOLUTIONS to all Paint & Finishing Professionals.
Our expert consultants who will provide you with the tools to get your application right. Using the correct coating, the correct equipment, and best practice standards, your operation will become more profitable.
AWFI offers on-site consulting services to finishing operations of mid-size and large corporate manufacturers. Our expert consulting staff from AWFI consist of professionals with over 50 years of experience in the wood finishing industry and specialize in providing total solutions for advancing finishing facilities to achieve maximum application performance and profitability.
President AWFI, Phil Stevenson

Phil Stevenson, founder of AWFI, has led the company to provide the highest level of knowledge based services to the coatings industry to over 1000 customers. The value and success of AWFI is developing independent, non-biased, third party education, process engineering, and consulting. Creating resources that are used as standards in the industry are a trademark of the company.AWFI is uniquely positioned to offer the only real world applied technology resources for all sectors of the coating industry. Connecting coating technology, equipment technology, and best practice standards to equal a complete finishing solution, AWFI is second to none in the industry.Our application engineers, lab technicians, and trainers are dedicated to provide the most advanced solution to your coating requirements. Each staff member has over 20 years of experience in their respective fields of expertise. The staff includes a diverse background experience in all types of coatings application in all sectors of the industrial finishing and coating industry.
Mission StatementAWFI will be recognized as the premier organization for coating application research, development, and training for industry; AWFI offers innovative solutions to preserve and strengthen cost-effective manufacturing. Technology and the ultimate value of human resources will be the foundation on which this goal is met. The high regard for the following values shall be the guiding direction of AWFI:
• Honesty and Integrity
• Unequivocal excellence in all activities and services AWFI offers
• Science based innovation in training, consulting, and research and development
• Responsibility and dedication to the advancement of “green” technology
• Nurturing of the human mind and spirit to become world class leaders in manufacturing
Visiting Charlotte & Training/Testing Facility
Testimonials
AWFI is a nationally recognized training provider for the finishing and paint contracting industry. Paul Linden and several employees have earned multiple certifications from AWFI. Their skills and talents became top in there class. Their on the job work quality and diversity is second to none in their field of work. Business ethics and fine workmanship convince me I would hire Paul Linden to do work for me without second thought.
– Paul Lindend, Accent Painting, INC.
Contact References
Grants Obtained for Companies Throughout the United States through the following:
California Community College/San Bernadino Community College District Economic Workforce Development
Georgia Institute of Technology/SETAAC
Workforce Florida/Florida Incumbent Workforce Training Program
Indiana Workforce Development Program/TAG
Project Work
Duralee Fine Furniture – Provided two weeks of training in Industrial I and II, Quality Control, and Antiquing and Glazing
Creative Wood Designs – Two year contract to overhaul finishing department
Blue River Cabinetry – Two year contract to overhaul finishing department
Smart Cabinetry, LLC – Produced a quality control manual bringing Smart into FEMA compliance, allowing them to handle FEMA contracts
Northrop Grumman – Training & Process Engineering
Bombardier – Training & Process Engineering
LK Industries, Jacksonville, FL – AWFI created new finishing procedures and color development systems for their Starbucks client; also wrote and implemented SOPs
Decore-ative Specialties, Monrovia, CA – Two year consulting contract to provide assistance with the design, engineering, and training on the use of a $5 million, 100% Green water based finishing system
Burger Boat Company, Manitowoc, WI – Retainer contract to provide assistance in the finishing department
Hodgdon Yachts, Eat Boothbay, ME – Contract to provide assistance and on-going consultation in finishing department
Millwork and More, NJ – Provided product development – stylized over 500 new designer finishes for new product line
U.S. House of Representatives – Training members of Larry Carter’s team in all aspects of Wood Finishing as needed.
Kemp Cabinets, Indiana – Designed and developed new marketing strategy to diversify the product line – this included the production of over 500 new designer finishes
Wholesale Door – AWFI assisted with purchasing and setting up a new automated spray system
Crown Point – Provided performance testing and evaluations of the coated trial run test panels. Assisted with the selection of the coating vendors. Wrote and implemented SOP’sFleetwood Industries – Trained Spray Operators
Conestoga Wood Specialties – Trained Spray Operators
Material & Equipment Vendors
Some of the material and equipment companies with whom AWFI has done training or is affiliated with include:
ML Campbell
Graco
Renner Coatings
Becker Acroma
Krautzberger
Mohawk
EXEL/Kremlin
C.A. Technologies
Superfici America
Cefla
Acorn Equipment
Finish Genius Brochure
Line Cards
Events
AWFI Newsletter
Course Brochures

Contact us today to achieve maximum application performance and profitability for your paint projects.

(888) 840-2934

info@awfi.org

8334 Pineville Mathews Rd
Ste 103-159
Charlotte, NC 28226