June 26, 2015
AkzoNobel Performance Coatings is investing around €3 million ($3.4 million) to expand its research and development facilities in Houston, Texas.
The upgraded facility will support the company's Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses. Completion is due in early 2016.
"The expanded facility will provide a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in the US, creating the critical mass for effective R&D to efficiently support our customers," said Aidan Mernin, RD&I Director for Protective Coatings.
The expanded facility will be able to house up to 35 laboratory staff, with 30 skilled technologists employed initially. Key capabilities will include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern paint application laboratory and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. Enhanced chemical resistance testing will also be available to support the Ceilcote and Enviroline linings ranges in North America.
"This investment underlines our focus on technology and product innovation and providing technical support for our customers," said Mauricio Bannwart, Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Protective Coatings business. "It will be an integral part of our global RD&I function and will directly contribute to our overall growth plans."
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AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. Calling on centuries of expertise, we supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and sustainable technologies designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability, we are committed to making life more liveable and our cities more human.
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