Amsterdam, the Netherlands, January 24, 2008 - Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings has opened a landmark facility in Dubai. The new factory - which strengthens the business' presence in the important Middle East market - is the company's first manufacturing site in the United Arab Emirates.
The investment, which represents an acceleration of the company's Middle East growth plans, follows on from the recent acquisition of ICI and underlines the strategic importance of the region to the Powder Coatings business.
"As the world's largest coatings company and the global leader in powder coatings we are committed to expanding in key markets around the world," said Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers. "This investment will therefore ensure that we further establish ourselves at the heart of an increasingly attractive region."
Added Powder Coatings General Manager Rob Molenaar: "There is huge growth potential in the Middle East, particularly in the architectural sector, which accounts for around 60 percent of the area's powder coatings market. We offer an extensive range of powder and liquid technologies and we are keen to utilize our scale and expertise in order to meet all the needs of our customers."
Located in Jebel Ali, 35 kilometers south west of Dubai, the new site offers a full range of services and products, including color matching, rapid made-to-order products, and technical support.
Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings is the largest global manufacturer of powder coatings and a world leader in powder coatings technology. Powder coatings are used on everything from metal furniture and window frames, to radiators, pipes and cars and even wood and plastic.
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Note to editors
Akzo Nobel is one of the world's leading industrial companies. We are the largest global coatings manufacturer and the number one in decorative paints and performance coatings, as well as being a major worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals.
We employ around 68,000 people in more than 80 countries and are committed to developing innovative products and cutting-edge sustainable technologies. We endeavor to deliver whatever our customers require, wherever and whenever they need it. Based in the Netherlands, Akzo Nobel is a Fortune Global 500 company and is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange. We are the Chemicals industry leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, as well as being included on the FTSE4Good Index. Pro forma combined revenues for 2006 totaled EUR 15 billion. The financial results for the fourth quarter and full year will be published on March 6, 2008 (preliminary date).
Internet: www.akzonobel.com
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Akzo Nobel nv
Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7833
Contact: Heleen van de Lustgraaf
