AkzoNobel is investing €14 million at its Suzhou plant in China to accelerate growth and double capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.
As part of the investment, the paints and coatings organisation has updated and automated one of its production lines, boosting daily capacity by more than 40%.
The work is scheduled to be followed by updates to three additional lines, which will result in the doubling of overall capacity before the end of 2025.
“The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality and service to our customers,” explained Simon Parker, director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business.
“The strategic enhancements we’re making will also enable us to adapt faster to the dynamic Chinese market.”
The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality and service to our customers.
Simon Parker
AkzoNobel says it is seeing a growing demand for marine and protective coatings in China including a focus on high-performance antifoulings and wind power solutions.
“Improving production at the Suzhou site is another great example of the progress we’re making towards strengthening our business portfolio,” added Karen-Marie Katholm, AkzoNobel’s chief integrated supply chain officer.
“The significant leap in site efficiency and capacity will elevate our local production and supply chain capability, which is essential in terms of responding to the ever-evolving market.”
This latest investment involved enhancing the automation of existing waste gas treatment, filling and grinding systems.
Other planned site improvements include accelerating Suzhou’s transition to using 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
The Suzhou facility, located in eastern China, has supplied marine and protective coatings since 2008.
