AkzoNobel has invested US$60 million in three North American powder coatings plants, adding production lines, increasing capacity and building a new acrylics facility to strengthen its regional manufacturing network.
The programme covers Reading, Pennsylvania; Warsaw, Indiana; and Monterrey, Mexico. It is intended to expand local production and improve supply-chain resilience for customers in automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial markets.
Reading, which produces around 45% of AkzoNobel’s North American powder coating batches, has gained three production lines, advanced bonding technology and automated process controls.
Capacity at Warsaw has increased by 30%, alongside a 10% workforce increase and a new acrylics production facility has been constructed at Monterrey.
Manufacturing network
“Manufacturing continues to evolve rapidly and our customers expect partners who are investing alongside them,” said Jeff Jirak, managing director of AkzoNobel’s powder coatings business and an executive committee member.
“This investment strengthens our North American manufacturing network, expands our advanced production capabilities and reinforces our long-term commitment to helping customers innovate, improve supply chain resilience and bring high-performance products to market.”
The additional capacity will also support applications in battery systems, energy storage and next-generation mobility.
AkzoNobel says it is continuing advanced manufacturing training and technical upskilling to prepare employees to operate the new technologies.
