 "AkzoNobel opens technology center in Shanghai")
AkzoNobel inaugurated its new Euro 6.5 million technology center in Songjiang (Shanghai). The center, the company’s largest research facility in China, will support product innovation and the development of next-generation paints, coatings and specialty chemicals.
Equipped with a full array of state-of-the-art material analysis and performance testing facilities, the center currently employs 150 scientists, which is expected to rise to 200 by 2020. The majority of the products supported by the new facility will be waterborne and powder-based, in line with the company's ambitions to develop more eco-premium solutions.
“Innovation and locally developed products and solutions are critical to ensuring that we continue to create everyday essentials that make people's lives more liveable and inspiring,” said Klaas Kruithof, RD&I Director of AkzoNobel’s performance coatings business.
Dr Lin Liangqi, president of AkzoNobel China and managing director of the company's decorative paints business in China and North Asia, said, “China accounts for between ten and 15 percent of global RD&I investment annually. With Asia, and especially China, upgrading its manufacturing industry protocols, innovative solutions with strong sustainability features will be key to future success. The new center will therefore play a vital role in supporting manufacturing, as well as future markets, such as solar and wind power.”
AkzoNobel employs over 7,500 people in China (including 500 in RD&I), while revenue in China totalled Euro 1.8 billion in 2015. The company operates more than 30 production sites across the country, with RD&I resources allocated to 26 of them to support local customers.
Equipped with a full array of state-of-the-art material analysis and performance testing facilities, the center currently employs 150 scientists, which is expected to rise to 200 by 2020. The majority of the products supported by the new facility will be waterborne and powder-based, in line with the company's ambitions to develop more eco-premium solutions.
“Innovation and locally developed products and solutions are critical to ensuring that we continue to create everyday essentials that make people's lives more liveable and inspiring,” said Klaas Kruithof, RD&I Director of AkzoNobel’s performance coatings business.
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AkzoNobel invested a total of Euro 347 million in research and development during 2015, with a strong focus on sustainability. The company is also looking to increase its revenue from downstream eco-premium solutions to 20 percent of revenue by 2020. In China, it has already reached 30 percent.
Dr Lin Liangqi, president of AkzoNobel China and managing director of the company's decorative paints business in China and North Asia, said, “China accounts for between ten and 15 percent of global RD&I investment annually. With Asia, and especially China, upgrading its manufacturing industry protocols, innovative solutions with strong sustainability features will be key to future success. The new center will therefore play a vital role in supporting manufacturing, as well as future markets, such as solar and wind power.”
AkzoNobel employs over 7,500 people in China (including 500 in RD&I), while revenue in China totalled Euro 1.8 billion in 2015. The company operates more than 30 production sites across the country, with RD&I resources allocated to 26 of them to support local customers.