AkzoNobel to expand performance coatings R&D facility in US

AkzoNobel Performance Coatings plans to expand its research and development facilities in Houston, Texas (USA), with an investment of around Pound 3 million ($ 3.4 million). The upgraded facility, which is expected to be operational in 2016, will support the company’s protective coatings, marine coatings and specialty coatings businesses.
 
Aidan Mernin, RD&I director for protective coatings, said, “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.”
 
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. It will be an integral part of our global RD&I function and will directly contribute to our overall growth plans,” said Mauricio Bannwart, managing director of AkzoNobel’s protective coatings business.