AkzoNobel unveils US$10 million US research facility

AkzoNobel, a Dutch company active in the fields of decorative paints, performance coatings and specialty chemicals, recently opened a new research, development and innovation (RD&I) centre in Strongsville, Ohio, in the US. The US$10 million facility, which will support several of the company's Performance Coatings businesses, including coil, extrusion and packaging coatings, features full testing, scale-up and analytical capabilities, it will house more than 120 staff, including 65 highly trained scientists and technicians.

AB Ghosh, Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Metal Coatings business and Klaas Kruithof, RD&I Director, Performance Coatings commented that the new facility will render support to their customers through improving the performance and sustainability of their products, as well as putting focus on technology and product innovation.

The Strongsville centre is the latest in a series of investments to strengthen AkzoNobel's research capabilities in the region. The company recently announced that it is investing around EUR3 million (US$3.4 million) to expand its RD&I capabilities in Houston, Texas. The Houston facility will support the company's Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses.