AkzoNobel Installs New Production Line In Chinese Facility

AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, Netherlands) has invested in a new production line for water-based texture paints at its Songjiang site in Shanghai, China. The line is expected to boost the site’s capacity for supplying more sustainable products.

The site is one of four water-based decorative paints plants in China and among the company’s largest globally. The new 2,500-square-meter facility will produce Dulux products for various markets, such as interior decoration, architecture and leisure.

“As AkzoNobel's largest single country market, China has huge potential,” says Mark Kwok, AkzoNobel’s president and business director for decorative paints in China and North Asia. “The new production line will help to enhance our leading position in paints and coatings in China by expanding new markets and further driving us our towards our Grow & Deliver strategic ambitions.”

The coatings industry in China is expected to continue expanding, largely driven by the country’s increasing focus on energy conservation and emission reduction. The company says the production of low volatile organic compound (VOC), water-based paints will need to continue expanding to meet the demand.

“Our new production line will not only enable us to better meet market demand, but also help to optimize our supply chain so we can serve customers more efficiently and effectively,” Fred Moreux, AkzoNobel’s Asia manufacturing director, adds. “It’s also a great example of our ‘People. Planet. Paint.’ approach to pioneering more sustainable products, optimizing resources and improving productivity.”

The new production line features an advanced system which lowers VOC emissions. Other recent projects include introducing new solar energy systems and a more automated high-speed filling line.