AkzoNobel advances efforts to optimise its industrial footprint across Europe.

AkzoNobel has announced plans to close its manufacturing facilities in Wapenveld, the Netherlands, and Machelen, Belgium, with production to be consolidated at other sites within the region.

The planned closures are part of AkzoNobel’s ongoing multi-year industrial transformation program. They follow previous announcements made last year concerning three manufacturing sites in Europe and Africa, as well as the more recent streamlining initiative for the Montataire site in France.

AkzoNobel’s industrial transformation is a strategic priority aimed at streamlining operations and reducing complexity. By concentrating on key anchor sites that provide greater scale and enhanced efficiency, the company seeks to lower operating costs and optimise its industrial network, thereby strengthening its competitiveness and supporting long-term sustainable growth.

Capital allocations will increasingly prioritise anchor sites, enabling both operational efficiency and future innovation. Recent investments reflect this strategy, such as equipment and process enhancements at the aerospace coatings facility in Pamiers, France, and the establishment of new research laboratories in Sassenheim, the Netherlands.

All relevant stakeholders have been informed of the planned closures of the Wapenveld and Machelen sites, along with the proposed next steps, which remain subject to consultation with local employee representatives.

Source: Akzonobel