AkzoNobel Improved its Chinese Plant to Accommodate Rising Coatings Demand

A fully upgraded and automated manufacturing line is now operational at AkzoNobel's Suzhou facility in China, as part of a €14 million investment to accelerate expansion and increase the plant's capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.

The current improvement, which will increase daily capacity by more than 40%, will be followed by modifications to three more lines, resulting in a doubling of total capacity by the end of next year.

"The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality, and service to our customers," says Simon Parker, Director of AkzoNobel's Marine & Protective Coatings division. "The strategic enhancements we're making will also enable us to adapt faster to the dynamic Chinese market."

China, which leads the global shipbuilding business, is seeing an increase in demand for marine and protective coatings. This demand, which includes a strong emphasis on high-performance antifoulings and wind power solutions, is being addressed by the company's International, Intersleek, RELEST, and Chartek products.

"Improving production at the Suzhou site is another great example of the progress we're making towards strengthening our business portfolio," says Karen-Marie Katholm, AkzoNobel's Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer. "The significant leap in site efficiency and capacity will elevate our local production and supply chain capability, which is essential in terms of responding to the ever-evolving market."

The recently completed work includes improving the automation of existing waste gas treatment, filling, and grinding facilities. Other planned site enhancements include speeding Suzhou's transition to 100% renewable power by 2025, which will help the firm meet its goal of halving carbon emissions throughout the whole value chain by 2030.

Since 2008, the Suzhou factory in eastern China has served as a key center for the delivery of marine and protective coatings.

Recent projects using AkzoNobel goods include China's largest wind farm and the country's first domestically produced large cruise ship.

Source: AkzoNobel