AkzoNobel Boosts Production Capacity in Suzhou with €14 Million Investment
AkzoNobel has launched an upgraded and automated production line at its Suzhou site in China, following a €14 million investment aimed at accelerating growth. The investment is set to double the plant’s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.
The recent upgrade, already increasing daily capacity by over 40%, marks the first phase. Three additional lines are scheduled for updates, paving the way for overall capacity to double by the end of next year.
Simon Parker, Director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business, underscores the strategic importance of these enhancements: “The ongoing investments in Suzhou underscore our commitment to delivering superior solutions, quality, and service to our customers. These improvements will also enable us to better respond to the dynamic Chinese market.”
China, a leader in the global shipbuilding market, is experiencing rising demand for marine and protective coatings. This includes heightened interest in high-performance antifoulings and solutions for wind power, served by AkzoNobel’s products such as International, Intersleek, RELEST, and Chartek.
Karen-Marie Katholm, AkzoNobel’s Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer, highlights the broader impact of these upgrades: “Enhancing production at the Suzhou site is a significant step in strengthening our business portfolio. The substantial increase in efficiency and capacity will elevate our local production and supply chain capabilities, crucial for meeting evolving market demands.”
The recent improvements encompass enhanced automation of waste gas treatment, filling, and grinding systems. Future plans include transitioning Suzhou to 100% renewable electricity by 2025, aligning with AkzoNobel’s goal to halve carbon emissions across its value chain by 2030.
Situated in eastern China, the Suzhou facility has served as a pivotal center for supplying marine and protective coatings since 2008. Noteworthy projects supplied with AkzoNobel’s coatings include China’s largest wind farm and the nation’s first domestically constructed large cruise ship.
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