The facility will manufacture and supply products from the company’s International portfolio of high performance industrial, marine and yacht coatings.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: AkzoNobel NV has opened a performance coatings production centre in Santo Andre, Brazil, enabling the company to be more active in responding to local customer needs and regional market demands.
The facility is an expansion of an existing site in Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, and will manufacture and supply products from the company’s International portfolio of high performance industrial, marine and yacht coatings, which has been present in Brazil for 90 years.
As well as strengthening AkzoNobel’s commitment to investing in innovation and technology, the new plant will also help to strengthen International’s market position in South America.
The Santo Andre expansion has increased production capacity for smaller batches by 35 percent and for larger batches by 50 percent. A new distribution centre also means shipping capacity has been expanded by 50 percent. Meanwhile, an increase in the level of automation has improved the control of the production process and, in turn, the quality of the products.
International products provide protection for ships, yachts, infrastructure projects and buildings around the world, including the world-famous Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
“The investment will add further momentum to the instrumental role International is playing in helping AkzoNobel to strategically diversify its markets and expand its presence throughout South America,” said Jelena Arsic Van Os, director of AkzoNobel Performance Coatings, South America.
“AkzoNobel stands out for having excellent products and services and an extraordinary customer base in this region of key importance for the company. It certainly makes the difference in such a competitive market,” added Pablo Ribeiro, business manager for marine and protective coatings, South America.
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