AkzoNobel to build plant for performance coatings

The project, which is supported by the Board of Investment, involves constructing a 120,000-square-metre site at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Chon Buri.
Earmarked for an initial capacity of 45,000 tonnes per year, production is due to start in the third quarter of next year.
The plant will support several performance-coatings businesses, including metal, protective, speciality and marine coatings, as well certain products from the company’s decorative-paints business.
“By investing in this new facility we are supporting our continued growth within Thailand, as well as making progress with our regional business expansion strategy,” AB Ghosh, managing director of the metal coatings business, said yesterday.
“A number of existing small operations will be consolidated into the new site, allowing us to achieve world-class operational standards.”
Conrad Keijzer, executive committee member responsible for performance coatings, said Thailand was a key market for the firm’s growth strategy. This investment will enable it to strengthen its position as a leading supplier, both within Thailand and as a hub to support the supply network through the region.
“Our business in Asia has experienced strong growth during the last several years,” he said.
“As demand and volumes continue to rise, the new site will enable us to better serve our customers whenever and wherever they need our products.”