A newly updated and automated production line is up and running at AkzoNobel’s Suzhou site in China. The upgrade is part of a €14-million investment designed to accelerate growth and double the plant’s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025, according to the manufacturer.

The recent upgrade, which has already boosted daily capacity by more than 40%, is scheduled to be followed by updates to three additional lines. This will result in the doubling of overall capacity before the end of next year, the company explained.

Strategic Enhancements

“The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality, and service to our customers,” said Simon Parker, director of AkzoNobel’s marine and protective coatings business. “The strategic enhancements we’re making will also enable us to adapt faster to the dynamic Chinese market.”

Located in eastern China, the Suzhou facility has been a pivotal hub for supplying marine and protective coatings since 2008. 

Meeting Local Demands

Today, demand is rising for marine and protective coatings in China, which leads the global shipbuilding market. That demand includes a particular focus on high-performance antifoulings and wind-power solutions, and this is being met by the company’s International, Intersleek, RELEST, and Chartek branded products, according to the company.

“Improving production at the Suzhou site is another great example of the progress we’re making towards strengthening our business portfolio,” said Karen-Marie Katholm, 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.”

Planned Site Improvements

The recently completed work involved enhancing the automation of existing waste gas treatment, filling, and grinding systems. Other planned site improvements include accelerating Suzhou’s transition to using 100% renewable electricity by 2025, which will contribute to the company’s ambition of halving carbon emissions across the full value chain by 2030.

Recent projects that have been supplied with AkzoNobel’s products include China’s biggest wind farm and the country’s first domestically built large cruise ship, according to the company.

For more information, contact: AkzoNobel, (629) 802-3999, www.akzonobel.com