This is part of a ¢ã14 million investment designed to accelerate growth and double the plant¡¯s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.

A newly updated and automated production line is up and running at AkzoNobel¡¯s Suzhou site in China, part of a ¢ã14 million investment designed to accelerate growth and double the plant¡¯s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.

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

¡°The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality and service to our customers,¡± explains 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.¡±

There¡¯s growing demand for marine and protective coatings in China as it leads the global shipbuilding market. This demand includes a particular focus on high-performance antifoulings and wind power solutions and is being met 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,¡± adds 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 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.

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

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.