AkzoNobel Launches Advanced, Sustainable Paint Factory

AkzoNobel has officially opened what it claims is the world’s most advanced and sustainable paint plant in Ashington in the UK.
The high-tech facility – which cost more than €100 million ($149 million) to build – represents the largest ever global investment by the company’s Decorative Paints business. It will become the new centre of production for Dulux, a leading decorative paint brand.
The Ashington plant uses a variety of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic cells and a biomass boiler, alongside a highly automated manufacturing process which saves water, waste and energy. The company estimates that the carbon footprint per litre of paint produced at the site will be reduced by 50 per cent compared with the production facilities at the plants it is replacing.
“This is a significant investment in the UK – a vital strategic market for us – and an important milestone for AkzoNobel,” said CEO Thierry Vanlancker. “We continue to invest in highly innovative and sustainable production facilities to maintain and grow our leadership position, ensuring the best products for our customers in the UK and around the world.
“Our growth strategy means that we will continue to lead the paints and coatings industry, both in terms of the strongest brands and the most advanced technology.”
The factory will be capable of doubling AkzoNobel’s current UK production levels to 200 million litres a year. Covering an area of 100,000m2, the facility also has expansion capacity to support future growth plans.
All manufacturing technologies within the plant are managed by a single integrated computer system. This means that every activity – from the ordering of raw materials to the shipping of finished products – can be initiated without operator intervention. A highly agile production system means the plant is capable of producing paint across the entire AkzoNobel range.