A logistics hub which is set to become AkzoNobel’s largest warehousing base in China is on course to be completed by May 2023.
Located at the company’s decorative paints site in Songjiang, Shanghai, the new €10.3 million facility – a “nerve centre” for production, storage and transport – will use intelligent digital technologies and advanced security management to customise storage and operation modes for different product categories.
Jerry Zhang, AkzoNobel Supply Chain Director for China/North Asia, said integrating the company’s resources will help it tackle any supply chain challenges that may arise, along with “strengthening our competitiveness and further enhancing our ability to deliver for our customers.”
Equipped with a heat-insulating, light-permeable roof and nearly 5000 solar panels that will generate 1.6 million kWh of electricity, the new facility will collect clean energy and use it for warehouse and office lighting, as well as charging forklifts.
AkzoNobel said the use of clean energy, logistics optimisation and the automation of warehouse operations will make an important contribution to the company’s ambition of cutting carbon emissions by 50 per cent and moving to 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
“Eastern China is a strategically important region for us and the new facility will ensure that we’re well placed to meet the steady growth in demand which is expected over the next 10 years,” said Mark Kwok, AkzoNobel President of China/North Asia and Business Director for Decorative Paints China/North Asia.