- AkzoNobel is investing €10 million in its UK R&D site.
- A fire protection lab and a polymer lab for powder coatings are being added.
- The fire protection lab will be completed early next year.
- The polymer lab will be completed by the end of the year.
Investment in R&D
AkzoNobel is investing almost €10 million to enhance the innovative capabilities of its Felling site in north-east England. This site is known for developing performance coatings used on iconic structures and ships worldwide.
New Facilities
The investment includes the addition of a fire protection testing laboratory and a polymer lab for powder coatings. These new facilities will complement the existing R&D infrastructure, which already includes a Marine and Yacht lab and a Central Analytical and Technology Center.
Completion Timeline
The fire protection lab, aimed at developing coatings for the rapidly growing fire protection market, is expected to be completed early next year. The polymer lab, which will optimize AkzoNobel's 20 years of experience in polymer development, is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Focus on Innovation
These new labs will transform the Felling site into a research hub focused on innovation and the development of new performance coatings technology. The site currently employs over 260 R&D employees and is already a key innovation center for AkzoNobel.
