- AkzoNobel invests €50 million to upgrade its Waukegan, Illinois facility.
- The project includes new machinery, automation, and a new warehouse in Wisconsin.
- Waukegan site produces primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and pre-treatment coatings.
- Investment aims to enhance North American supply and reduce lead times.
Investment Overview
AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to enhance its Waukegan, Illinois facility, the largest aerospace coatings production site in the US. This two-phase project aims to increase capacity, introduce new machinery, and implement more automated processes.
Facility Upgrades
The Waukegan site, covering 11 acres and employing around 200 people, will see significant improvements. These include setting up a liquid pre-batch area, installing high-speed dissolvers, and creating a rapid service unit to expedite coatings delivery to the maintenance, repair, and operations market.
Warehouse Expansion
A new warehouse will be established across the state border in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This move will free up space in Waukegan, allowing for more customized coatings production and faster response to customer needs.
Strategic Goals
The investment is part of AkzoNobel’s Industrial Excellence program, which focuses on improving operations and reducing complexity. By enhancing anchor sites, the company aims to lower operating costs, optimize its industrial network, and drive sustainable growth.
