July 14, 2023

AkzoNobel is investing for the future by utilising advanced technologies to create step-change improvements in its North America industrial operations with the addition of a pilot manufacturing plant in Huron, Ohio and a new regional research and development (R&D) center in High Point, N.C.

"We are capitalising on data analytics to transform our manufacturing processes and enabling the flow of information from the laboratory to the factory floor to our customers, generating agility to changes in the marketplace and meeting customer needs," said John Griffin, North America regional director. "The new R&D Center serves our Wood Coatings business and brings together teams of researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds to create new solutions for our customers and immediately send it to the manufacturing production plant."

Huron's new pilot plant is one in a network of pilot plants globally and supports AkzoNobel's Packaging, Marine and Automotive businesses. The state of Ohio serves as AkzoNobel's largest footprint in North America, with locations in Huron, Strongsville, Springfield and Columbus.

The company's community of North America R&D Centers supporting the Performance Coatings businesses includes—in addition to High Point—laboratories in Troy, Mich., Strongsville, Ohio, Houston, Texas, Flying Hills, Penn. and Lancaster, S.C.

AkzoNobel's R&D Centers are transforming the company's investment in science and technology while giving customers direct access to sustainable product development.