December 7, 2015

　　AkzoNobel has opened a new research, development, and innovation (RD&I) center in Strongsville, Ohio. The $10 million facility will support several of the company’s Performance Coatings businesses, including coil, extrusion, and packaging coatings. According to the company, the new facility will feature full testing, scale-up, and analytical capabilities. It will house more than 120 staff, including 65 scientists and technicians.

　　AB Ghosh, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Metal Coatings business, said that “by expanding our facility in Strongsville, we are providing a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in North America, creating the critical mass for effective RD&I to more efficiently support our customers.”

　　Klaas Kruithof, Performance Coatings RD&I director added, “This is a significant investment which underlines our focus on technology and product innovation, as well as our commitment to the North American market. It will be an integral part of our global RD&I function and will directly contribute to our overall growth plans.”

　　AkzoNobel noted that the Strongsville center is the latest in a series of investments made to strengthen its research capabilities in the region. The company recently announced that it is investing around €3 million ($3.4 million) to expand its RD&I capabilities in Houston, Texas. The Houston facility is intended to support the company’s Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings, and Specialty Coatings businesses.