INDUSTRY NEWS
AkzoNobel opens global R & D center in the UK
A new £ 10 million global research and development center has been opened by AkzoNobel at its Slough site in the UK – adding to a growing list of similar facilities located in countries around the world .
The facility – home to 120 specialists – will act as a major hub within the company ’ s worldwide R & D network and help to further advance AkzoNobel ’ s innovation capabilities , especially in the area of decorative paints .
It ’ s the latest in a series of centers opened by AkzoNobel designed to further advance the company ’ s pioneering product development . These include an automotive facility in Poland , an Application Training Center in Dubai , an Innovation Campus in Felling , UK , and a global innovation , development and training center in Qatar for the Marine Coatings business .
“ The inauguration of this fantastic new center will help us to continue our long tradition of pioneering new products and developing more sustainable solutions for our customers through ground-breaking innovations ,” said AkzoNobel CEO , Thierry Vanlancker , who attended today ’ s official opening . “ As well as marking the start of a new chapter in the UK , it ’ s also a clear signal of our ongoing commitment to keep pushing boundaries as part of our People . Planet . Paint . approach to making a genuine and lasting difference to customers , communities and the world around us .”
The opening of the Slough facility follows on from the 2019 UK launch of AkzoNobel ’ s R & D Innovation Campus in Felling , which is home to some of the company ’ s leading scientists and technical experts in marine and protective coatings .
Adds Fiona McLachlan , AkzoNobel ’ s Technical Director Color : “ Our paints and coatings have a strong heritage in the UK and Ireland , touching so many aspects of our day-to-day lives . This modern , fit-for-purpose center will continue this legacy into the future . It will enable us to further our long-standing contributions to the paints and coatings industry , while helping to drive the local economy , both regionally and nationally .” The new center is located close to the company ’ s flagship Dulux Academy , a purpose-built facility which – along with 12 other locations in Dulux Decorator Centers and colleges – provides painters and decorators with expertise to help improve product , application and technical knowledge and understanding .
Visit : www . akzonobel . com
Pictured ( left to right ) at the official opening of AkzoNobel ’ s new R & D center in Slough are : Ambassador Karel van Oosterom , Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands ; Thierry Vanlancker , CEO of AkzoNobel ; Lord Grimstone , UK Minister for Investment ; Fiona McLachlan , Technical Director Color , AkzoNobel ; Roger Jakeman , Director – Technical and Product Management , AkzoNobel .
30 MARCH 2022 read online : www . surfaceworld . com