AkzoNobel expands Performance Coatings R&D facility in Houston

AkzoNobel Performance Coatings is investing around €3M (US$3.4M) to expand its research and development facilities in Houston, Texas. The upgraded facility will support the company’s Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses. Completion is due in early 2016.

"The expanded facility will provide a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in the USA, creating the critical mass for effective R&D to efficiently support our customers,” said Aidan Mernin, RD&I Director for Protective Coatings.

The expanded facility will be able to house up to 35 laboratory staff, with 30 skilled technologists employed initially. Key capabilities include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern application laboratory and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. Enhanced chemical resistance testing will also be available to support the Ceilcote and Enviroline linings ranges.