AkzoNobel acquires Flexcrete Technologies

AkzoNobel has acquired UK-based concrete repair and protection manufacturer Flexcrete Technologies.

Flexcrete has been working alongside AkzoNobel since 2010, establishing the Intercrete range of mortars and cementitious coatings which have proven highly successful when used in combination with the established AkzoNobel resin-based coating and lining systems.

Flexcrete’s original Founders Graham James OBE and Chris Lloyd will continue to manage the existing day-to-day sales, manufacturing and technical operations from Flexcrete’s head office and manufacturing complex in Leyland, Lancashire, and all Flexcrete staff have been retained as part of the acquisition.

AkzoNobel is committed to a long-term presence on the existing Flexcrete site in Leyland.

Graham James OBE, Co-Founder of Flexcrete Technologies Ltd said: "We are excited about the huge benefits that the acquisition will bring.

"Although it will be very much business-as-usual and contacts will remain the same for our customers, the acquisition will enable us to build on our capabilities as a niche technology provider with the development of new, innovative and sustainable solutions for our target markets.

"We will benefit enormously from access to AkzoNobel’s Technical Centre in Felling where over 300 staff focus on R&D related activities, and we intend to strengthen the Flexcrete brand and increase sales both in the UK and overseas.

"We are already recruiting additional external sales staff to service the demand,” he continued.

Mauricio Bannwart, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Protective Coatings business, said: "This deal generates a number of synergies which will deliver significant benefit to our customers.

"We are already leaders in protection of metal substrates and the acquisition of Flexcrete aligns perfectly with our existing portfolio of products, allowing us to provide customers with essential concrete and metal protection through one dedicated supplier.

"The deal also offers us a great opportunity to pursue further coatings innovations in a number of our core markets.”

AkzoNobel employs approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, with a product portfolio including well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka.

The acquisition of Flexcrete Technologies expands AkzoNobel’s manufacturing and innovation footprint in the UK, adding to recently announced investments in the country of around €113 million.

AkzoNobel currently employs 3,300 people in its UK business, which generates revenue of around €1 billion.

Pictured: The Spinnaker Tower in the UK, a joint project between AkzoNobel and Flexcrete.