AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company, has inaugurated the first-of-its-kind Specialty Coatings production facility and colour laboratory in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

With an investment of Rs 3 crore, the new site will manufacture 600 kl of coatings annually, thus catering to the localisation drive undertaken by many large companies. Being situated in India, the site will supply AkzoNobel’s coating systems faster to manufacturing companies in the country. Already commissioned, the facility is in its first phase; the second phase is likely to be completed by the end of 2016, with scope for further expansion.

Alberto Slikta, Managing Director, Specialty Coatings, AkzoNobel, said, “India is a key market for our growth strategy and this facility will enable us to further strengthen our position as a leading producer while supporting the supply network. Additionally, this market shows signs of a high demand for consumer durables and electronics. As demand and volumes rise, we will continue to fortify our footprint in high-growth economies such as India and leverage success models of other markets such as Korea, China and Vietnam. We are committed to organic and sustainable growth and are confident that this facility will enable us to serve our customers better.”

AkzoNobel India currently operates six state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and two research centres, along with a network of over 8,800 dealers and distributors.