AkzoNobel N.V. (www.akzonobel.com)has started operations at its new Powder Coatings plant in Dubai. The facility will significantly increase capacity for the company’s Interpon and Resicoat products. The state-of-the art site is AkzoNobel’s sixth manufacturing plant in the Middle East and its 30th producing powder coatings around the world. The plant will target growing regional demand for decorative powder coatings – particularly from the architectural sector – as well as functional products used in the oil and gas and construction markets.
Commenting on the start of operations, Peter Tomlinson, managing director of AkzoNobel Middle East, said: "The new plant in Dubai underlines our commitment to the Middle East, where our aim is to continue to outgrow our competitors."
AkzoNobel has been bolstering its operations in the region in recent years with a series of strategic investments. In 2013, the company acquired a 50% stake and management control in Sadolin Paints Oman, a manufacturer of decorative paints and performance coatings.