Global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has completed the €2.6-million ($3.5-million) expansion of its U.S. research and development (R&D) facilities in Houston, Texas.
Carried out in phases over a period of three years, the investment in the site—which employs ~40 scientists—will support the company’s protective coatings, marine coatings, and specialty coatings segments.
The Houston R&D upgrade follows an investment of €12.6 million by the company in a research and innovation hub in Felling, United Kingdom, announced earlier this year.
“Our new state-of-the-art research and development facilities in Houston enhance our unique capability to develop and deliver products and innovations with specific performance requirements for North America,” says Steve Feldman, vice president for the company’s protective coatings business. “Our development capabilities are now second to none.”
Additional capabilities at the Houston facility include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern paint application laboratory, and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. Enhanced chemical resistance testing equipment is also available to support the company’s Ceilcote and Enviroline lining ranges in North America.
“The work underlines our commitment to technology and product innovation and providing technical support for our customers,” says Chuck Hampton, business director for the company’s North American marine coatings segment.
“As well as offering a more rewarding work environment for our employees, the upgraded facilities will bring us closer to our customers by delivering new testing and applications capabilities, and help us work closely with industry to continue developing solutions for their specific needs,” Hampton adds.