Akzo Nobel will open an R&D center in Pontiac, MI, U.S., for its car refinishes business. Along with the R&D facilities, Akzo Nobel will also build a new dispersion facility to produce Sikkens Autobase Plus car refinish paint for the North American region.

"This new R&D and production facility underscores our ambition to grow the Car Refinishes business in the U.S. market," said Rudy van der Meer, Akzo Nobel's board member responsible for coatings. "Technological expertise is of paramount importance for coatings in general and for car refinishes in particular and these investments will enhance our global technological leadership."

The $30 million redevelopment of the Pontiac site will involve demolishing old and building new manufacturing units. Construction will start later this year, according to the company.

R&D activities presently housed in Troy, MI will be relocated to the new facilities in Pontiac.