Akzo Nobel has opened a new decorative coatings site in Langfang, northern China, to boost its presence in the country's coatings market.

The addition of the new facility-situated just south of Beijing-means that Akzo Nobel now operates three deco production sites in China, the other two being located in Suzhou in the east and Guangzhou in the south.

Board member Leif Darner conducted the opening ceremony, which was also attended by decorative coatings business unit manager Rinus Rooseboom and Wilfried Brouwer, who is general manager of the company's decorative coatings activities in the Asia Pacific region.

"Establishing strong leadership positions in global markets is essential to our growth strategy and it's highly significant that we are gathered here in China, which has a vital role to play in the future of our company," said Darner. "It's always exciting to inaugurate a new facility because it's a clear indication that our company is thriving and that we are running a successful business."

The site, which has been in pilot operation since February and provides new jobs for more than 70 people, will help to meet increased demand and allow Akzo Nobel's decorative coatings business unit to further improve service to its customers in the north of the country, where there are a number of major population centers.