AkzoNobel Powder Coatings recently inaugurated its new Chinese Technology Center in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.
The R&D facility - located at the existing Powder Coatings manufacturing site - has a state-of-the-art laboratory and will initially be staffed by a team of 20 scientists and technicians organized into Centers of Expertise relevant to the strategic market sectors.
All the Centers of Expertise (automotive, architectural, furniture, domestic appliance, IT and general industrial) and their corresponding marketing teams will be located at the center, ensuring a coordinated R&D effort and an excellent fit with the requirements of customers.
"We are attentive to customers' present and future needs and strive to look for ways to meet and exceed their expectations," explained Powder Coatings General Manager Rob Molenaar (pictured right). "The establishment of the Ningbo R&D center is another testimony of AkzoNobel's commitment to consolidating our global leadership position in powder coatings."
Innovation
He went on: "Progress without research and development is not sustainable. As the largest powder coatings manufacturer in the world, we are committed to innovation, to improving our products and providing more value for our customers in a sustainable way.
"Our Ningbo research center also highlights the increasing importance of China in our global strategy. It is consistent with our ambition of deploying R&D resources in the regions of fastest growth and major AkzoNobel presence. What's more, China has developed excellent universities where a huge talent pool is available."
Added Leon Ouziel, Director Powder Coatings Asia Pacific: "We started producing powder coatings in China in 1991. During these 18 years, we have endeavored to ensure our customers receive the best quality and service. In return, they have rewarded us with our strong market position in China.
"As this country - already the world's biggest manufacturer - also becomes a leader in innovation, this new Technology Center will put us in the best position to be the strategic partners of our customers in the development of new products for better, sustainable business."