AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its Waukegan, Ill. facility– the company’s biggest aerospace coatings production site.
The two-phase project will create a new warehouse space just across the state border in Wisconsin, as well as increase capacity, install new machinery, and introduce more automated processes.
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry,” said Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly over the next few years and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand with aircraft of the highest quality.”
The Waukegan site covers 11 acres and employs around 200 people. It produces a range of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats and clearcoats, and pre-treatment coatings.