AkzoNobel has upgraded and automated its production line at its Suzhou site in China to boost daily capacity by more than 40% and meet growing demand. This demand includes a focus on high-performance antifoulings and wind power solutions and is being met by the company’s International, Intersleek, RELEST and Chartek products.

The upgrade and automation is a part of the company’s €14 million investment designed to accelerate growth and double the plant’s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025.

The recently completed work involved enhancing the automation of existing waste gas treatment, filling and grinding systems. AkzoNobel says that other planned site improvements include accelerating Suzhou’s transition to using 100% renewable electricity by 2025, which will contribute to the company’s ambition of halving carbon emissions across the full value chain by 2030.

“The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality and service to our customers,” according to Simon Parker, director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business. “The strategic enhancements we’re making will also enable us to adapt faster to the dynamic Chinese market.”