AkzoNobel has invested in a new extension of the Yacht Paint Application Center (YPAC) located in Southampton, UK, which currently houses Awlgrip and International — two of AkzoNobel’s yacht brands — to provide new products, applications and techniques to professional and DIY applicators. The project has been split into three phases and is due to be completed in 2025.
Reportedly, two new spray booths and an adjoining laboratory were brought online as part of the first phase of development, offering an opportunity for applicators to work with AkzoNobel to help improve their efficiency and enhance their application skills while also increasing capacity for the onsite R&D team to fast-track new product development and improve response times to customer queries.
Phase two, due to begin in 2024, will reportedly include a pioneering climatic control spray booth with the ability to raise and lower temperature and humidity to replicate climatic conditions anywhere in the world.
Further developments in line with market trends will be implemented in 2025, according to the company.