A huge logistics hub for paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel will become the group’s largest warehousing base in China, once it is completed by the middle of 2023.
Located at the company’s decorative paints site in Songjiang, Shanghai, the new €10.3 million facility—a nerve center for production, storage and transport—will use intelligent digital technologies and advanced security management to customize storage and operation modes for different product categories.
“Eastern China is a strategically important region for us and the new facility will ensure that we’re well placed to meet the steady growth in demand which is expected over the next ten years,” says Mark Kwok, AkzoNobel’s president of China/North Asia and business director for decorative paints in China/North Asia.
“Integrating our resources will help us to effectively tackle any supply chain challenges that may arise, as well as strengthening our competitiveness and further enhancing our ability to deliver for our customers,” adds Jerry Zhang, supply chain director for China/North Asia.
Equipped with a heat-insulating and light-permeable roof, along with nearly 5,000 solar panels that will generate 1.6 million kWh of electricity, the new facility will collect clean energy and use it for warehouse and office lighting, as well as charging forklifts.
The use of clean energy, logistics optimization and the automation of warehouse operations will make an important contribution to the company’s ambition of cutting carbon emissions by 50% and moving to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
“The ongoing investments in Songjiang clearly highlight how our People. Planet. Paint. approach is driving our commitment to better serve our customers, optimize resources, and pioneer more sustainable products,” Kwok says.
Earlier this year, AkzoNobel announced that it was investing in a new production line for water-based texture paints in Songjiang. The new 2,500 m2 plant will boost capacity for producing Dulux products for various markets.
The new warehousing facility is scheduled for completion in May 2023.
Source: AkzoNobel, www.akzonobel.com.