Paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) announced that it is investing more than $30 million to install advanced technologies and increase total manufacturing capacity at its four powder coatings sites in North America.
The company is incorporating new extruders, thermoplastics, and bonding processes at its facilities in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA; Warsaw, Indiana, USA; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; and Monterrey, Mexico. It will unlock numerous benefits, according to the company, such as increased production efficiency and expanded application capabilities.
The enhancements — aimed at maximizing the versatility and long-term sustainability performance of AkzoNobel’s powder coatings portfolio — come on the heels of AkzoNobel’s recent investments in powder manufacturing at Como in Italy and a multi-site in Bac Ninh, near Hanoi, Vietnam, to support growth ambitions in Europe and Asia.
“As customers continue to prioritize sustainability, durability, and performance, the demand for powder coatings is projected to escalate,” explains Jeff Jirak, global director of the powder coatings business. “By staying ahead of the curve and investing in these advanced technologies, we’re positioning ourselves as a leader in this thriving market, driving innovation and delivering value to customers in North America and around the globe.”
Installing innovative thermoplastic materials in the powder coatings formulation will open up new possibilities for diverse applications and performance enhancements, the company explains. Effective bonding between pigment particles and the resin matrix is crucial for achieving durable and aesthetically pleasing powder coatings, while the advanced extruders will enable real-time adjustments and maintain precise control over the extrusion process.
One of the primary benefits of powder coatings is their strong durability and resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and UV radiation, AkzoNobel says. This durability translates into longer-lasting coatings, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and extending the lifespan of coated products.
As a result, industries ranging from automotive and architecture, to appliances and aerospace, have increasingly turned to powder coatings to enhance product performance and longevity, according to the manufacturer.
To learn more about AkzoNobel’s powder coatings products, visit www.interpon.com/nl/locations.