AkzoNobel launches new coatings plant in India
AkzoNobel has strengthened its manufacturing footprint in India by opening a new €20 million decorative paints plant in Gwalior, which will have a capacity of 55 million liters/year, the company said on Monday.
The eco-efficient Greenfield facility -- AkzoNobel's sixth factory in India -- will supply a range of decorative paints and create improved distribution channels for the Dulux brand. The new site will also help speed up transportation times and reduce the cost of logistics.
“India plays an extremely important role in our growth strategy and the new Gwalior site underlines our commitment to creating a leading coatings powerhouse in India,” said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Buchner, who spoke Monday at an inauguration ceremony for the new facility.
“As a global leader in sustainability, I'm also pleased that the plant has focused so heavily on energy, water and resource conservation, which will be vital in helping us to create more value from fewer resources,” Buchner added.
The factory was built on 9,000m(2) of land, with a greenbelt area of 9,000m (2), while sufficient infrastructure is in place to support future expansion plans, the company said. AkzoNobel added tha provisions were also made to accommodate key suppliers, allowing for a smoother manufacturing process.
“The Gwalior plant will provide cost-effective access to key markets in the northern and central areas of India,” said Amit Jain, managing firector of AkzoNobel India. “This will greatly reinforce our strategy of expanding Dulux distribution, as well as improving customer service in these high growth regions.”
Special sustainability features include rainwater harvesting and energy efficient pumping systems, while 20% of the roofing area allows natural daylight to flood in, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
AkzoNobel currently employs around 1,800 people in India.
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