AkzoNobel has further extended its Ningbo multisite in China with the completion of a new Bermocoll cellulose derivatives production plant. The new site is now serving the growing demand from customers throughout the region.
Based on a natural polymer, AkzoNobel's Bermocoll cellulose derivatives are sourced from wood pulp or cotton linters. The main application areas are water-based paints and building additives. Thanks to their unique water retention properties, they improve the product performance of water-based paint and help to further reduce VOC levels.
Werner Fuhrmann, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals commented, "Our Ningbo multisite continues to be a cornerstone operation for us to deliver for our customers and help us realize our growth ambitions in this key region. We now look to extending our market leadership positions and bring our sustainable, innovative applications to the building and construction industry."
Following the start of production, AkzoNobel intends to ramp up the capacity of the plant to its 10,000 MT name plate by the end of 2014.
AkzoNobel has invested more than €400 million in the Ningbo site since it was established in November 2010. Occupying a 50-hectare plot, AkzoNobel is already producing chelates, ethylene amines, ethylene oxide and organic peroxides at its Ningbo multi-site. The products produced in Ningbo serve a number of markets including the building and construction, cleaning and detergents, food, oilfield, personal care and pulp and paper industries. AkzoNobel currently employs more than 7,700 people in China, including 500 in research and development. Revenue for 2012 was €1.7 billion, the majority being generated from local demand.
