Netherlands based paints maker AkzoNobel has begun operation at its vehicle refinishes plant in Changzhou, China.
The new plant, AkzoNobel's 30th manufacturing facility in China, will offer approximately 25 million liters of capacity for Sikkens, Lesonal and Prime vehicle refinishes products.
AkzoNobel's vehicle refinishes business managing director Simon Parker said: "The Changzhou site is designed to help us meet rapidly increasing customer demand, not only from domestic suppliers, but also from our global automotive customers that have business in China.
According to Parker, Chinese vehicle refinishes market is worth around €750m and it has been growing at around 10% annually.
AkzoNobel Executive Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings Conrad Keijzer said: "The new plant in Changzhou underlines our commitment to investing in China and strengthens our ability to manufacture locally developed product, particularly for the fast-growing mid-tier vehicle refinishes market."
The new plant strengthens company's position in China's vehicle refinishes and commercial vehicle OEM markets, building on its acquisition of Changzhou Prime Automotive in 2010.
