AkzoNobel Powder Coatings plans to relocate its manufacturing facilities in Ningbo and Suzhou, China to the Chang Zhou National High-Tech District by the end of 2015.
The current location of AkzoNobel's Ningbo site has been designated as a future residential zone in the Chinese government's 2010 urbanization plan, therefore making it unviable for future operations. Discussion with the local Government resulted in Chang Zhou being identified as a suitable alternative location. At the same time, AkzoNobel will also relocate its Suzhou plant to Chang Zhou. This move will further support the company's integrated business strategy focused on ensuring sustainable growth of its business in China.
"The relocation of our Ningbo and Suzhou facilities to Chang Zhou presents an opportunity to upgrade our manufacturing capacity and capability in the region, allowing us to provide even better service to our customers" said John Wolff, managing director AkzoNobel Powder Coatings. "The move will also create opportunities to better leverage synergies amongst AkzoNobel businesses and improve operational performance in line with AkzoNobel's global strategy."
The current Ningbo and Suzhou plants will continue to operate as normal until the end of 2015 with no disruptions to customer supply.
Further details regarding the relocation plans and comprehensive HR plans for Ningbo and Suzhou-based employees will be announced in due course.
AkzoNobel currently employs more than 7,700 people in China, with 2012 revenue totaling €1.7 billion, the majority being generated from local demand. Currently AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has six manufacturing facilities in China, serving customers across the region.
