Improvements to three additional lines will follow the recent upgrade. Capacity has already increased by more than 40%, and further investment will double overall capacity before the end of next year.

“The continuous investments in Suzhou reaffirm our commitment to delivering the best solutions, quality and service to our customers,” commented Simon Parker, Director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business. “The strategic enhancements we’re making will also enable us to adapt faster to the dynamic Chinese market.”

China leads the global shipbuilding market, which has a growing demand for marine and protective coatings. This includes a particular focus on high-performance antifoulings and wind power solutions and is being met by the company’s International, Intersleek, Relest, and Chartek products.

“Improving production at the Suzhou site is another great example of the progress we’re making towards strengthening our business portfolio,” added Karen-Marie Katholm, AkzoNobel’s Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer. “The significant leap in site efficiency and capacity will elevate our local production and supply chain capability, which is essential in terms of responding to the ever-evolving market.”

The recently completed work involved enhancing the automation of existing waste gas treatment, filling, and grinding systems. Other planned site improvements include transitioning to using 100% renewable electricity by 2025, which will contribute to the company’s ambition of halving carbon emissions across the full value chain by 2030.