AkzoNobel Performance Coatings is investing approximately $3.4 million to expand its research and development facilities in Houston. The upgraded facility supports the company’s Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses. Completion is due in early 2016. 

 

“The expanded facility will provide a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in the U.S., creating the critical mass for effective R&D to efficiently support our customers,” says Aidan Mernin, RD&I Director for Protective Coatings. 

 

The expanded facility will be able to house up to 35 laboratory staff, with 30 skilled technologists employed initially. Key capabilities will include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern paint application laboratory and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. Enhanced chemical resistance testing will also be available to support the Ceilcote and Enviroline linings ranges in North America.