AkzoNobel has announced a €50 million (US$ 58 million) investment to expand and modernise its aerospace coatings production facility in Waukegan, Illinois, the company’s largest site for such products globally.
The two-phase upgrade will enhance production capacity through new machinery and increased automation, whilst also establishing additional warehouse space across the state border in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, said the investment would “increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry.”
He added: “Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly over the next few years and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand with aircraft of the highest quality.”
The Waukegan facility, which spans 11 acres and employs approximately 200 staff, manufactures a diverse range of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats, clearcoats and pre-treatment products. The site also operates its own colour centre.
Planned improvements include establishing a liquid pre-batch area, installing high-speed dissolvers, and creating a rapid service unit designed to accelerate delivery times for the maintenance, repair and operations sector.
Relocating warehousing operations to Wisconsin will free-up space at the Waukegan site, enabling expanded production of customised coatings and faster response times to customer requirements. AkzoNobel will be able to deliver large batch sizes, respond more quickly to market needs, and shorter lead times for colour development.
