Brazil. AkzoNobel has opened a Performance Coatings production facility in Santo André, Brazil, which will allow the company to be more agile to respond to the needs of local customers and the demands of the regional market.
The facility – an extension of an existing site in Santo André, São Paulo – will manufacture and supply products from the company's portfolio of high-performance industrial, marine and yacht coatings, which has been present in Brazil for 90 years.
In addition to reinforcing AkzoNobel's commitment to investing in innovation and technology, the new plant will also help strengthen the international market position in South America.
Commenting on the opening, Jelena Arsic Van Os, Director of AkzoNobel Performance Coatings in South America, said: "Our innovation expertise plays a key role in driving organic growth and this new facility highlights our continued focus on adapting to market needs to better serve our customers with essential colour and protection.
The expansion of Santo André has increased production capacity for smaller batches by 35% and for larger batches by 50%. A new distribution center also means that shipping capacity has been expanded by 50%. Meanwhile, an increase in the level of automation has improved the control of the production process and, in turn, the quality of the products.
