International. At present, the multinational employs almost 1,500 people in France and operates four production plants: in Montataire (decorative paints), Dourdan (powder coatings), Limoges (adhesive brands) and Pamiers (aerospace coatings).
AkzoNobel has announced an investment of 20 million euros to increase and improve production at two of its plants in France. With this, the company ensures that around 30 new jobs will be created.
A total of €15 million will be invested in the company's aerospace coatings plant in the city of Pamiers, which was absorbed following the acquisition of Mapaero in 2019.
"Production capacity is being increased by 50%, while the funds will also be used to reduce environmental impact and improve safety processes and working conditions," the Dutch company specializing in decorative paints, industrial paints and specialty chemicals said in a statement.
The other €5 million will be earmarked to improve production flexibility at the decorative paint site in Montataire. This is one of the company's most important wall paint manufacturing locations in Europe.
"These investments underscore our growth ambitions and confirm our commitment to supporting economic development in France," said Thierry Vanlancker, CEO of AkzoNobel.
"The Pamiers project in particular demonstrates how we are contributing to a more sustainable aerospace industry by increasing the supply of high-performance products that are more environmentally friendly," Vanlancker reaffirmed.
Pamiers' plans contemplate the construction of two extensions; one for storage and one for cleaning and waste treatment.
The project will also allow the company to move production of polyurethane exterior paints for aircraft widely used in Europe from its Waukegan plant in the United States.
Construction work is expected to begin in late 2023, and new facilities at both locations are due to be operational by early 2025.
