The two-phase project, which represents the company’s largest aerospace coatings production investment, will increase capacity through new machinery, greater automation and operational enhancements.
AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its aerospace coatings production facility in Waukegan (Illinois, USA) - strengthening its manufacturing and supply capabilities in North-America.
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry. 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,” has stated Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business.
The Waukegan site spans 11 acres, employs around 200 people and produces a broad portfolio of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats, clearcoats and pre-treatment coatings. The facility also houses a dedicated colour centre. Planned upgrades include the introduction of a liquid pre-batch area, the installation of high-speed dissolvers and the creation of a rapid service unit to improve turnaround times for the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) market. Relocating warehousing operations to Wisconsin will free up space at Waukegan, allowing AkzoNobel to increase output of customised coatings and respond more quickly to customer requirements.
“Our customers demand – and deserve – top-of-the-line coatings,” adds Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for colour development.”
The investment forms part of AkzoNobel’s Industrial Excellence programme, which aims to streamline operations, reduce complexity and improve efficiency. By focusing on larger anchor sites, the company is seeking to lower operating costs, optimise its industrial network and support long-term, sustainable growth.