AkzoNobel invested more than £10 million to open a new research and development centre in the UK focused on innovative decorative paints.
AkzoNobel
has inaugurated the new global research and development centre at the Slough (United Kingdom) site that will host almost 120 experts who will focus on innovative products and technologies, especially in the field of decorative paints.
The company invested more than £10 million ($13 million) to create this major hub that will co-operate with AkzoNobel’s worldwide network of R&D facilities. In addition, in 2019 it launched the R&D Innovation Campus in Felling, a centre for scientists and technical experts working to improve marine and protective coatings.
“The inauguration of this fantastic new center will help us to continue our long tradition of pioneering new products and developing more sustainable solutions for our customers through ground-breaking innovations. As well as marking the start of a new chapter in the UK, it’s also a clear signal of our ongoing commitment to keep pushing boundaries as part of our People. Planet. Paint. approach to making a genuine and lasting difference to customers, communities and the world around us,” stated the CEO of AkzoNobel, Thierry Vanlancker.
“Our paints and coatings have a strong heritage in the UK and Ireland, touching so many aspects of our day-to-day lives. This modern, fit-for-purpose center will continue this legacy into the future. It will enable us to further our longstanding contributions to the paints and coatings industry, while helping to drive the local economy, both regionally and nationally,” added Fiona McLachlan, the technical colour director of AkzoNobel.
The new centre is located close to the AkzoNobel Dulux Academy, a facility that provides painters and decorators with expertise to help improve product, application and technical knowledge.