Global paints, coatings and chemicals company AkzoNobel yesterday announced that it is to invest in a £100m high tech manufacturing facility.
In a drive to meet increasingly broad customer demand, AkzoNobel made it clear that for the company to deliver the most efficient supply chain operations and reduce operating working capital in an effective, sustainable and innovative way, consistent investment is needed.
Included in the investment plan was the proposal to close the company’s operations in Prudhoe and Slough in three years time. Production would be maintained at the levels required to meet the business needs prior to operations being transferred to the new site. The intention is that Slough will remain the AkzoNobel headquarters for global research and development, and marketing.
The technology incorporated at the plant including recycling and reusing waste and water at the new facility is expected to make it possible to reduce energy consumption by 60% compared with the current operations – allowing AkzoNobel to take a sizeable step towards halving its UK environmental footprint in the decorative paints business.
After making such a large investment in its Felling, Tyne and Wear site including a new state-of-the-art fire protection laboratory recently, the new facility further cements AkzoNobel’s reputation for being focused on its strategic commitment to manufacturing in the UK.
The proposal is just that, which means anything included is to be tabled in a period of consultation with the company’s employees. If a measure is implemented, there would be potential relocation possibilities for those with the desired skill-set who wish to transfer to the new site.
George Archer
