Akzo Nobel Invests About $3.4 Mln To Expand R&D Facilities In Houston, Texas

(RTTNews) - Paints and coatings maker Akzo Nobel NV (AKZOY.PK, AKZOY) said that AkzoNobel Performance Coatings is investing around 3 million euros or $3.4 million to expand its research and development facilities in Houston, Texas.

The company noted that the upgraded facility will support its Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses. Completion is due in early 2016.

The expanded facility will be able to house up to 35 laboratory staff, with 30 skilled technologists employed initially. Key capabilities will include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern paint application laboratory and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. Enhanced chemical resistance testing will also be available to support the Ceilcote and Enviroline linings ranges in North America.