Global paints and coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel recently announced the opening of its new research and development (R&D) innovation campus in Felling, England.
This U.K. facility will allow Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based AkzoNobel to better develop products and services for the regional and global marine and oil and gas industries, according to the company.
ey fare under extreme conditions such as temperature resistance, fire, and high pressure, or under exposure to chemicals and corrosion.
R&D Campus Features
At a cost of €12.6 million ($14.1 million), AkzoNobel’s R&D campus was designed with sustainability in mind. Features of this innovative, sustainable campus include solar wall cladding; a sustainable urban drainage system; grey water recycling; photovoltaic panels; air compressor heat recovery; and a sedum green roof.
These innovations help justify the €31.6 million ($35.5 million) invested into the Felling site since 2011.
“We’re beyond excited about the potential of the new Felling campus and the possibilities it could open up,” said Roger Jakeman, AkzoNobel’s technical director. “We already deliver products and services that have exceeded customer expectations, now we’re looking to go one step further and develop innovations that go beyond their imaginations.”
Honoring U.K. History
With the new Felling R&D campus, AkzoNobel is simultaneously looking to the future while also honoring the company’s 115-year past. Back in 1904, the company’s marine and protective coatings business unit — then known as International Paint — built a factory in Felling to produce its successful marine antifouling paint.
“As the birthplace of the International brand, we’re immensely proud of our Felling site, which has supplied products for some of the world’s most iconic buildings and structures,” said Jean-Michel Gauthier, managing director of AkzoNobel’s marine and protective coatings unit. “The new laboratories will enable our technical experts to partner more closely with our customers and deliver innovative products and solutions that meet the most demanding specifications in our industry.”