Dutch multinational paint company AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its largest aerospace coatings production site — based in Waukegan, Illinois.
The investment will increase capacity, install new machinery and introduce more automated processes.
The two-phase project will also include creating a new warehouse space just across the state border in Wisconsin. AkzoNobel said moving this warehousing facility will free up more space at the Waukegan facility.
“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry,” said Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business.
“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.”
The Waukegan site covers 11 acres and employs around 200 people. The facility produces coatings such as primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and pre-treatment coatings, and also has its own colour centre.
Ongoing improvements will include setting up a liquid pre-batch area, installing high-speed dissolvers, and creating a rapid service unit to help provide faster turnaround for delivering coatings to the maintenance, repair, and operations market.