The AkzoNobel factory, to be based in Ashington, Northumberland, was granted planning permission yesterday by Northumberland County Council. It will be one of the biggest manufacturing investments in the region in recent years.
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, and manufacturer of iconic brands including Dulux, Polycell and Cuprinol. Its UK operations encompass 18 sites and over 216 locations, with a total of 4,100 employees.
Due to begin building later this year and commence operations in late 2014, the Ashington facility will treble AkzoNobel’s current north-east manufacturing capacity and become the new home to the company’s UK Decorative Paints operations.
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The factory will reduce energy consumption per litre of paint produced by 60 per cent compared to today’s operations by employing cutting edge manufacturing technology and the latest in building design whilst also making large sustainability improvements by recycling and reusing waste and water.
At the end of 2014, AkzoNobel plans to close its current site in nearby Prudhoe and its manufacturing operations in Slough, which will remain the headquarters for the UK Decorative Paints business for marketing and global research and development. The Company is committed to ensuring appropriate support and development is in place for those employees at the current decorative paints factories who wish to move to the new site.
Commenting on the announcement, Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery said: "This massive £100m investment by AkzoNobel in Ashington is to be warmly welcomed. The new hi-tech manufacturing plant will bring much-needed jobs to the town providing job opportunities for local people.
"Unemployment rates are high and we need every single job we can get in Ashington. I hope AkzoNobel’s decision to locate here will encourage other companies to follow suit. I look forward to them being a significant employer in the town for many years to come."
(CD/GK)
