Wedoany.com Report-Dec.19, Akzo Nobel N.V., based in Amsterdam, has committed €50 million to modernize its largest aerospace coatings production facility in Waukegan, Illinois, United States.

The two-phase upgrade will expand production capacity, incorporate advanced machinery, and implement greater automation. It also includes establishing new warehouse facilities across the state border in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

"This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry," says 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 spans 11 acres and employs approximately 200 staff. It manufactures a broad array of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and pre-treatment products, and operates an on-site color development center.

Planned enhancements encompass a dedicated liquid pre-batch area, high-speed dissolvers, and a rapid service unit to accelerate delivery times for maintenance, repair, and operations customers.

Relocating warehousing to Wisconsin will create additional space at the Waukegan plant, allowing increased production of tailored coatings and quicker responses to client requirements.

"Our customers demand – and deserve – top-of-the-line coatings," adds Martijn Arkesteijn, Global Operations Director, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. "We'll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development."

The initiative forms part of AkzoNobel's Industrial Excellence program, focused on operational improvements and reduced complexity. By prioritizing key sites that enable larger scale and higher efficiency, the company seeks to lower costs, streamline its manufacturing network, strengthen competitiveness, and support long-term sustainable development.

These upgrades position the Waukegan facility to better serve growing aerospace sector needs while enhancing overall supply chain performance in North America.