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AkzoNobel invests over £10m to launch innovation hub in Gateshead

Multinational manufacturing chemicals company AkzoNobel, which specialises in coatings and makes paints for the likes of Dulux, is investing €12.6 million (£10.7m) in a new innovation hub based in Felling, Gateshead.

The facility will be home to teams of scientists and technical experts who will work on developing protective coatings for the energy, mining, infrastructure and oil and gas industries.

Expected to be operational at the end of 2018, the main focus will be on delivering cutting edge innovations and efficiencies for protecting steel and concrete structures from damage caused by corrosion, abrasion and fire.

AkzoNobel currently employs 950 people at its Felling site and has produced coatings for well-known North East landmarks including The Sage Gateshead and the Millennium Bridge.

The new innovation hub will also offer a world class testing and simulation facility, according to the business, enabling tests to be carried out in conditions experienced in the world’s most extreme environments.

Conrad Keijzer, AkzoNobel’s Executive Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings, said: “Our work at the state-of-the-art lab will have an important impact on our most critical industries.

“More than 100 top scientists and technical experts will be working on future solutions that will offer essential protection to a wide variety of products for our customers.”

Greg Clark, UK Secretary of State for Business, who grew up in the region, added: “I am very aware of the strengths of the chemical sector in the region.

“AkzoNobel’s significant investment in establishing a new technical innovation hub is further proof that Britain is open for business and underlines the growth we want to see and support in our local economies.

“As we develop our industrial strategy, we are determined to build on the diverse strengths of all of Britain’s cities and regions.”

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