AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Oct. 28, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
AkzoNobel has strengthened its manufacturing footprint in India by opening a new €20 million decorative paints plant in Gwalior, which will have an annual capacity of 55 million liters. The eco-efficient Greenfield facility - AkzoNobel's sixth factory in India - will supply a range of decorative paints and create improved distribution channels for the popular Dulux brand. The new site will also help speed up transportation times and reduce the cost of logistics. Speaking at today's official inauguration, AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner said: "India plays an extremely important role in our growth strategy and the new Gwalior site underlines our commitment to creating a leading coatings powerhouse in India. "As a global leader in sustainability, I'm also pleased that the plant has focused so heavily on energy, water and resource conservation, which will be vital in helping us to create more value from fewer resources." Added Amit Jain, Managing Director of AkzoNobel India: "The Gwalior plant will provide cost-effective access to key markets in the northern and central areas of India. This will greatly reinforce our strategy of expanding Dulux distribution, as well as improving customer service in these high growth regions." The factory has been built on 9,000m(2 )of land, with a greenbelt area of 9,000m(2), while sufficient infrastructure is in place to support future expansion plans. Provision has also been made to accommodate key suppliers, allowing for a smoother manufacturing process. Special sustainability features include rainwater harvesting and energy efficient pumping systems, while 20 percent of the roofing area allows natural daylight to flood in, reducing the need for artificial lighting. AkzoNobel currently employs around 1,800 people in India. - - - AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 50,000 people around the world are committed to delivering leading products and technologies to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing world. Not for publication - for more information Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7833 Corporate Investor Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7854 Contact: Marc Michelsen Contacts: Jonathan Atack, Sheryl Stokes Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements which address such key issues as AkzoNobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered, and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more comprehensive discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please see our latest Annual Report, a copy of which can be found on the company's corporate website www.akzonobel.com . AkzoNobel Press Release: http://hugin.info/130660/R/1738068/583148.pdf [HUG#1738068]
