Akzo Nobel invests in third biggest market for non-stick applications. Akzo Nobel opens new non-stick coatings factory i

Akzo Nobel invests in third biggest market for non-stick applications. Akzo Nobel opens new non-stick coatings factory in Brazil. Arnhem, the Netherlands, March 24, 2004 - Akzo Nobel has officially opened its new non-stick coatings facility in São Paulo, Brazil. As well as supplying non-stick coatings for the Brazilian cookware industry, the factory also produces coatings for a range of specialized industrial applications, such as automotive pistons and copier rolls. "Following on from last year's opening of our new facility in China, the establishment of a plant in São Paulo is another example of our sustained efforts to grow our global position for non-stick coatings," said Rudy van der Meer, Member of the Akzo Nobel Board of Management responsible for Coatings. "One of our fundamental aims is to continue expanding in growth areas and the new São Paulo unit will facilitate that strategy by bringing us closer to our international customers, many of whom have out-sourced production to Brazil in recent years." Added Bill McPherson, General Manager of Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings, which includes the Non-Stick Coatings business: "The total world consumption of non-stick coatings is worth around USD 230 million and Brazil is the third biggest market for non-stick applications on cookware, bakeware and electrical appliances. The opening of this new facility is therefore highly significant because it will help us to respond faster to local needs in the South American markets." Akzo Nobel is the second largest manufacturer of non-stick coatings in the world. The Non-Stick Coatings business has factories in North America, Italy, India and China producing paint and powder products used on household wares and a wide range of other specialist industrial applications. The new plant is located on the company's Decorative Coatings site in the Raposo Tavares district of São Paulo. Note for the editor Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2003 totaled EUR 13 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 64,500 people in more than 80 countries. Financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 20, 2004. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.an-nonstick.com Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Marc Michelsen, Manager Corporate Communications, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Safe Harbor Statement* This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical 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 complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please refer to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of which can be found on the Company's website. * Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/24/20040324BIT20130/wkr0006.pdf Pressmeddelande som pdf