Akzo Nobel opens new Chinese powder coatings site

Arnhem, the Netherlands, November 15, 2005 – CEO Hans Wijers will today officially open Akzo Nobel’s new powder coatings facility at Langfang in China. The new site - located between Beijing and Tianjin - not only consolidates the company’s position as the world’s largest manufacturer of powder coatings, but will also ensure that the business’ growth momentum is maintained in what is the fastest-growing global market for the product.

Strategically placed in one of the most rapidly developing industrial regions of northern China, the new factory was constructed to replace a former plant in Beijing. Built on a 22,000 square meter site which includes scope for further expansion, the Langfang facility is being inaugurated just a few months after the company’s Powder Coatings business expanded its operations in South China with the opening of a second factory at Baoan in Guangdong Province. “Akzo Nobel’s continuing investment in its powder coatings activities in China underlines the country’s importance as one of the company’s major manufacturing locations,” said Wijers. “Our strategy of serving the needs of our customers wherever they operate is crucial to our success and the four powder coatings sites we now have in China are ideally positioned from north to south to supply all sectors and respond to general market growth.” “China is undoubtedly the world’s fastest growing powder market and the four sites we now operate here will ensure that we are in the best possible position to continue supplying the needs of those who export their powder-coated goods and those involved in domestic operations,” added Rob Molenaar, General Manager of Akzo Nobel Powder Coatings. “We also provide application and technical support to all our customers and by expanding our presence in China we will be even better equipped to maintain the highest levels of service and customer satisfaction.” As well as the new Langfang site and the two facilities in Baoan, Akzo Nobel’s Powder Coatings business also operates production sites in Suzhou and Ningbo. They manufacture the full range of the business’ extensive product portfolio, supplying coatings for the domestic appliance, IT, metal furniture manufacturing, automotive and architectural markets. - - -