New Akzo Nobel decorative coatings plant in Vietnam

New Akzo Nobel decorative coatings plant in Vietnam Arnhem, the Netherlands, May 19, 2004 - Akzo Nobel is underlining its commitment to investing in Asia with the construction of a new factory for decorative coatings in Vietnam. Work on the facility, which is situated in one of the expanding industrial areas outside Ho Chi Minh City, has already started. "Asia remains a vitally important market for us and this investment is another example of the strategic steps we are continuing to take to establish a significant presence there for all our key businesses," said Rudy van der Meer, Member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management responsible for Coatings. Operated by the company's Decorative Coatings International (DCI) business, the new premises - located on a 40,000 square meter greenfield site at the AMATA Industrial Park in Dong Nai province - will significantly boost production and lead to a gradual creation of new jobs over the coming years. "This new factory will provide a stronger platform for increasing our market share in Vietnam in line with our targets for the business unit's expansion in the Asia Pacific region," added DCI general manager Jan Andersson. "Growth is impossible at our current Ho Chi Minh City premises as it is already running at full capacity and cannot be further expanded." Akzo Nobel's DCI business has been producing and selling architectural paints in Vietnam since 1992. The new factory, which is 35 kilometers from the current Ho Chi Minh City plant, is expected to start production by the first quarter of 2005. ----- 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 64,300 people in more than 80 countries. The financial results for the second quarter will be published on July 19, 2004. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.deco.akzonobel.com Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Contact: Marc Michelsen 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/2004/05/19/20040519BIT20040/wkr0006.pdf Pressreleasen som pdf