AKZONOBEL, a global paints and coverings producer, has strengthened its Middle East presence with a new powder coatings facility in Dubai.

The $10-million facility in Al Quoz will significantly increase capacity for the Dutch multinational’s Interpon and Resicoat products.

The state-of-the-art facilities is AkzoNobel’s sixth manufacturing plant in the Middle East and its 30th producing powder coatings around the world.

“This investment will further boost AkzoNobel’s position in the Middle East and strengthen our ability to serve the fast-growing regional powder coatings market,” said Conrad Keijzer, AkzoNobel’s executive committee member responsible for performance coatings.

The plant will target growing regional demand for decorative powder coatings – particularly from the architectural sector – as well as functional products used in the oil and gas and construction markets.

“The coatings industry is growing at six to seven per cent a year and we expect to double that. The Middle East and the UAE in particular has been the most resilient since the global crash with a dynamic construction sector,” said Keijzer.

The new plant will initially produce 7,000 tonnes a year and later ramp up to 14,000 tonnes.

“The Dubai facility will allow companies that provide services to the construction industry a shorter lead time, driving bottom line sales,” he said.

The company has nearly 1,000 people working across the Middle East. The latest facility will employ 40 people.

Commenting on the start of operations, Peter Tomlinson, managing director of AkzoNobel Middle East, said: “The new plant in Dubai underlines our commitment to the Middle East, where our aim is to continue to outgrow our competitors.”