AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its Waukegan, IL, facility in the US, the company’s biggest aerospace coatings production site.

In addition to increasing capacity, installing new machinery and introducing more automated processes, the two-phase project will also include creating a new warehouse space just across the state border in Wisconsin.

“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry,” says Patrick Bourguignon, director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Demand for air travel is expected to grow significantly over the next few years and we want to make sure our customers are able to meet that demand with aircraft of the highest quality.

The Waukegan site covers 11 acres and employs around 200 people. It produces a wide range of aerospace coatings, including primers, basecoats and clearcoats, and pre-treatment coatings. It also has its own color center. 

Ongoing improvements will include setting up a liquid pre-batch area, installing high-speed dissolvers and creating a rapid service unit to help provide faster turnaround for delivering coatings to the maintenance, repair and operations market. 

Moving the warehousing to Pleasant Prairie in Wisconsin will also free up space in Waukegan, enabling the company to produce more customized coatings and respond faster to customer needs. 

“Our customers demand – and deserve – top-of-the-line coatings,” adds Martijn Arkesteijn, global operations director, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings. “We’ll be able to provide current and future customers with even more flexibility through the delivery of large batch sizes, better responsiveness to market needs and shorter lead time for color development.”

The investment is part of AkzoNobel’s Industrial Excellence program, which is designed to improve operations and reduce complexity. By focusing on anchor sites that offer greater scale and improved efficiencies, the company aims to lower operating costs and optimize its industrial network to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.