AkzoNobel opens Elotex production facility in China

AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals has officially opened a new production site in Shanghai, China, for its Elotex building material additives business.

The facility, which produces redispersible powder polymers, has an annual capacity of around 20,000 tons and brings the total number of Elotex manufacturing plants worldwide to five.

"The new manufacturing plant in Shanghai is primarily focused to better serve our Chinese and Asia Pacific customers for Elotex products," said Rob Frohn, the AkzoNobel Board member responsible for Specialty Chemicals. "The completion of this project is another important step in our ambition to increase our presence in the region."

Added Martin Riswick, General Manager of Elotex: "We established our Asia Pacific Regional Technical Center in Shanghai six years ago in order to help serve the fast growing market. We've also been heavily involved in the development of the dry mix mortar industry in China, which has led to the establishment of the new production facility."

Redispersible polymer powders are used in dry mix mortar applications, primarily for the construction industry. These applications include thermal insulation systems, flooring, tiling, repairing and waterproofing.

Elotex has more than 40 years of experience as a leading provider of performance additives for the dry mix mortar industry. The business' four other manufacturing sites are located in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and the United States.

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AkzoNobel is proud to be one of the world's leading industrial companies. Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we make and supply a wide range of paints, coatings and specialty chemicals - pro forma 2007 revenue totaled €14.4 billion. In fact, we are the largest global paints and coatings company. As a major producer of specialty chemicals we supply industries worldwide with quality ingredients for life's essentials. We think about the future, but act in the present. We're passionate about introducing new ideas and developing sustainable answers for our customers. That's why our 60,000 employees - who are based in more than 80 countries - are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today.