AkzoNobel has completed the € 4.8 million expansion project at its Surface Chemistry facility in Boxing, China,significantly increasing the company’s regional product portfolio and reconfirming its commitment to the Asian market.

Being able to supply higher value products means AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals is now in a stronger position to serve customers in numerous market sectors,including cleaning, agrochemical, personal care (such as cosmetics), mining, fuel and lubes, asphalt and the oil industry.

Prior to the expansion, the site was mainly dedicated to producing fatty acids,nitriles, amines and quaternary ammonium compounds for chemical intermediaries and manufacturers in the fabric softeners market.

“The chemicals industry in Asia continues to evolve and over the last four years we have significantly increased our capabilities in the region,” explains AB Ghosh, Managing Director for AkzoNobel’s Surface Chemistry business.

“Having already invested in the Boxing facility to improve operational excellence,the new production capacities we now have at the site mean we are better equipped to serve the growing demands of our customers in Asia and regions around the world.”

The Boxing expansion is the latest in a series of investments to increase production in China. As well as inaugurating a new alkoxylation plant in Ningbo in 2016, the company is also on track to double capacity for organic peroxides at the Ningbo multisite over the course of next year.

“China remains a fast growing market and we will continue to make strategic investments in the region,” adds Werner Fuhrmann, AkzoNobel’s Executive Committee member responsible for Specialty Chemicals.“As well as helping us to accommodate the growth of our customers, our commitment to Asia will also enable us to further build on our leadership positions.”