International Paint LLC, an Akzo Nobel company, has launched the first phase of expansion of its worldwide research and development team based in Newcastle, UK, to the company’s U.S. operations in Houston, TX.

International Paint LLC, an Akzo Nobel company, has launched the first phase of expansion of its worldwide research and development team based in Newcastle, UK, to the company’s U.S. operations in Houston, TX.

“Historically, the U.S. market has set the pace for new technologies, specifications and VOC [volatile organic compound] reductions in protective coatings that are ultimately adopted by the worldwide market,” said Ian Walton, International Paint’s chief executive officer of the Americas. “It makes good economic sense for International Paint’s worldwide operations to invest in a market where products can be tested for immediate use, while also paving the way for a global roll-out.”

Under the direction of Worldwide Protective Coatings Technical Manager Dipak Mistry, the new global laboratory will focus on the development of performance-based coating technologies that provide better environmental compliance, long term durability, productivity and life-cycle economics in the global markets served by the company.

The new laboratory will be shared with the current U.S. development team located in International Paint’s corporate and manufacturing facility at 6001 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX. Approximately $1 million in capital expenditures will be invested over the next 12 months to upgrade and modernize the 12,000-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art testing equipment. Approximately 11 new scientists are anticipated to be added to the global team by 2010.

For more information, call 800.525.6824 or visit www.internationalpaint.com.