AkzoNobel is investing €50 million to upgrade its Waukegan, Illinois, facility, the company’s largest aerospace coatings production site in the United States.

The two-phase project is designed to increase production capacity through new machinery and expanded automation. It also includes the creation of a new warehouse space located just across the state border in Wisconsin to support logistics and supply operations.

“This investment will increase our comprehensive North American supply capability and solidify our position as a frontrunner in the aerospace coatings industry,” said 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 investment supports AkzoNobel’s aerospace coatings business as aircraft manufacturers and maintenance providers prepare for increased global air travel demand.