The project, which provides the basis for a variety of future investments in grassroots chemicals production facilities, would involve building plants for the manufacture of ethylene amines and chelating agents. The company also intends to produce organic peroxides on the site. More details about these intended investments will be announced early next year.
"This is a clear signal that our growth strategy is gathering momentum," said Leif Darner, the Akzo Nobel board member responsible for Chemicals. "China is becoming increasingly important for us, driven mainly by growing demand in the country. Lower production costs are also an important factor. This new multi-site represents an excellent opportunity for us to invest in a key strategic market where we are continuing to target expansion plans for our refocused Chemicals businesses."
The company already operates two production sites in Ningbo (Polymer Chemicals and Powder Coatings) and receives excellent cooperation from the local government.
The NCIZ not only offers excellent transport links, with a seaport located nearby, but official approval has also been given for a petrochemical cracker to be installed within the complex, which will give access to a number of basic raw materials.
Akzo Nobel currently operates eight Chemicals production plants in China, while the Coatings business has 13 facilities. The company has set a target for combined sales of more than USD 1 billion in China by 2010.
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