AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel has strengthened its manufacturing footprint in India by opening a new €20 million decorative paints plant in Gwalior. The new facility is AkzoNobel’s sixth factory in India and will have an annual capacity of 55 million liters.

The eco-efficient Greenfield facility will supply a range of decorative paints and create improved distribution channels for the Dulux brand. The new site will also help speed up transportation times and reduce the cost of logistics.

Speaking at the facility’s inauguration, AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner said, "India plays an extremely important role in our growth strategy, and the new Gwalior site underlines our commitment to creating a leading coatings powerhouse in India.

"As a global leader in sustainability, I'm also pleased that the plant has focused so heavily on energy, water and resource conservation, which will be vital in helping us to create more value from fewer resources."

Special sustainability features include rainwater harvesting and energy efficient pumping systems, while 20 percent of the roofing area allows natural daylight to flood in, reducing the need for artificial lighting.