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AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company, today opened its first regional Application Training Centre in Dubai that will further strengthen customer service standards and promote localised innovation of paint products.
The state-of-the-art facility will offer advanced training programs for AkzoNobel’s customers, enabling them to build capacity and deepen their knowledge of paints and coatings, with a special focus on OEMs and refinishers in industries as diverse as automotive and rail, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The AkzoNobel Application Training Centre is located in Al Quoz and will be fully operational by year-end.
Peter Tomlinson, Managing Director for AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings, said: “The opening of our Application Training Centre highlights our commitment to deepen our relationship with customers in the region, and provide them expert training on the most efficient use of AkzoNobel’s paint systems. As the first training centre serving multiple paint and coatings businesses, the facility will serve as a hub for stronger customer collaboration, and be a center of expertise for colour and application. The training programmes will enable customers to make informed choices about AkzoNobel products and also contribute to collaborative research to develop innovative products.”
The AkzoNobel Application Training Centre further supports the company’s focus on research and development, with over €363 million invested in R&D globally last year. The company has more than 150 scientists who drive innovation through an expanding portfolio of sustainable products.
The Centre houses the most cutting-edge industry equipment for businesses in Wet Paint and Powder where manual application is applicable. It will particularly appeal to automotive and aerospace industry stakeholders, who can gain first-hand knowledge about the latest coatings processes and systems. With the region witnessing positive growth in both the automotive and aviation sectors, the Centre will build industry standards and support its customers in overcoming challenges in the workplace relating to the choice and application of paints and coatings.
McLaren, the global automotive technology company behind the world-famous motor racing team and luxury sports and super cars, will have its first training at the Centre this month. This builds on its existing partnership with AkzoNobel which developed, in conjunction with the McLaren-Honda team, the Tarocco Orange livery for the 2017 MCL32 racing car. McLaren Automotive, the largest part of the McLaren Group, continues to leverage AkzoNobel’s colour expertise and technology to create for its customers striking colors that also offer high performance.
AkzoNobel products are developed on the basis of in-depth market and trend research to identify the changing tastes and preferences of the industry. Headquartered in Amsterdam, AkzoNobel has centuries of experience in paints and coatings, with its portfolio including well-known brands such as Sikkens, International, Dulux, and Interpon.
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