NORCROSS, Ga. — Akzo Nobel has opened a new production facility expansion in Pontiac, Mich., which adds 11,000-sq.-ft. of production space and an additional 150,000-gallons of capacity.

“In this demanding period where much of the automotive industry is cutting costs and reducing resources, Akzo Nobel Automotive Plastics Coatings and Car Refinishes North America has chosen to invest in an innovative new production floor,” says Jim Rees, general manager Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes.

The new facility contains waterborne production capabilities, which will support Akzo’s growing waterborne coatings segment and any future waterborne exterior topcoat activities. The facility also contains an Automatic Dosing Unit (ADU) blending site for the company’s Automotive Plastic Coatings Group.

“The expansion includes a centralized quality control laboratory with advanced application facilities to better integrate the production and QC processes and insure an accurate correlation to the customer process,” says Conrad Keijzer, general manager Akzo Nobel Automotive Plastic Coatings.