A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of work on a new paint manufacturing plant in Ashington, Northumberland for AkzoNobel.
The high-tech facility will become the heart of AkzoNobel’s UK Decorative Paints operations.
Cutting-edge manufacturing technology and the latest in building design will reduce the company’s energy consumption by 60% per litre of paint produced.
Sustainability measures will include a biomass boiler, rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting into the process water.
AkzoNobel’s UK Country Director, Guy Williams said: “We are delighted that the building of our world-class factory is commencing today. This is a huge step for AkzoNobel and for the region, and our new plant will be producing paint sustainably for generations to come.”