AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel has opened a new research, development and innovation (RD&I) center in Strongsville, OH. The $10 million facility will support several of the company's Performance Coatings businesses, including coil, extrusion and packaging coatings.

Featuring full testing, scale-up and analytical capabilities, it will house more than 120 staff, including 65 scientists and technicians.

Commenting on the opening, AB Ghosh, Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Metal Coatings business, said, "By expanding our facility in Strongsville, we are providing a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in North America, creating the critical mass for effective RD&I to more efficiently support our customers. The facility will also enable us to focus on further improving the performance and sustainability of our products."

The Strongsville center is the latest in a series of investments to strengthen AkzoNobel's research capabilities in the region. The company recently announced that it is investing around $3.4 million to expand its RD&I capabilities in Houston. The Houston facility will support the company's Protective Coatings, Marine Coatings and Specialty Coatings businesses.