AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - AkzoNobel has announced plans to invest a total of more than €50 million in China to build new manufacturing facilities for its Powder Coatings and Decorative Paints businesses.

Both new facilities will be located in Chengdu, with the powder facility scheduled to open in 2014 and the decorating paints site starting production in 2015.

The announcement follows the recent start-up of commercial production of Bermocoll cellulose derivatives at the company's multi-site in Ningbo, which will serve customers throughout the region and AkzoNobel's own decorative paints business. Cellulose derivatives are used in water-based paints and building additives applications.

Chengdu is one of the fastest-growing cities in southwestern China and has consistently delivered double-digit growth over the last two decades. It has established itself as an important industrial hub, resulting in high demand for quality powder coatings and decorative paint, which is expected to remain strong as the area continues to develop.