AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel has opened a new center for research at its Sassenheim site in the Netherlands. Along with a research center in Slough in the UK and Singapore, the Dutch location is now one of the main research centers for AkzoNobel's Decorative Paints portfolio.

The new facility in Sassenheim will focus on research into decorative paints, wood adhesives and pre-deco products, while Slough will concentrate more on wall paints. Recent innovations involve fast-drying paints that can also be applied and repainted at low temperatures.

The new facility will house approximately 100 scientists, bringing the total number of people working in research, development and innovation (RD&I) at the Sassenheim site to around 400.