AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - AkzoNobel has started operations at its new powder coatings plant in Dubai. The facility will significantly increase capacity for the company's Interpon and Resicoat products.

The site is AkzoNobel's sixth manufacturing plant in the Middle East and its 30^th producing powder coatings around the world.

"This investment will further boost AkzoNobel's position in the Middle East and strengthen our ability to serve the fast-growing regional powder coatings market," said Conrad Keijzer, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings.

The plant will target growing regional demand for decorative powder coatings - particularly from the architectural sector - as well as functional products used in the oil and gas and construction markets.