(AGENPARL) – mer 27 novembre 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V.
Media release
November 27, 2024
AkzoNobel installs hydrogen-powered spray booth at new automotive training
center
(AKZA; AKZOY)
One of the automotive industry’s first hydrogen-powered spray booths has been installed by
AkzoNobel at a new training center in Belgium.
Located near Brussels, the groundbreaking facility is part of a multi-million euro program to
expand and upgrade the company’s network of more than 40 Automotive Training Centers
(ATCs), which are located across the globe.
Designed to go beyond local and legislative requirements, the new spray booth highlights
how embracing the latest technologies can contribute to more sustainable operations. The
site itself – which is 30% larger than the one it’s replacing – has been constructed to be
BREEAM certified, further demonstrating AkzoNobel’s commitment to reducing carbon
emissions across the full value chain by 2030.
“The industry of the future requires painters of the future who are fully conversant with the
latest technologies and techniques,” says Patrick Bourguignon, Director of the company’s
Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “By increasing the size of our Belgian facility
by almost a third, we can accommodate more technology – such as the new spray booth –
and train more people.
“We’ll be able to show bodyshop personnel how the latest technologies can reduce carbon
emissions, lower drying times and consume less energy, helping to drive the industry in a
more sustainable direction.”
Christian Neefestraat 2
1077 WW Amsterdam
P.O. Box 75730
1070 AS Amsterdam
Netherlands
http://www.akzonobel.com
The hydrogen-powered combi spray booth is fully equipped for traditional repairs and
includes an all-in-one repairs workstation. It also has a special air filtration system which
uses “active carbon” to filter any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) generated during the
painting process. An extra high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) produces clean air (up
to 99%), which is filtered back out into the atmosphere.
A wide range of training programs is offered by the ATCs, including application training,
product and system training, and training in new digital color processes. There’s a particular
emphasis on quality improvement, process improvement and repairs to radar capable
vehicles, as well as the new generation of electric vehicles.
“By further upskilling painters, bodyshop managers and OEM engineers on a new
generation of coatings and technologies, we can help them improve operational efficiency
and reduce their own carbon emissions,” adds Bourguignon. “The investments we’re making
in our ATCs will therefore address a growing global skills shortage, while also helping us set
a new benchmark for sustainable practices in our industry.”
The company’s ATCs are part of a broader global network of training facilities that
AkzoNobel operates across its businesses. They support customers and partners across
key industries including aerospace coatings, decorative paints and yacht coatings.
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world
class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more
than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what
you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best
of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.
Not for publication – for more information
Media Relations
Contact: Joost Ruempol