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Akzo Nobel expands aerospace coatings production in France
Akzo Nobel has reached a key milestone in its EUR 22 million expansion project at the Pamiers production site, boosting capacity, efficiency, and sustainability in aerospace coatings production.
Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings has completed a significant phase of its EUR 22 million investment project at its Pamiers production site in France. The expansion aims to increase production capacity, optimise workflow efficiency, and modernise technical capabilities, while also advancing the company’s sustainability goals.
The upgraded site is designed to cater to growing demand within the aerospace coatings market, enhancing local customer support and fostering the development of advanced coating technologies. Among the most notable enhancements is the addition of a 2,000 m² warehouse facility equipped with temperature-controlled storage cells. These facilities ensure optimal preservation of raw materials and finished products, as well as improved stock management.
Enhancing safety and quality control
As part of the project, Akzo Nobel has constructed a new 638 m² waste management facility featuring next-generation sprinkler systems. These systems utilise automated zoned detection and controlled intervention technology, providing enhanced operational safety.
Quality control capacities have also undergone significant upgrades. Four new application cabins, including one dedicated to chromate products with specialised insulation and secure airlock access, have been introduced. Additionally, eight new laboratory benches with integrated extraction hoods have increased quality control capacity by 166 %.
Production efficiency and sustainability in focus
On the production side, Akzo Nobel has installed new precision weighing systems, additional paint tanks, and an automatic beads mill dedicated to non-chromate coatings. These measures are complemented by redesigned workspace layouts that improve operational flexibility and manufacturing efficiency.
Site Manager Arnaud Charmetant emphasised the importance of the investment: “By modernising Pamiers, we are not only strengthening manufacturing capabilities but also creating a more sustainable and future-ready site that will help accelerate the development of advanced aerospace coating solutions.”
The expansion project is expected to be finalised by the end of 2026, with an official inauguration planned for 2027.
