AkzoNobel closes and relocates production facilities
AkzoNobel plans to close its production sites in Wapenveld (Netherlands) and Machelen (Belgium) and relocate production to other sites in the region. The planned closures are part of the company's multi-year industrial restructuring program.
The plant closures at AkzoNobel follow last year's announcements regarding three production sites in Europe and Africa and the recent rationalization plans for Montataire in France. AkzoNobel's industrial transformation is a strategic priority aimed at improving operations and reducing complexity. By focusing on anchor sites that offer greater scale and improved efficiency, the company aims to reduce operating costs and optimize its industrial network to improve competitiveness and drive sustainable growth.
Capital allocation will increasingly focus on anchor sites that will also enable future innovation. Recent examples include the modernization of facilities and processes at the company's aerospace coatings site in Pamiers, France, and new research laboratories in Sassenheim, the Netherlands. All affected parties have been informed about the intended closures of Wapenveld and Machelen and the next steps to be taken in consultation with local employee representatives.