The North East is an abundant source of skilled and enthusiastic people which is fundamental to our success. We are very proud to be part of such a beautiful area with a unique and inspiring culture.
Akzo Nobel
Global paint manufacturer Akzo Nobel currently has two sites in the North East, one based in Ashington, Northumberland, and one based in Felling, Gateshead. Both locations benefit from local skilled workforces and between them cover the decorative paints and protective coatings market.
Both the Northumberland and Gateshead sites benefit from supply chains that further facilitate growth as well as the surrounding infrastructure, including the Port of Blyth, Port of Tyne and access to the A1 motorway.
The £100m Ashington site opened in 2017 and is regarded as the world’s most advanced and sustainable paint factory, employing over 190 people. Due to the success and sustainability of the Ashington factory, Akzo Nobel has systematically transferred manufacturing volume from some of its older less sustainable facilities to AkzoNobel Ashington.
This move has steadily built up the site’s resilience and product portfolio. AkzoNobel Ashington can produce over 33,000 different paint colours and is now classed as the official UK home of Dulux decorative paint.
The Felling site opened in 1904 and currently employs approx. 900 people. The site has continued to grow and develop over the years and since 2011 has received a total of over £27m in investments, including £10.8m for the construction of a Research and Development Centre which opened March 2019.