The multinational paint company AkzoNobel has invested £1.4 million in establishing a cutting-edge Rain Erosion Test facility at its Felling site in Gateshead. This first-of-its-kind UK facility is dedicated to testing coatings for wind turbine blades under extreme weather conditions, showcasing AkzoNobel’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
AkzoNobel Opens Rain Erosion Testing Facility in Gateshead
AkzoNobel, a multinational paint company, has inaugurated a Rain Erosion Test (RET) facility at its site in Felling, Gateshead with a £1.4 million investment. This facility is the first of its kind in the UK, specifically designed to test coatings for wind turbine blades under simulated harsh weather conditions.
The RET facility, equipped with sound insulation, a laboratory, and a 1,000-litre water recycling tank, aims to enhance AkzoNobel’s product development. The equipment can simulate real-world weather conditions, including rain and varying air temperatures, at speeds up to 176 meters per second.
The investment not only triples the company’s testing capacity but also reduces costs and enhances sustainability by minimizing the need for outsourcing. This development reaffirms AkzoNobel’s commitment to its Felling site and its workforce of over 600 employees.
Ralph Slikkerveer, R&D Director for AkzoNobel’s Marine, Protective, and Yacht divisions, highlighted this move as a significant step in innovation and sustainable solutions. The facility’s opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Freda Geddes, among other guests.
Additionally, the company also invested €3 million to boost the powder coatings manufacturing capabilities at the Felling site, further consolidating its position in the market.
