Hempel Opens New factory In China
Leading protective coatings supplier Hempel officially opened a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility today in China. Hempel’s new factory will help the company meet the increasing demand for coatings in the region. The factory – in the Guangzhou Economic & Technology Development District – also includes a new research and development centre which is the third largest R&D facility within the Hempel Group.
Hempel’s Guangzhou factory was completed in fourteen months at a cost of approximately EUR 22.5 million. With 56,000 sq. m of space, Hempel’s newest and largest factory, located in Guangzhou, China, is expected to produce more than 42 million litres of coatings per year, with a maximum production capacity of 55 million litres. The Guangzhou factory replaces Hempel’s oldest Chinese factory in Shekou, China, and employees have now moved to the new location. “This production facility showcases the most advanced technologies in coatings manufacturing”, says Hempel CEO Pierre-Yves Jullien who officially opened the new factory. “And our new R&D and in-house training centres in Guangzhou will boost innovation in the region and for Hempel worldwide.”
Footprint
As part of Hempel’s environmental commitment, the factory uses the latest technology to recover materials and reduce the plant’s carbon footprint. This includes an automatic batching system to reduce dust emissions and minimise the manual handling of powders and a recovery system to recycle solvents for future use. In addition to an air incineration unit, an active carbon filtration system, sealed surfaces and fire water collection systems, the factory produces no industrial waste water.
Ambitious Plans
According to Ethan Hou, Hempel Group Vice President, Asia, the new factory will support Hempel’s ambitious plans for growth in China – increasing production capacity in both solvent and water borne coatings. “We have a strong commitment to the Chinese market”, remarks Hou. “The opening of the Guangzhou factory with its high-tech systems and R&D centre is part of our plan to strengthen our business here.”