AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has completed a major phase of a €22 million investment at its production facility in Pamiers, France, strengthening its ability to develop and manufacture advanced aerospace coating solutions that support the evolving needs of aircraft manufacturers, completion centres and cabin refurbishment specialists.
The expansion is designed to increase AkzoNobel’s European production capacity while enhancing technical capabilities, improving operational efficiency and accelerating the development of next-generation coating technologies for the global aerospace industry.
A major part of the investment includes the construction of a new 2,000-square-metre warehouse, providing additional storage space for raw materials and finished products. The facility incorporates advanced temperature-controlled storage systems to help preserve product quality while improving inventory management and production efficiency.
The company has also commissioned a new 638-square-metre waste management facility, equipped with advanced sprinkler technology and automated safety systems to strengthen environmental performance and operational safety.
AkzoNobel has significantly upgraded its Quality Control laboratories, installing four new application cabins together with a dedicated cabin for chromate products featuring specialised insulation and secure airlock access. The addition of eight new laboratory benches fitted with integrated extraction systems has increased the site’s quality control capacity by 166%, enabling faster product testing and validation.
Production capabilities have also been enhanced through new precision weighing equipment, additional paint tanks and an automated beads mill dedicated to manufacturing next-generation non-chromate aerospace coatings. A redesigned production layout further improves workflow efficiency and manufacturing flexibility.
For the aircraft interiors and finishing sector, the investment supports the growing demand for high-performance coatings that not only enhance the external appearance of aircraft but also protect interior and exterior components from wear, corrosion and environmental exposure. Advanced aerospace coatings are increasingly playing a vital role in extending the life of cabin monuments, galleys, cargo compartments and composite structures while helping airlines maintain a premium cabin appearance throughout an aircraft’s lifecycle.
The development also aligns with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainability. New-generation coating technologies are designed to reduce environmental impact while delivering improved durability, lower maintenance requirements and enhanced aesthetic performance, supporting airlines and OEMs as they modernise fleets with more environmentally responsible materials.
“The investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the aerospace industry with the capacity, quality and innovation our customers need,” said Arnaud Charmetant, Site Manager at AkzoNobel. “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 overall expansion project remains on schedule, with the remaining construction work and equipment installation expected to be completed by the end of 2026, followed by an official inauguration of the upgraded facility in 2027. The investment further reinforces AkzoNobel’s position as a key supplier of advanced coating technologies supporting the future of aircraft exteriors, cabin interiors and sustainable aviation finishes.
