Nestled on Sprowl Rd in Huron Township and visible from Route 2 is AkzoNobel. While you've likely registered its presence driving by before, you may never have considered the actual impact and reach of this advanced manufacturing facility. Headquartered in the Netherlands and boasting over 34,500 employees worldwide, the AkzoNobel Huron plant is a key player in the coatings side of this international corporation. The primary product manufactured at the Huron facility is coatings for packaging for the beer and beverage business.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail food and beverage industry has been slammed, keeping the shelves of grocery stores stocked. The cans for which AkzoNobel provides products need to be coated both inside and out. A thin interior coating helps to protect the quality, flavor, and safety of the contents, while external coatings are used to protect the can and the decorative elements, such as inks. Typically, the packaging cans they coat are used for drinks, fish, meat, soups, vegetables, and fruit. When it comes to beverage cans, you might be interested to learn that if you pick one up, anywhere in the world, there’s a 50% chance it will have AkzoNobel coatings on it somewhere. 

Even prior to growth in the retail food and beverage segment, the AkzoNobel Huron site was solidifying its presence within the corporate structure. Huron is one of only two full chemical plants in North America for the company (meaning they produce resins, not just mixing). Its volume capabilities are unmatched, being the only company site shipping by rail car and truck load. Paired with strong management, these factors have enabled the site to receive ongoing capital allocations, and in 2020, commitment to build a new resin pilot plant on site.

Having just broken ground on the new plant, the $6.14 million project will construct a new, three-story Resin Pilot Plant, one pilot reactor system, and one scale-up reactor system. This new plant will allow for research and development and will have staff that flex in hopes to continue to diversify the product at the site and expand.

In 2020 a new phrase has been coined - "essential business." AkzoNobel Huron seems to be doubly essential - for their packaging and other customers, and within the sophisticated structure of its international company. We're proud to have this operation right here in Erie County.

The 12 Days of Development email series recognizes and celebrates another year of progress in Erie County, Ohio. Throughout the weeks of December, you will receive email spotlights on a company investing, improving and innovating in our community. We can't capture it all, so let us know a neighbor we missed or what activities you've got planned to make the 2021 list! #ErieCounty12Days