AkzoNobel’s entry into the wood coatings market in India

New Delhi: November 09, 2011
AkzoNobel, the world’s largest paints and coatings’ company, today announced the launch of
their wood care solutions in India. The launch of this product line in India is expected to further
strengthen AkzoNobel’s leadership in the wood care segment, globally.
In India, the new wood coatings range will be launched as part of the ‘Dulux’ brand portfolio. As a
brand, ‘Dulux’ stands for innovation and quality and premium products. Foraying into the wood
coatings business is a big move for Akzo Nobel India and will catapult it into the big league in the
coatings market in India.

AkzoNobel plans to invest heavily in the wood coatings business in India by setting up
manufacturing facilities, training centers and building up an aggressive presence in the market.
The company will bring its global best-sellers in wood coatings to India, in a phased manner, to
offer a distinct woodcare range in the country.

According to Hans Wijers, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management and Executive
Committee of AkzoNobel, said, “India is one of the key high-growth markets for us globally, and
we are very excited about the rapid growth in the region. The launch of our new wood coatings
business here is in line with our strategy and the potential we see in India as a market. I am
optimistic about India and feel satisfied to see the increased growth momentum of our combined
business in the country. On this visit, I am also happy to announce an investment of 2000 million
INR for a multi-business manufacturing site in Madhya Pradesh.”

Mr. Amit Jain, Country Director, AkzoNobel, India, added, “Globally, AkzoNobel is seen as an
expert in wood care coatings. With the introduction of our wood care solutions in India, we hope
to energize this segment and also establish AkzoNobel India as an expert and the most
responsible provider of products and services in the wood care category.”
Talking about AkzoNobel’s sustainability vision that helped outline this wood care
solutions range, Amit stated, “AkzoNobel leads the industry in producing high quality,
technically advanced and eco-friendly products with low VOC that significantly reduce the impact
on the environment without sacrificing beauty and protection. Our Wood Care range is made with
the world’s top wood coating technology, which helps us make products that are safe and
capable of meeting the varied requirements of our customers. We want to take lead in this
category by being the most responsible provider of products and services in line with our global
vision on sustainability.”

The potential for wood care in India is growing fast, with rising consumer aspirations, and interest
in wood as an integral part of home decor. As the wood coatings industry becomes more
sophisticated and mechanized, the wood coating sector is opening up enormous opportunities for
business in India due to its domestic as well as export requirements.

About Akzo Nobel India Limited
Present in India for 100 years and a significant player in the Paints industry, the Company has primarily
operated under the ‘Dulux’ brand name. Over the years, it witnessed sustained expansion, growth and
transformation. In 2008, Akzo Nobel N.V. became owner of the entire equity share capital of Imperial
Chemical Industries Ltd., by virtue of which the Company became a member of the AkzoNobel Group.
AkzoNobel India manufactures and markets paints and specialty chemicals. With employee strength of
about 900, Akzo Nobel India has manufacturing sites, offices and distribution network spread across the
country. Its commitment to Health, Safety, Environment & Security (HSE&S) has been amongst the best in
class globally, with due care being taken to protect the people and the environment.

About AkzoNobel N.V.
AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and Coatings Company and a major producer of specialty chemicals.
We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about
developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux,
Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune
500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations
in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering
Tomorrow’s Answers Today™.
For more information please visit our website www.akzonobel.com

Media Contacts:
Country Communications, Akzo Nobel India:
Humsa Dhir, humsa.dhir@akzonobel.com

Dulux provides beautiful texture paint for your house and also helps you protect your house using high heat paint, high temperature paint, eco/environmental friendly paints, heat reflective paints, heat resistant.

DLF Cyber Terraces
Building No. 5,
Tower A,
20th Floor
DLF Cyber City
Phase III, Gurgaon
Haryana - 122002

This release was published on openPR.