AkzoNobel estimates that the facility will initially yield 45,000 tons per year, with production expected to start in the third quarter of 2016. The new plant will provide for a number of performance coatings businesses, including metal coatings, protective coatings, specialty coatings and marine coatings, as well certain products from the company's decorative paints business. "By investing in this new facility we are supporting our continued growth within Thailand, as well as making progress with our regional business expansion strategy," explained AB Ghosh, managing director of AkzoNobel's metal coatings business. He added that the new site will allow the company to consolidate several existing operations, leading to "world-class" operational standards. Meanwhile, Conrad Keijzer, the company's executive committee member responsible for performance coatings, explained why it is making the bold move in Thailand. He said: "Our business in Asia has experienced strong growth during the last several years.