Who is Akzo Nobel?
Akzo Nobel has evolved as a vast, yet focused corporation. Illustration of the degree of professionalism and capable means by which the company functions lies in Akzo Nobel's ISO 9001 certification. This type of international certification pertains to quality standards in the design, production, installation and servicing of a given company's products. It is not a certification within the paint industry, but is a certification standard for all industries regarding how that manufacturer functions as an organization. ISO 9001 certification is difficult to attain; it requires discipline on every level, and the achievement of excellence in how the business is executed.
Akzo Nobel employs over 9,000 people in the United States and Canada, and employs over 70,000 world-wide. 350 facilities are operated in 50 coutnries - North American operations represent 150 of those facilities.
The main North American research facility, located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, houses more than 140 scientists. An additional 120 scientists are employed in Durham, North Carolina, and 200 in Maryland. 60 scientists and researchers work in the Pasadena, Texas location.
Continuous quality improvement is engrained throughout the corporate culture of Akzo Nobel; it is a way of life. The company works closely with its customers, employees and vendors to refine its high-quality products and services.
Akzo Nobel is committed to the environment. There is a deep-seated committment to preventing or reducing environmental impact in all phases of business operation. Their Gallipolis Ferry, West Virginia plant reduced ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) emissions 41 percent over a three month period, and by 83 percent within 9 months. In Morris, Illinois, 8 million pounds of waste was going to the landfill over the period of a year. Employees now recycle the material, reducing landfill waste and creating cost savings in recovered material.
The Autowave line of car refinishing products all use water as the major solvent which far exceeds even the strictest environmental standards. This helps to cut VOC emissions from body shops by at least 60 percent.
Akzo Nobel produces the products that make it possible to produce lead-free gasoline.
They also develop and market systems for the removal of contaminants from wastewater, process water, groundwater and gas streams; these systems extract dissolved hydrocarbons and absorb dispersed oil from water. Under development is the technology of removing heavy metals from water, and for cleaning aerosols and air streams.