Dutch multinational Akzo Nobel, the world’s largest paint company, has started operations at its new Dubai paint facility in a move that will boost Middle East production, helping it meet rising demand in the region.

“We’ve seen double-digit growth in the Middle East over the last few years and we’re aiming to sustain this over the next three to five years,” said Peter Tomlinson, managing director of Akzo Nobel Middle East.

“Our aim is to continue to outgrow our competitors”

The new facility will produce 7,000 tonnes of powder coatings a year, a solvent free paint that is typically applied electrostatically then cured at high temperatures.

Tomlinson says growth is expected to be especially high in its powder coating units.

The $10m facility is set to target architectural construction projects as well as protective coatings used in the oil and gas construction markets.

Akzo Nobel operates in more than 80 countries and employs 50,000 people around the world.

The company established its Middle East headquarters in Dubai in 2011 and employs 800 people in the region.