A new laboratory complex that can test new products in a range of conditions that mimic the world’s most extreme environments was officially opened by AkzoNobel (www.akzonobel.com) earlier this month.

Located in Felling (Gateshead), the R&D innovation campus fuses the site’s 115-year history of product development with ‘state of the art’ facilities designed to keep AkzoNobel at the forefront of the coatings industry.

The focus will be on continuing to deliver cutting-edge innovations and products for the marine and oil and gas industries.

Jean-Michel Gauthier, managing director of AkzoNobel’s marine and protective coatings business, said: “As the birthplace of the international brand, we’re immensely proud of our Felling site, which has supplied products for some of the world’s most iconic buildings and structures.

"The new laboratories will enable our technical experts to partner more closely with our customers and deliver innovative products and solutions that meet the most demanding specifications in our industry.”

One of the key features of the campus is a new application and testing laboratory that will be used to test new products in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, fire and high pressures.

The facility will also enable scientists to expose products to chemicals and corrosion.

Roger Jakeman, AkzoNobel’s technical director, said: “We already deliver products and services that have exceeded customer expectations; now we’re looking to go one step further and develop innovations that go beyond their imaginations.”