AkzoNobel Performance Coatings is investing around €3 million ($3.4 million) to expand its research and development (R&D) facilities in Houston, Texas, the company announced on Friday.

The upgraded AkzoNobel facility will support the company's protective coatings, marine coatings and specialty coatings businesses. Completion is due in early 2016.

"The expanded facility will provide a central, state-of-the-art technical resource for our businesses in the US, creating the critical mass for effective R&D to efficiently support our customers," said Aidan Mernin, a director for the company's protective coatings business.

The expanded facility will be able to house up to 35 laboratory staff, with 30 skilled technologists employed initially. Key capabilities will include a dedicated area for experimental paint making, a modern paint application laboratory and environmentally controlled drying areas for conditioning of test panels. 

Enhanced chemical resistance testing will also be available to support the Ceilcote and Enviroline linings ranges in North America.

"This investment underlines our focus on technology and product innovation and providing technical support for our customers," said Mauricio Bannwart, managing director of AkzoNobel's protective coatings business. "It will be an integral part of our global RD&I function and will directly contribute to our overall growth plans."