History

 

AkzoNobel has a long and distinguished history. Since our inception in 1646 we’ve constantly delivered technical and product innovation. For example, in the 19th century we pioneered industrial-scale chemical manufacture. More recently we’ve led the way with high-tech coatings and artificial fibers.

Here are some more of the highlights over the years:

1646
Bofors forge is founded in Sweden.

1871
KemaNobel is established in Sweden. More than a hundred years later, in 1984, KemaNobel will merge with Bofors to form Nobel Industries, which will in turn be acquired by Akzo in 1994.

1895
Alfred Nobel (the man behind the Nobel Prize) founds Elektrokemiska Aktiebolaget – known as Eka – in Bengtsfors, Sweden. Its aim is to make chlorine and alkali.

1918
Koninklijke Nederlandse Zoutindustrie (KZO) kick-starts the Dutch salt industry in response to salt shortages during World War I.

1969
Algemeene Kunstzijde Unie NV (AKU) merges with Koninklijke Zwanenberg Organon (KZO) to form AKZO.

1973
Cooperation between KemaNord and Stora Kopparberg to develop a light filling material to save cellulose fibers, give low weight and improve printing qualities of the paper.

1980
The first order of Expancel is shipped.

1988 
Our first office for the Expancel business in the USA is established and is later followed by a production unit.

1994
Akzo and Nobel Industries, where Expancel was a part, merge to form AkzoNobel.

2005
Fourth generation of Expancel microspheres introduced on the market.

2009
Start up of Expancel production in China.

2013

Opening of an expanded production plant for Expancel in Sundsvall, Sweden.