AkzoNobel is playing an important role in the 2012 London Olympic Games, having supplied their powder coating systems for various applications at different venues.
AkzoNobel is also involved in several global sporting events including the next Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2016 as well as the 2014 Football World Cup, also in Brazil. The London contracts came on the back of AkzoNobel’s work at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where the company provided coatings not only for the iconic Bird’s Nest National Stadium but also for seven other sporting venues including the Water Cube National Aquatics Centre, Canoeing and Rowing Park, and Fencing Hall.
AkzoNobel’s powder coatings have been used on seating sections, handrails, window frames, balconies, curtain walling and interior panelling at several venues at the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London where the Games will be held, including the Athletes’ Village, the 80,000-capacity main stadium, the Aquatics Centre and the Handball Arena. According to Arthur Moseley, UK Marketing Manager, the Olympics has been one of AkzoNobel’s major projects of the last two years.
Gaining the contracts was a difficult and competitive process, according to Moseley. AkzoNobel supplied powder coatings to the fabricators of aluminium extrusions, profiles and window systems as well as the coatings’ applicators who were looking for a superior combination of performance and cost-effectiveness.
Moseley explained that key qualities sought in powder coatings for this prestigious project included durability, robustness and versatility as the coating needed to withstand changes in the structures’ future use after the Games. Since most of the surfaces were aluminium, alternatives such as anodised finishes were not suitable because of the lack of finishes and colours, which were possible in the Interpon powder coatings range. Additionally, powder coating is also more cost effective and has excellent environmental credentials.
In addition to their track record with the Beijing Olympics and various iconic buildings around the world, AkzoNobel’s strong technical knowledge was also critical to winning the London Olympics contracts, says Moseley.
Several of those iconic buildings will figure in the London Olympics in direct or supporting roles including the world-famous Wimbledon Centre Court, which will host the Olympics’ tennis competitions. The retractable roof of the Centre Court features powder coatings from AkzoNobel. Additionally, the aluminium cladding on the exterior of Wembley Stadium and a striking mural of past football heroes at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium feature a powder-coated finish by AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel has already moved on to the next Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016 with an AkzoNobel construction team, representing businesses such as protective coatings, decorative coatings as well as powder coatings meeting contractors to discuss requirements. Matthew Osmond, Global Solutions Business Development Manager attributes their work at the Beijing and London Olympics to their track record, experience, global capability and network including a factory in Sao Paolo, Brazil that can make all the products, and offer local expertise.
These factors have helped AkzoNobel secure contracts for the 2014 World Cup, also to be held in Brazil with the coatings likely to be seen on cladding, curtain walls, seating and handrails at some of the football stadiums.
AkzoNobel, a world-leading paints manufacturer offers
Interpon Powder Coatings , a market-leading brand of architectural powder coatings.
