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AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings introduces single-coat Aerobase solution for MRO paint facilities. Enhanced single-coat formulation to improve efficiency, consistency and throughput across mixed fleets. 66 2 minutes read AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has introduced a new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution designed to help MRO paint facilities improve performance efficiency and operational throughput. By replacing traditional two-coat application processes with a validated single-coat system, the improved Aerobase formulation will reduce application time, process complexity and total film thickness while delivering a high-quality, consistent finish across mixed fleets of commercial aircraft. Developed specifically for the global MRO mixed fleet market, the product is certified for immediate use worldwide, enabling paint facilities to adopt the single-coat process and begin realising throughput and quality benefits without delay. As part of AkzoNobel Aerospace's ongoing commitment to continuous product and process improvement, the development programme focused on optimising application control film build consistency and finish quality within performance-critical MRO environments. This commitment reflects the broader industry demand for robust and efficient aircraft coatings that support maintenance schedules and fleet readiness. Its long-established bi-monthly digital magazine *Process Industry Informer*, featuring exclusive articles, news and updates across the Process Industries, plus commentary from its three industry experts: Sean Moran Gavin Smith Dave Green * Process Industry Update - its weekly e-newsletter * PII Podcast * Special messages from its advertising partners The enhanced formulation delivers significantly improved sag resistance with approximately a 40% increase compared to the original system. When combined with a cross-coat application process, it enables a single-coat application, achieving the required hiding power and surface finish needed to replace the traditional two-coat approach while maintaining high-quality results. Field testing conducted in 2025 on a single-aisle aircraft demonstrated a 36% reduction in total film thickness compared to a previously applied two-coat system. The reduction was achieved without compromising durability or appearance, supporting both productivity and finish quality. Alongside the improved finish consistency and surface quality, the reduction in film thickness will contribute to lower operating weight, reduced fuel burn and associated CO2 emissions for airlines once final emissions data is confirmed. The development of Aerobase to create a single-basecoat application is a result of AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings' focus on addressing real operational pressures faced by paint facilities, explains Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM MRO & Airlines: "MROs are under constant pressure to improve efficiency without compromising quality. This latest Aerobase development enables a validated single-coat process that simplifies application, improves consistency and delivers measurable performance benefits. By reducing total film thickness, it also supports airlines' efforts to lower aircraft weight, helping to reduce operating costs and associated CO2 emissions. It's a practical solution designed to help paint facilities do more with less - today." The enhanced Aerobase single-coat solution will be available in the most commonly used aerospace white colours, ensuring immediate relevance and compatibility for airlines and MRO operators worldwide and supporting rapid deployment in operational paint facilities. AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings' technical teams are actively supporting MROs with process development validation and applicator training to ensure consistent repeatable results across facilities. This technical support underlines the company's commitment to service excellence and long-term customer success. The product is certified for global use within the MRO mixed fleet market, enabling immediate deployment in operational paint facilities and OEM testing and approval is set to follow as part of ongoing qualification activity. Additional aircraft applications are currently underway with two MROs covering both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. These applications, combined with last year's test, will provide robust real-world performance data which will support airlines and MROs make informed decisions when evaluating efficiency weight reduction and finish quality for their fleets. The product is planned for global rollout throughout 2026, offering a clear pathway to broader adoption across the aerospace maintenance sector. Attendees of MRO Middle East 2026 can visit the AkzoNobel team at Booth 1620 to find out more about the new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution and how it can enhance MRO paint facility operations.

Orkla Foods appoints Karen-Marie Katholm as Chief Supply Chain Officer. As Orkla Foods sharpens its focus on balanced growth, the strategic role of the value chain becomes even more decisive. By simplifying the value chain and capturing the full benefit of its scale, margins are strengthened and resources released that fuel growth - making it a core enabler of the company's long-term strategy. "To grow sustainably, we must continuously take cost and complexity out of the value chain. This is how we strengthen our margins, protect price competitiveness and free up resources to invest behind our brands. Delivering on this requires both transformation leadership and deep operational experience - and Karen-Marie brings exactly that," says Orkla Foods CEO Aku Vikström. Extensive global experience in end-to-end supply chains. Katholm joins Orkla Foods from AkzoNobel, where she served as Chief Integrated Supply Chain Officer and member of the Executive Committee. In this role, she lead a global organisation responsible for planning, manufacturing, distribution, quality and procurement across more than 130 factories worldwide. She brings more than two decades of international leadership experience from companies including Arla Foods, United Biscuits, DuPont, Danisco, Nutreco and LEGO - consistently driving large-scale transformations, operational excellence and high-performing teams in complex industrial environments. Katholm began her career at Orkla in the mid-1990s and now returns with extensive global experience to help lead the next phase of the company's supply chain development. A value chain ready for the future. "Orkla Foods combines strong local brands with international scale. That gives us significant opportunities - but also places high demands on our supply chain. To stay competitive, we need a value chain that is reliable, cost-efficient and agile, and that supports both performance and transformation. I look forward to working with colleagues across our markets to strengthen our competitiveness and build a value chain ready for the future," Katholm says. Katholm will assume her role as new Chief Supply Chain Officer on 1 March 2026. She will join the Orkla Foods Management Team and be based in Denmark.

Artisan Investments GP has acquired a 3.34% stake in Dutch paint and coatings manufacturer Akzo Nobel, according to a filing with the Netherlands' financial markets authority AFM. The transaction was completed on 6 January and disclosed through mandatory regulatory filing with the Dutch market regulator.