By Sarah Silva, contributing editor. In the past few months AkzoNobel and BASF have both expanded their footprint in this country, helping to strengthen Thailand's position in the region. On 27 November 2017, Akzo Nobel signed an agreement to acquire V.Powdertech, a Thai manufacturer of powder coatings. Ruud Joosten, COO, states that the acquisition "will bring new technologies and services that complement Akzo Nobel's global technology portfolio and business in market segments such as architectural and automotive coatings". On 13 December 2017, BASF opened its first production plant for automotive coatings in Bangpoo, Thailand. This new ...