AOC opens a new pilot plant to increase speed of product innovation with customers

AOC officially opened a new pilot plant in Filago (Italy) on February 6, 2025 at a grand ceremony hosted by Stefan Osterwind, Managing Director of AOC EMEA.

Julia van Harten, Filago Pilot Plant Manager, says that this pilot plant is “really state-of-the-art”, which should help the company and its customers reduce the time-to-market of the products. It enables to produce “many different product chemistries” and “the advanced controls and versatile equipment” allow the staff to “operate under real-life production conditions,” explains Ms van Harten. “This helps to bring products to market fast, and significantly cuts down the time required for commercialisation together with our customers,” she concludes.

AOC is used to working with its customers to develop new formulations and applications that benefit both parties. “AOC closely collaborates with customers to create unique products that combine performance and a reliability in processing”, confirms Umberto Colpani, Plant Manager of the AOC Filago operations. “Investing in this pilot plant shows that AOC is dedicated to innovation. Reducing time-to-market helps both our customers and AOC to build a sustainable business together.”

“AOC already is the global leader in composites resin formulations innovation”, comments Paul Vercoulen, Vice-President Technology of AOC EMEA. “This unique extension of our capabilities will help our customers to build better and more sustainable value with composite materials.”

“In these uncertain economic times, there are very few companies in Europe that make such a major investment”, concludes Stefan Osterwind, Managing Director of AOC EMEA. “This demonstrates that we are committed to the European composites industry, and ready to support our customers for the challenges to come.”

About AOC
AOC is the leading global supplier of formulations and specialty materials which enable customers to create robust, durable and versatile products and components for applications in Coatings and Protective Barriers, Colorants and Visual Effects, Adhesives and Specialties, and conventional Composites. With strong capabilities around the world in both manufacturing and science, the company works closely with customers to deliver unrivaled quality, service and reliability for today, and create innovative solutions for tomorrow. Partner with AOC and we will work together to find the right solutions for your business.

Cover photo: On February 6, 2025, the new pilot plant was formally opened by Stefan Osterwind, Managing Director of AOC EMEA (source: AOC)