Mural strengthens ties with city

HURON TWP. — A new mural further strengthens an international company's commitment to the local area. AkzoNobel recently unveiled an exterior mural at its Huron-area factory on Sprowl Road. "Located on the east-facing wall of the refurbished indoor tank farm, this mural combines iconic landmarks, local history and AkzoNobel's renowned product lines to make a lasting visual impact," according to a company statement. Company executives worked closely with a local artist, Allison Pence, in bringing the design to life, "ensuring that the mural would resonate with the people of Huron," the statement read. "As one of the first things seen when entering Huron, the mural sets AkzoNobel apart," it read. "The mural is designed to speak directly to the community, showcasing not only the heritage of Huron but also AkzoNobel's pride in being part of it." Among the mural's key features, which highlights both the region's history and AkzoNobel's contributions to local industries: • Paint can — "A nod to AkzoNobel's history of manufacturing resins, previously used in Glidden brand paints." • Industrial elements — "Soda cans, drums and other items reflecting the plant's focus on industrial coatings for major beverage can manufacturers in North America." • The outline of Erie County — "A tribute to Erie County, with the Erie name artistically shaped to reflect the county's boundaries." • Windmill — "Symbolizing AkzoNobel's commitment to sustainability." • Local landmarks — "Including the iconic Huron Lighthouse, the clock tower and the Cedar Point amusement park ride, celebrating the area's beloved landmarks and recreational activities." "The mural was designed with simplicity in mind, making sure it would be visible and recognizable from different angles, including the busy road that runs alongside the AkzoNobel site," according to the statement. "We wanted to create something that not only reflects the history of this site but also speaks to the community's identity. By incorporating familiar landmarks and elements of local life, we hope this mural will be a source of pride for everyone who calls Huron home." Executives then offered up a few reasons why this illustration hits home for many. "This mural is more than just an aesthetic update to the plant. It's a meaningful symbol of AkzoNobel's commitment to Huron, its employees and our environmental and community values," the statement read. In 2023, the company made an $8 million investment in a high-tech lab at its Huron-area location. At the time, executives said they wanted to make additional commitments in Huron, and this mural helps satisfy that goal. "By blending local pride with AkzoNobel's innovation in the coatings industry, the mural is designed to stand as a lasting tribute to the company's role in shaping its future," the statement read. Bio blast In a nutshell, AkzoNobel works with manufacturers — including Ardagh Metal Packaging, which operates a plant in Huron — to coat cans for major brand names in the food, beverage and beer industries. This would include brands with worldwide recognition such as Budweiser and Coca-Cola. With the coatings, AkzoNobel creates paints to color, wrap and promote cans for brands to help them stand out on shelves and pop through advertising campaigns. AkzoNobel also lines cans for these industries. "We build the resins here that we use to make the coatings that go on cans and protect the cans that are a part of the industries we work with," said Chris Bradford, the company's marketing director of industrial coatings. "If you pick up a can anywhere in the world, especially in North America, you have a better-than-average chance that it will have one of our products on it." Last year's investment basically allows AkzoNobel workers in Huron, roughly 50, to perform their jobs in a more effective and efficient manner for customers. AkzoNobel operates four sites in Ohio: Huron, Columbus, Springfield and Strongsville. When taking into account this quartet, Ohio boasts the company's largest footprint in any state or province throughout North America. Going back to Huron, this marks one of the biggest investments at this AkzoNobel-specific location since it opened as a packaging coatings site in 1963.