With the opening of its 24th factory, the first in South America, Hempel will be better placed to serve the rapidly growing South American market. The new plant will mean shorter lead times for customers and will enable Hempel to develop and customize products to meet local environmental legislation and standards. The new plant, located north of the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, will manufacture paint for the Marine and Protective Coatings segments and will supply the entire South American market. The 3,000 sq. m. facility is part of the ‘One Hempel – One Ambition’ growth strategy, and is one of three new plants scheduled to open around the world in 2012 and 2013.