AkzoNobel benefits from Amsterdam headquarters
AkzoNobel, the largest global paint and coating company and major producer of specialist chemicals, have found the relocation of their headquarters from Arnhem to Amsterdam to be beneficial. The company has become more internationally oriented and their foreign market share has grown substantially.
Amsterdam: international hub
In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Het Parool, AkzoNobel's Chief Executive Officer, Hans Weijers, acknowledges that being headquartered in Amsterdam has helped the company to attract key personnel from other countries.
“Amsterdam is a true international hub where AkzoNobel employees from all over the world come together. Being based in Amsterdam has contributed to becoming a more internationally-oriented firm.”
Opening new markets
AkzoNobel's activities grew by 25% following the move to Amsterdam. The firm has maintained its strong domestic market position and become more active in China and the U.S.
Amsterdam area
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is the undisputed gateway to Europe and beyond. Here are the main reasons why:
International trade hub: The Dutch are noted for their open economy with a major focus on international trade. The Netherlands is one of the leading European nations attracting foreign direct investment and has run a sizable current account surplus for years.
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Strategic geographical location: The region has always been a major transit hub for people, goods, capital and services to and from the 350 million potential European customers.
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Excellent infrastructure: Within a 50 km radius, one finds major port complexes. The region also offers good international rail links, and close proximity to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
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Largest data transport hub in the world: The Amsterdam Internet Hub (AMS-IX) is the world’s largest and most stable digital exchange platform. It is also known for its superior quality and low cost.
Frontrunner in globalisation: The well-developed Dutch service industry is globally orientated. Whether you need knowledge on how to organise your logistics, or information on ICT, tax, legal issues or sales and marketing in Europe, the Amsterdam Area offers all the important global players.
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The service sector is highly competitive and salary rates are on average lower than in other major European cities.
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The Amsterdam Area offers a multilingual, internationally-oriented and highly-qualified workforce. More than 80% of the population speaks English and approximately 40% have a university degree or higher professional education.
Efficient and cost effective: The Dutch legal system is efficient, their laws transparent and they have a competitive tax system, allowing companies to gain the highest possible return on investments.
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Competitive tax regime: Companies established in the Netherlands profit from various tax advantages such as a competitive corporate tax rate of 25 %, no withholding tax on outgoing interest and royalty payments and double taxation relief.
Excellent test market: The Netherlands has a reputation as one of the best test markets to enter on the European continent and beyond. The Dutch are known to be early innovators and the relatively small home market is easy to examine.
Gateway to affluent customers: With a GDP per capita that is among the highest in the world and excellent international trade routes which provide you with easy access to Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and beyond, the Amsterdam Area allows you to tap into the most attractive customer markets in the world.
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