To meet growing demand from the automotive sector and improve operational efficiency, PPG is set to invest US$300 million into cutting-edge manufacturing facilities.
This latest initiative will see PPG build a new paint and coatings manufacturing plant in Loudon County, Tennessee. The 23,225m² facility is PPG’s first new manufacturing plant to be built in the U.S. in more than 15 years and will initially produce paints and coatings products and solutions for vehicle OEMs and automotive parts suppliers. The facility could eventually supply other industrial segments, including transportation, heavy duty equipment, building and construction, and consumer products. Once fully operational, the facility will employ approximately 130 full-time employees and produce more than 41 million litres of paint and coatings annually. Construction will begin in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
In addition, the substantial investments will also be used to enhance and expand activities at existing facilities in Cleveland, Ohio and San Juan Del Rio, Mexico. The investments cover new equipment and processes that will increase manufacturing efficiencies, resulting in improved processing times, and will expand PPG’s capabilities to meet growing demand for sustainable solutions, such as waterborne coatings. These investments will commence in 2024 and span a four-year period. “Innovation is at the forefront of PPG’s purpose in protecting and beautifying the world. These investments continue to modernise and digitise our manufacturing capabilities and demonstrate PPG’s continued focus on quality and service to our customers as the premier single-source coatings supplier for every vehicle surface,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer.