The investment is part of PPG’s efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production to meet growing customer demand for sustainably advantaged products. (Photo: Business Wire)
The company is expanding capacity and capabilities at five plants in the U.S. and Latin America
PITTSBURGH—PPG reported that it is investing $44 million to upgrade five powder coating manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Latin America. The projects are part of PPG’s strategic efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production to meet growing customer demand for sustainably advantaged products, the company said in a release.
According to PPG, it will invest $30 million for U.S. plants and $14 million for facilities in Latin America. Collectively, the investment is expected to increase overall capacity, add production capabilities for bonded metallic powders, and improve processing times with automated packaging. It is also expected to enhance capabilities to produce small, medium, and large batches, the company said.
The enhancements and expansions are already completed or under way at powder production facilities in Brazil, Ind., Gainesville, Texas; Greensboro, N.C.; San Juan del Rio, Mexico; and Sumaré, Brazil. PPG said it expects to complete these total projects by the fourth quarter of 2023.
Since 2019, PPG has focused on growing its powder coatings capacity and capabilities, making four strategic acquisitions and expanding production and service elements at seven sites across the globe. A key factor driving the rapid adoption of powder coatings is the growing interest in more sustainable solutions. Powder coatings are generally formulated without solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and, in the application line, these coatings can be reclaimed and reused, the company said.
“Focusing on powder coatings is a win-win for PPG and our customers as we are able to offer greater access to sustainably advantaged products,” said Marizeth Carvalho, PPG global director, powder coatings, Industrial Coatings, in the release. “Powder is the fastest growing coatings technology in the world, and PPG’s goal is to lead that charge through innovation and production advancements.”
PPG is a major supplier of powder coatings to the automotive, general industrial, appliance, furniture, and other key markets. It has an expansive global footprint with 21 powder manufacturing plants (seven with bonding capabilities), a powder resin plant, an R&D development center, and a global center of excellence, the release said.
“We continue to accelerate the growth of our powder coatings business to meet the demand of our customers and enhance their experience, wherever they are in the world,” Carvalho said. “These strategic expansions will provide increased access to new and existing products.”