PPG to Invest $380 Million in New Aerospace Coatings and Sealants Manufacturing Facility in Shelby, N.C.
PPG, a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials, has announced plans to invest $380 million to build a state-of-the-art aerospace coatings and sealants manufacturing facility in Shelby, North Carolina. This significant investment will bolster PPG’s capability to meet the ever-growing demands of the aerospace sector. With construction set to begin in October 2025, the new 62-acre facility is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. The facility will span 198,000 square feet and will initially include manufacturing and warehousing units.
Expanding Capacity to Meet Growing Demand in Aerospace
The new facility in Shelby will play a pivotal role in PPG’s ongoing efforts to support the aerospace industry. As the demand for advanced coatings and sealants continues to rise, the new manufacturing plant will ensure that PPG can continue to provide the world-class products its aerospace customers require. The expanded capacity at this site will not only boost PPG’s manufacturing capabilities but also enhance its ability to meet customer needs in a timely manner, thanks to improved logistical efficiency and nearby transport links.
The facility will employ more than 110 people in its initial phase, with the potential for further job creation as production ramps up. It will produce PPG’s full line of aerospace coatings and sealants, which are integral to the protection, durability, and performance of aircraft. These products are crucial in ensuring the safety and operational efficiency of modern aviation, which is becoming increasingly complex and demanding.
In addition to boosting production capacity, the new facility will strengthen PPG’s ability to meet the logistical demands of its aerospace customers. With enhanced supply chain and shipping capabilities, the Shelby location will facilitate faster delivery times and ensure that PPG remains at the forefront of the industry in terms of service levels.
A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
PPG’s $380 million investment is not just a response to increasing demand but also a reflection of the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company has a rich history of developing cutting-edge technologies in the coatings and sealants sector, and the new facility will incorporate the latest advancements in manufacturing processes.
The Shelby facility will be built with sustainability in mind, aligning with PPG’s broader environmental goals. As the company continues to innovate, it remains committed to reducing its environmental impact while ensuring that the quality of its products meets the highest standards. The incorporation of advanced manufacturing technologies will help minimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and ensure that the facility operates efficiently and sustainably.
PPG’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just environmental considerations. The company is also focused on ensuring that its operations have a positive impact on the communities where it operates. The new Shelby facility will create new job opportunities, and PPG plans to invest in workforce training and development initiatives to ensure that its employees have the skills and expertise necessary to thrive in the evolving aerospace industry.
A Strategic Location for Growth
The decision to build the new facility in Shelby, N.C. is a strategic one. North Carolina has long been recognized as a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the aerospace and advanced technology sectors. The state’s well-established infrastructure, skilled workforce, and proximity to key transportation networks make it an ideal location for this new PPG facility.
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina expressed his support for the project, emphasizing the state’s role as the leading manufacturing destination in the Southeast. “PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor Stein. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that employees can build a career and employers have the well-trained people they need to get to work.”
The presence of this new facility in Shelby will further solidify North Carolina’s position as a leader in aerospace manufacturing and will contribute to the state’s growing reputation as a hub for high-tech industries. The facility’s location will also offer significant logistical advantages, with easy access to major highways, railroads, and airports, ensuring smooth transportation of materials and finished products to customers worldwide.
Strengthening Relationships with Aerospace Customers
The new aerospace manufacturing facility is not only an investment in infrastructure but also in relationships with PPG’s aerospace customers. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, PPG is committed to providing high-quality, reliable products that meet the specific needs of its customers. This investment will enable PPG to strengthen its position in the market and respond more effectively to changing customer demands.
Sam Millikin, PPG’s vice president of global aerospace, highlighted the importance of this investment in reinforcing the company’s commitment to the aerospace sector. “We look forward to expanding our aerospace manufacturing footprint with this new facility,” Millikin said. “This investment not only underscores our commitment to the aerospace industry and providing high-quality products, but also positions us to respond more effectively to growing market needs. The Shelby, N.C. location will play a crucial role in enhancing our operational efficiency and supporting our customers.”
The new facility will enable PPG to increase its capacity for producing a full range of aerospace coatings and sealants, including products designed for both commercial and military aircraft, as well as space and defense applications. By expanding its production capabilities, PPG will be able to better serve the needs of its diverse customer base, which includes leading Aerospace Coatings manufacturers, suppliers, and maintenance organizations.
Supporting the Community and Workforce Development
PPG’s investment in the new Shelby facility also highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and developing a skilled workforce. The facility will create more than 100 jobs initially, with the potential for additional job creation as the plant expands its operations. PPG plans to work closely with local educational institutions and workforce development programs to ensure that employees have access to the training and skills they need to succeed in the Aerospace Coatings manufacturing industry.
The company’s focus on workforce development aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the manufacturing sector in the United States. By investing in training and education programs, PPG is helping to ensure that future generations of workers have the skills necessary to meet the Aerospace Coatings challenges of an increasingly complex and competitive aerospace market.
A Strong Commitment to Quality and Safety
As with all of its facilities, PPG is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety at the Shelby location. The aerospace coatings and sealants produced at this facility will meet rigorous industry standards and regulatory requirements. In addition, PPG’s commitment to safety will be a top priority in the design and operation of the facility. Employees will be trained in best practices for maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, and the facility will incorporate the latest safety technologies and systems.
The company’s focus on quality and safety extends to its relationships with customers as well. PPG’s aerospace coatings and sealants are critical to ensuring the safety and performance of aircraft, and the company takes great pride in ensuring that every Aerospace Coatings product it produces meets the highest standards of excellence.
Looking to the Future
The new aerospace coatings and sealants facility in Shelby, North Carolina, represents a significant step forward in PPG’s long-term strategy to expand its presence in the Aerospace Coatings industry. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, PPG is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The $380 million investment in Shelby is part of a broader effort by PPG to modernize and digitize its manufacturing facilities, ensuring that the company is well-positioned to meet the needs of its customers in the years to come. Through this investment, PPG continues to embody its core mission of “protecting and beautifying the world” by providing advanced solutions that contribute to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.
As PPG moves forward with the construction of the Shelby facility, it will continue to collaborate with local, state, and federal representatives, as well as with the Shelby Aerospace Coatings community, to ensure the success of the project and to create lasting benefits for the region. The new facility will not only enhance PPG’s manufacturing capabilities but also play a key role in supporting the growth of the aerospace industry and contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in North Carolina. For more information about PPG and its aerospace business, please visit www.ppg.com/aerospace.
About PPG
PPG (NYSE: PPG) has been a global leader in coatings and specialty materials for more than 140 years. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PPG Aerospace Coatings operates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. The company serves customers in a variety of industries, including construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets, and aftermarkets. PPG’s dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made it a trusted partner for customers around the world.
Forward-Looking Statements
The forward-looking statements in this release, including those related to the timing and benefits of the new aerospace coatings and sealants manufacturing plant, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, including the timing of project completion and realization of Aerospace Coatings expected benefits. For more information, please refer to PPG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
