PPG has announced it will build a new paint and coatings manufacturing plant in Loudon County, Tenn., as part of its plan to invest $300 million in advanced manufacturing in North America to support increased demand for paints and coatings in the automotive industry.
The 250,000-square-foot facility —PPG’s first new manufacturing plant to be built in the U.S. in more than 15 years — will initially produce paints and coatings products and solutions for automakers and automotive parts suppliers with the possibility it could 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 11 million gallons of paint and coatings annually. Construction will begin in August and is expected to be completed in 2026.
PPG will also enhance and expand activities at existing facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, and San Juan Del Rio, Mexico. According to the company, 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.
“Innovation is at the forefront of PPG’s purpose in protecting and beautifying the world. These investments continue to modernize and digitize 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. “As we continue to see a resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S., PPG will leverage this new facility and our other site investments to maximize quality, improve operational efficiency, and reduce product complexity within our manufacturing footprint.”