MRO & Manufacturing
PPG’s $380M Aerospace Facility in North Carolina to Create 110 Jobs
PPG announces a $380 million aerospace coatings facility in Shelby, NC, creating 110+ jobs and advancing sustainable aviation solutions by 2027.
In a bold strategic move, PPG Industries has announced a $380 million investment to construct a new aerospace coatings and sealants manufacturing facility in Shelby, North Carolina. This development marks one of the most significant capital investments by the company in recent years and signals a strong commitment to both innovation and regional economic growth. The aerospace sector, already undergoing rapid transformation due to sustainability mandates and technological advancements, stands to benefit significantly from this expansion.
The facility, expected to span 198,000 square feet, will not only enhance PPG’s production capacity but also create over 110 high-paying jobs in Cleveland County. With construction set to begin in October 2025 and operations slated for early 2027, the project aligns with broader industry trends such as increased demand for sustainable aviation solutions, digital manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.
PPG’s decision to invest in North Carolina underscores the state’s emergence as a manufacturing hub, particularly in aerospace. Through this initiative, the company aims to meet surging global demand while contributing to the local economy and advancing its sustainability goals.
Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved into a global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials, with revenues reaching $15.8 billion in 2024. Its aerospace division, established through key acquisitions like Courtaulds Aerospace in 2000, has become a market leader in coatings, sealants, and transparent armor technologies.
PPG’s aerospace innovations include the Desothane® HD basecoat/clearcoat system and chrome-free primers, which have set industry benchmarks for durability and environmental compliance. These products are widely used in both commercial and military aviation, offering superior protection and aesthetic appeal.
Research and development remain at the core of PPG’s aerospace strategy. The company has invested heavily in technologies like UV-blocking window coatings and hexavalent chromium-free pre-treatments, ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations while maintaining product performance.
“By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose – to protect and beautify the world, while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.”
Tim Knavish, PPG Chairman and CEO
The Shelby facility represents a major expansion of PPG’s manufacturing footprint. Located on a 62-acre site, the 198,000-square-foot complex will house both manufacturing and warehousing units. The facility is expected to generate over 110 jobs with an average annual salary of $66,861, significantly higher than the Cleveland County average of $48,310. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the plant becoming operational in the first half of 2027. The North Carolina One Fund has pledged a $300,000 performance-based grant, contingent upon PPG creating at least 62 jobs and investing $221.8 million locally. This incentive package reflects the state’s strong support for industrial development.
Governor Josh Stein praised the investment, citing North Carolina’s skilled workforce and infrastructure as key factors in attracting PPG. “North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” he noted, emphasizing the region’s readiness to support high-tech industries.
The aerospace coatings market is experiencing robust growth, valued at $1.77 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $3.15 billion by 2035. This growth is fueled by fleet modernization, increased military spending, and a global push toward sustainability. Airlines and defense agencies are demanding coatings that offer both performance and environmental compliance.
PPG is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with products like Aerocron™, an electrocoat primer that reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and enhances corrosion resistance. Nanotechnology is also playing a role, with nanoparticles improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
The post-pandemic recovery in air travel has accelerated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities. Aging fleets require advanced coatings to extend aircraft life cycles, creating additional demand that PPG’s new facility is designed to meet.
“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.”
Sam Millikin, PPG Vice President of Global Aerospace
PPG’s investment in Shelby is not just about capacity—it’s about staying ahead of the curve. The facility will incorporate digital manufacturing technologies that reduce costs, improve agility, and support real-time data analytics. This aligns with PPG’s broader strategy to modernize operations and maintain its competitive edge in a $15.8 billion enterprise.
With competitors like Sherwin-Williams and AkzoNobel also expanding in aerospace, PPG’s proactive approach enhances its ability to capture market share. Analysts have projected a 17.25% upside for PPG’s stock, attributing this to the strategic value of the Shelby facility amid increased aircraft production by Boeing and Airbus. Moreover, the facility’s location offers logistical advantages, including proximity to major transport routes and aerospace clients. This enhances supply chain resilience and allows for quicker turnaround times, an increasingly critical factor in the aerospace market.
PPG’s return to Cleveland County—where it last operated in the 1950s—signals a broader industrial revival in the region. North Carolina has emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, attracting firms like GE Aerospace and Honeywell. The state’s community college system plans to collaborate with PPG to develop specialized training programs, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled labor.
These developments are part of a larger strategy to position North Carolina as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation. The Shelby facility will serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, potentially attracting additional suppliers and service providers to the area.
State and local officials have emphasized the long-term benefits of the investment, including job creation, infrastructure development, and enhanced regional competitiveness. The partnership between PPG and North Carolina exemplifies how public-private collaboration can drive industrial transformation.
PPG’s Shelby facility will feature energy-efficient systems and waste reduction measures, aligning with the company’s net-zero emissions goals. These efforts reflect broader industry shifts, with 65% of aerospace firms now prioritizing sustainable coatings to meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) targets.
Environmental compliance is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. PPG’s focus on chrome-free and low-VOC coatings positions it as a leader in sustainable aerospace solutions. The Shelby plant will serve as a model for eco-friendly manufacturing in the sector.
Incorporating digital technologies will also allow PPG to monitor and minimize its environmental footprint in real time. This approach not only meets regulatory requirements but also appeals to customers increasingly conscious of sustainability metrics.
PPG’s $380 million investment in Shelby, North Carolina, is more than an expansion—it’s a strategic response to evolving market dynamics. By aligning its operations with trends in sustainability, digitalization, and aerospace growth, PPG is securing its position as a future-ready leader in the industry. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, investments like these will play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory. For North Carolina, the project represents a significant economic opportunity. For PPG, it’s a calculated move to meet global demand while advancing innovation and environmental stewardship.
What is the purpose of PPG’s new facility in Shelby? How many jobs will the facility create? When will the facility be operational? Why was North Carolina chosen? How does this investment align with sustainability goals? Sources: Hardware Retailing, PPG Press Release, GuruFocus, WCCB Charlotte, Charlotte Stories, Fact.MR, TBRC Blog, Nasdaq, Wikipedia, Data Bridge,
Photo Credit: EuropeanCoatings
PPG’s $380 Million Aerospace Investment: A Strategic Move in North Carolina
PPG’s Aerospace Legacy and the Road to Shelby
From Glass to Global Aerospace Leader
Project Scope and Economic Footprint
Industry Trends Shaping the Investment
Growth in Aerospace Coatings Market
Strategic and Competitive Positioning
Regional and Global Implications
North Carolina’s Industrial Revival
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
Conclusion: A Strategic Leap into the Future
FAQ
The facility will produce aerospace coatings and sealants to meet rising global demand and support sustainability initiatives.
Over 110 high-wage jobs are expected, with an average salary of $66,861.
Construction begins in October 2025, with operations expected in early 2027.
The state offers a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and competitive incentives, making it ideal for advanced manufacturing.
The facility will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and produce eco-friendly coatings, supporting PPG’s net-zero targets.
MRO & Manufacturing
Daher Industrializes Thermoplastic Composite Upcycling in Aerospace
Daher accelerates industrial-scale upcycling of thermoplastic composites, recycling aerospace scrap into high-performance materials for aircraft manufacturing.
This article is based on an official press release from Daher.
French aerospace manufacturers Daher has announced a significant acceleration in the industrialization of thermoplastic composite upcycling. According to an official company press release, the group is preparing to supply upcycled materials to manufacturers facing challenges with production ramp-ups, material sovereignty, and decarbonization.
The announcement, made during the JEC World 2026 trade show in Paris, highlights Daher’s transition from research and development to industrial-scale deployment. The company confirmed it is structuring a complete upcycling value chain, capturing scrap material and reintroducing it into new manufacturing cycles.
As part of this initiative, Daher received two JEC Innovation Awards, recognizing its advancements in both aeronautical parts manufacturing and end-of-life aircraft recycling. The company noted that it has spent more than 10 years investing in thermoplastic composites to meet the rigorous demands of modern aeronautical programs.
The foundation of Daher’s upcycling strategy begins on the factory floor. In its press release, the company detailed a structured process implemented at its Saint-Aignan-de-Grandlieu plant in France’s Loire-Atlantique region, working in tandem with its Shap’in technology center. Production scrap is collected on-site, ground down, and transformed into a semi-finished product.
Currently, Daher reports that 100 percent of its pure carbon polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) scrap is upcycled through this method. The end result is a specialized pellet containing 56 percent carbon fiber. Because the material is derived from continuous fibers that are reprocessed into short fibers, it maintains high mechanical performance, including strong resistance to temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
The industrial scale-up of this process is expected to yield an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year. Daher noted in the release that it currently has 1.5 metric tons available for sale and is actively exploring customer applications, including uses outside the traditional aeronautics sector.
Additionally, the company has utilized the same scrap material to develop a filament for additive manufacturing, creating new avenues for 3D printing complex technical parts. A component produced using this new filament was displayed at the company’s JEC World 2026 booth. Beyond factory scrap, Daher is applying its thermoplastic expertise to retired aircraft components. A notable project, which secured a 2026 JEC Innovation Award, involves a collaboration with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave.
According to the company statement, this partnership successfully recycled thermoplastic composite panels from a retired A380 aircraft. The panels were cut and reintegrated into the production line to manufacture new parts for the A320neo program. This demonstration underscores the viability of circular manufacturing in commercial-aircraft.
“For more than 10 years, we’ve invested in thermoplastic composites to meet aircraft manufacturers’ requirements in terms of production rates, weight reduction and performance. Today, we are taking a further step by industrializing materials derived from upcycling. This capability allows us to optimize the use of a strategic material, strengthen our material autonomy and open new application opportunities, both in aeronautics and beyond.”
We view Daher’s announcement as a critical indicator of the aerospace industry’s broader shift toward circular economy principles. As supply-chain constraints and material sovereignty remain pressing issues for global manufacturers, the ability to reclaim and reuse high-performance materials like carbon PPS offers a strategic buffer.
Furthermore, the successful integration of upcycled A380 panels into the A320neo production line demonstrates that recycled composites can meet the rigorous safety and performance standards required for commercial flight. If scaled effectively, these upcycling processes could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aircraft manufacturing while lowering raw material costs.
It is the process of taking scrap or end-of-life thermoplastic composite materials and reprocessing them into new, high-performance materials for manufacturing, rather than discarding them as waste.
According to the company, the scaled-up process has an estimated production capacity of four to eight metric tons of carbon PPS pellets per year, with 1.5 metric tons currently available for sale.
Daher partnered with Airbus, Toray Advanced Composites, and Tarmac Aerosave to recycle thermoplastic panels from a retired A380 and use them to produce new parts for the A320neo.
Transforming Factory Scrap into Technical Materials
Scaling Up Production Capacity
Repurposing End-of-Life Aeronautical Structures
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thermoplastic composite upcycling?
How much upcycled material can Daher produce?
What aircraft are involved in Daher’s recycling project?
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher
MRO & Manufacturing
GE Aerospace and Airbus Advance Next-Gen Helicopter Propulsion Design
GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters progress joint research on a clean-sheet helicopter propulsion system to reduce fuel use and emissions.
This article is based on an official press release from GE Aerospace.
On March 10, 2026, GE Aerospace announced the progression of its joint research collaboration with European rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. According to the official press release, the two aerospace giants are advancing their efforts to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter propulsion system. This partnership, which was initially unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow in July 2024, aims to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for future rotorcraft.
Having successfully completed the foundational research phase, the collaboration is now entering a critical new stage. The companies are shifting their focus toward detailed engine design concepts and evaluating component-level efficiencies. We note that this development represents a significant milestone in the rotorcraft industry’s broader push toward decarbonization, mirroring sustainability trends currently driving fixed-wing commercial aviation.
The transition from foundational research to detailed design marks a pivotal moment for the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership. The shared objective, as outlined in the company’s announcement, is to mature a propulsion architecture that establishes new industry benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility without compromising the rigorous performance and durability required by next-generation rotorcraft.
To achieve these ambitious goals, GE Aerospace stated it is utilizing its proprietary lean operating model, known as FLIGHT DECK. Championed by CEO Larry Culp, this system is built on principles of continuous improvement, respect for people, and a customer-driven focus. By applying the FLIGHT DECK methodology, which relentlessly targets Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC), GE aims to eliminate engineering waste and accelerate the timeline for bringing this sustainable turboshaft engine to the testing and fielding stages.
“GE Aerospace is excited to enter this next phase with Airbus Helicopters to advance the technologies and design approaches that can shape the future of helicopter propulsion. Together, we are focused on understanding what it will take to deliver meaningful sustainability and efficiency gains, while continuing to meet the demanding mission needs of our helicopter operators.”
— Elissa Lee, Executive Director of Commercial Turboshaft Engines at GE Aerospace
Historically, Airbus Helicopters has relied heavily on European engine manufacturer Safran Helicopter Engines, as well as Pratt & Whitney Canada, to power its civil and military rotorcraft fleets. Prior to this clean-sheet project, GE’s presence on Airbus-linked products was largely limited to the CT7 engine, which is offered as an option on the NHIndustries NH90 military helicopter.
According to the provided research data, this partnership represents a major diversification of Airbus’s Supply-Chain. For GE Aerospace, which already dominates the military rotorcraft engine market with powerplants like the T700 (used on the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache), this collaboration opens a massive door. Airbus Helicopters was previously the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. At AirPro News, we view this advancement as a highly strategic maneuver for both entities. For Airbus, Partnerships with a U.S.-based engine powerhouse like GE Aerospace provides a hedge against supply chain bottlenecks and introduces fresh technological competition into its vendor ecosystem. Furthermore, GE’s 2024 clarification that this engine will be a “clean-sheet design,” potentially incorporating elements of hybridization rather than deriving from existing models like the Catalyst or CT7, signals a willingness to take substantial research and development risks to capture commercial market share.
Following its 2024 spin-off as an independent public company, GE Aerospace has maintained a massive global footprint. Company data indicates an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines, supported by roughly 57,000 employees. Successfully fielding a commercial engine with Airbus would solidify GE’s dominance across both civil and defense rotorcraft sectors, while simultaneously addressing the urgent industry mandate for decarbonization.
The collaboration aims to develop a clean-sheet, next-generation helicopter Propulsion system focused on significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining high performance and reliability.
FLIGHT DECK is GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system. It focuses on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) to eliminate waste in the engineering process and accelerate the development timeline of new technologies.
Airbus Helicopters has traditionally relied on Safran and Pratt & Whitney Canada for its engines, making it the only major civil manufacturer not utilizing GE engines. This partnership diversifies Airbus’s supply chain and allows GE Aerospace to significantly expand its footprint in the commercial Helicopters market.
Sources: GE Aerospace Press Release
Advancing to Detailed Design Concepts
The Strategic Shift in Rotorcraft Propulsion
Diversifying the Supply Chain
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary goal of the GE Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters partnership?
What is the FLIGHT DECK model mentioned by GE Aerospace?
Why is this partnership historically significant for the industry?
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
MRO & Manufacturing
Bristow Receives First Airbus H160 Helicopters for Nigerian Offshore Transport
Bristow Group takes delivery of two Airbus H160 helicopters leased from Milestone Aviation to support offshore energy transport in Nigeria.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On March 10, 2026, Bristow Group Inc. officially took delivery of its first two Airbus H160 medium-twin helicopters. According to an official press release from Airbus, these next-generation aircraft are leased through Milestone Aviation Group and are currently undergoing final preparations in Nigeria before entering active service.
The delivery marks a significant milestone for offshore energy transportation in West Africa. The two helicopters are part of a larger five-aircraft lease agreement designed to support mission-critical flights for the region’s oil and gas sector. Airbus confirmed that the remaining three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
We note that the introduction of the H160 to the African continent represents a major step in the ongoing modernization of offshore aviation support. By integrating these advanced rotorcraft, operators are aiming to bring enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved safety to demanding maritime environments.
The deployment of the H160 in Nigeria builds upon Bristow’s extensive historical footprint in the region. Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited has been operating since 1960, providing essential aviation services to major integrated offshore energy companies. Introducing a clean-sheet aircraft design to this specific market reinforces the company’s operational capabilities in West Africa.
Company leadership emphasized the strategic advantages of the new fleet. In the official release, Bristow highlighted the aircraft’s specific suitability for the region’s logistical demands.
“The introduction of the H160 into Nigeria represents a meaningful step forward for our offshore operations in West Africa. This aircraft brings a combination of advanced technology, operational flexibility, and improved fuel efficiency,” stated Stu Stavely, Chief Operating Officer of Offshore Energy Services at Bristow Group.
The foundation for this delivery was laid in November 2025, when the lease agreement was originally announced during the Dubai Airshow. According to the provided source material, Milestone Aviation Group is the first lessor to introduce the H160 aircraft type into Bristow’s global fleet.
Milestone Aviation Group, a prominent global helicopter leasing company, focuses heavily on investing in new-technology medium and super-medium helicopters tailored for mission-critical sectors. “Milestone is pleased to support Bristow with the lease of five new H160s… Our continued investment in next generation medium and supermedium helicopters ensures our customers have access to the most efficient and capable aircraft,” said Pat Sheedy, Chief Executive Officer of Milestone Aviation Group.
The Airbus H160 is a medium-class twin-engine helicopter explicitly tailored for offshore energy missions, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services (EMS). According to Airbus specifications, the aircraft is configured to carry one or two pilots alongside up to 12 passengers, which serves as the optimal layout for offshore crew changes.
Powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, each generating 1,280 shaft horsepower, the H160 offers a recommended cruise speed of 138 knots (255 km/h) and a maximum range of 480 nautical miles (890 km). Furthermore, Airbus reports that the fully composite airframe and advanced engine technology deliver an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class.
“This delivery underscores our commitment to supporting the energy sector with a helicopter that sets new standards in safety, comfort, and competitiveness with its 18% reduction in fuel burn,” remarked Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Operational safety in offshore environments relies heavily on advanced avionics. The H160 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, which features a four-axis autopilot and automated systems designed specifically to reduce pilot workload during demanding offshore approaches.
Additionally, the aircraft utilizes a canted Fenestron tail rotor and a biplane tailplane stabilizer. Airbus notes that these design choices significantly reduce the helicopter’s external acoustic footprint while improving overall handling. Its compact rotor diameter of 13.4 meters also allows it to operate efficiently from smaller offshore helidecks.
The offshore helicopter transport industry is currently navigating a critical fleet renewal phase. For years, the medium-class offshore market relied heavily on legacy platforms. Following Sikorsky’s decision to end production of the widely utilized S-76, operators have been actively seeking modern replacements. We observe that the Airbus H160, alongside competitors like the Leonardo AW139, is strategically positioned to fill this operational void.
The global rollout of the H160 is accelerating. Having received EASA certification in 2020 and FAA validation in 2023, the aircraft is now transitioning from the testing and certification phases into active, heavy-duty commercial-aircraft service. Beyond its introduction in Africa, the H160 is being integrated into North American offshore operations and is securing substantial orders in emerging markets like China. Bristow’s adoption of the H160 in Nigeria serves as a strong indicator of the industry’s confidence in the platform’s maturity and reliability for mission-critical energy support.
What is the Airbus H160 primarily used for in Nigeria? How many H160 helicopters is Bristow leasing? What makes the H160 different from older helicopters?
Fleet Modernization and Strategic Deployment
Expanding Capabilities in West Africa
The Milestone Aviation Partnership
Technical Profile of the Airbus H160
Performance and Environmental Efficiency
Advanced Avionics and Safety Features
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Airbus H160 helicopters delivered to Bristow Group will be deployed to support mission-critical offshore transportation for the energy sector, specifically moving crews to and from oil and gas platforms.
Bristow has agreed to lease a total of five Airbus H160 helicopters from Milestone Aviation Group. The first two were delivered on March 10, 2026, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
According to Airbus, the H160 features a fully composite airframe, advanced Helionix avionics, and Safran Arrano 1A engines that provide an 18% reduction in fuel burn compared to previous-generation helicopters in its class. It also features a canted Fenestron tail rotor for reduced noise and improved handling.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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