PPG’s $380M Aerospace Facility in North Carolina to Create 110 Jobs

PPG’s $380 Million Aerospace Investment: A Strategic Move in North Carolina

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.

PPG’s Aerospace Legacy and the Road to Shelby

From Glass to Global Aerospace Leader

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

Project Scope and Economic Footprint

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.

Industry Trends Shaping the Investment

Growth in Aerospace Coatings Market

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

Strategic and Competitive Positioning

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.

Regional and Global Implications

North Carolina’s Industrial Revival

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.

Sustainability and Innovation at the Core

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.

Conclusion: A Strategic Leap into the Future

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.

FAQ

What is the purpose of PPG’s new facility in Shelby?
The facility will produce aerospace coatings and sealants to meet rising global demand and support sustainability initiatives.

How many jobs will the facility create?
Over 110 high-wage jobs are expected, with an average salary of $66,861.

When will the facility be operational?
Construction begins in October 2025, with operations expected in early 2027.

Why was North Carolina chosen?
The state offers a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and competitive incentives, making it ideal for advanced manufacturing.

How does this investment align with sustainability goals?
The facility will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and produce eco-friendly coatings, supporting PPG’s net-zero targets.

Sources: Hardware Retailing, PPG Press Release, GuruFocus, WCCB Charlotte, Charlotte Stories, Fact.MR, TBRC Blog, Nasdaq, Wikipedia, Data Bridge,

Photo Credit: EuropeanCoatings