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
Ryanair Shifts to In-House Engine Maintenance in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal
Ryanair partners with CFM International to transition engine maintenance in-house, building two MRO facilities in Europe by 2029 to support fleet growth.
This article is based on an official press release from Ryanair Corporate News and Safran Group.
Ryanair has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFM International, marking a significant structural change in how Europe’s largest airline manages its fleet operations. Announced on February 10, 2026, the agreement outlines a transition from a fully outsourced maintenance model to an in-house program covering approximately 2,000 engines.
According to the official announcement, the deal is a multi-year engine material services agreement. While CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, will continue to provide maintenance services through 2029, Ryanair will subsequently take over these duties. Once the airline assumes full responsibility for maintenance, the purchase of spare parts and technical support is expected to generate over $1 billion annually for CFM.
The core of this agreement is Ryanair’s move toward vertical integration. Currently, the airline utilizes a “power-by-the-hour” contract where maintenance is outsourced. Under the new terms, Ryanair plans to construct two dedicated engine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) shops in Europe to service its fleet of CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines.
The airline is currently evaluating five potential locations for these new facilities: Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Baltic states, and Northern Ireland. The operational timeline provided in the announcement targets the opening of the first facility by the end of 2028, with the second following in 2029. These facilities are projected to create significant employment opportunities, with approximately 600 highly skilled roles expected at each site.
In a statement regarding the strategic pivot, Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary emphasized the operational benefits of the move:
“For the last 30 years, CFM has been maintaining all of Ryanair’s CFM56 engines under a long-term ‘power by the hour’ contract. However, from 2029 onwards, Ryanair expects to bring the maintenance of its engines ‘in-house’, and we are pleased to do so with the help and support of our partner CFM.”
This agreement is designed to support Ryanair’s aggressive growth trajectory. The airline currently operates a fleet of over 600 aircraft, which is projected to grow to 800 by 2034. The maintenance agreement covers the entirety of this fleet, including the Boeing 737 Next-Generation (NG) and the Boeing 737 MAX “Gamechanger” aircraft.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, noted the scale of the partnership in the press release: “Ryanair is our largest airline customer… We are committed to support the airline, supplying spares to help Ryanair service its engines.”
This move represents a classic maturation step for an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) of Ryanair’s scale. By moving engine maintenance in-house, Ryanair reduces its exposure to external MRO slot constraints and third-party pricing fluctuations. While the upfront capital investment to build two MRO facilities is substantial, the long-term control over turnaround times and technical quality aligns with Ryanair’s obsession with operational efficiency and cost reduction. Furthermore, securing a direct supply line for parts with CFM ensures that despite “insourcing” the labor, the airline maintains a direct link to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for critical components.
Ryanair Announces Strategic Shift to In-House Engine Maintenance in Multi-Billion Dollar Deal with CFM
Vertical Integration and New Facilities
Supporting Fleet Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Ryanair
MRO & Manufacturing
Garmin Expands Flight Testing Facility at Mesa Gateway Airport
Garmin acquires a 75,000 sq ft facility at Mesa Gateway Airport to enhance flight testing and certification for advanced avionics systems.
This article is based on an official press release from Garmin.
Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) has announced the acquisition of a significant hangar and office complex at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA) in Mesa, Arizona. The move, confirmed on February 10, 2026, represents a strategic expansion of the company’s flight testing and aircraft Certification capabilities.
According to the company’s official statement, the new facility will serve as a dedicated hub for its flight test organizations. By securing this infrastructure, Garmin aims to support the rigorous testing required for airworthiness approvals of its growing portfolio of avionics systems. The expansion complements the company’s existing flight operations in Kansas and Oregon while leveraging its long-standing engineering presence in the Greater Phoenix area.
The newly acquired complex encompasses approximately 75,000 square feet of space, consisting of two adjacent hangars and attached office facilities. Garmin states that the location is designed to accommodate roughly 75 associates, including flight test pilots, certification engineers, and technical support staff.
Phil Straub, Garmin’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Aviation, highlighted the importance of the expansion in the press release:
“This new facility at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport provides us with the dedicated capacity needed to conduct year-round flight testing and certification activities, ensuring we can continue to deliver innovative avionics solutions to the market.”
The facility will focus primarily on the testing of complex systems, such as the recently launched G5000 PRIME integrated flight deck and Autoland technologies. The infrastructure at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, specifically its three parallel runways, two of which exceed 10,000 feet, allows Garmin to test a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from light piston planes to large business jets.
Garmin’s decision to expand in Mesa is driven by both environmental and logistical factors. The region’s generally clear weather allows for consistent flight schedules with minimal disruption, a critical advantage over locations subject to harsher winter conditions. Furthermore, the new hangar is situated near Garmin’s existing engineering hubs in Chandler and Scottsdale, fostering closer collaboration between flight test engineers and the software and hardware teams developing the technology.
This acquisition underscores a broader trend identified by industry observers, often described as the “Apple of Aviation” strategy. As noted by outlets such as The Air Current, Garmin is increasingly moving toward a fully integrated ecosystem that combines hardware, software, and services. We observe that as Garmin introduces more dynamic services, such as the recently launched SmartCharts, and highly integrated flight decks, the burden of certification increases. Owning a dedicated facility in a weather-stable region allows the company to accelerate the certification hours required by the FAA, reducing bottlenecks in bringing these complex integrated products to market. This infrastructure investment signals long-term confidence in the business aviation sector, aligning with the company’s reported aviation revenue growth of 14-18% in late 2025.
The acquisition places Garmin among a high-profile list of tenants at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The location has become a magnet for aerospace and industrial expansion, recently attracting major players such as Gulfstream Aerospace and Virgin Galactic.
According to local economic data, the airport is evolving into a premier hub for the industry. Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman has publicly promoted the city as an “international magnet for business,” citing the arrival of advanced Manufacturing and logistics firms. Garmin’s investment reinforces this status, adding high-skill roles to the local economy and strengthening the region’s aerospace ecosystem.
Sources: PR Newswire (Garmin Press Release), The Air Current, Garmin Investor Relations
Garmin Expands Aviation Footprint with New Mesa Gateway Airports Facility
Facility Specifications and Capabilities
Strategic Rationale and Regional Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Mesa’s Growing Aerospace Cluster
Photo Credit: Garmin
MRO & Manufacturing
AkzoNobel Launches Single-Coat Aerobase for MRO Efficiency
AkzoNobel introduces a single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution reducing application steps and paint thickness for MROs, improving efficiency and sustainability.
This article is based on an official press release from AkzoNobel.
AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings has officially introduced a new single-coat Aerobase basecoat solution aimed at the global Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) market. According to a company press release issued on February 9, 2026, the new formulation is designed to replace traditional two-coat application processes, offering significant improvements in operational efficiency and sustainability.
The announcement, which coincides with the product’s showcase at MRO Middle East 2026 in Dubai, highlights a major shift in aerospace painting protocols. By enabling a validated single-coat system, AkzoNobel claims the product reduces application time and complexity while delivering a consistent finish across mixed fleets. The system is currently certified for immediate use worldwide.
The core of this development lies in the formulation’s enhanced physical properties. AkzoNobel reports that the new Aerobase solution offers a 40% increase in sag resistance compared to the original system. This improvement allows painters to apply a thicker wet film in a single “cross-coat” pass without the risk of the paint running or sagging on vertical fuselage surfaces.
Traditionally, achieving full opacity and a smooth finish required two separate basecoat applications, often with a flash-off period in between. The new system eliminates the need for the second coat while maintaining the required hiding power and surface quality. AkzoNobel states that this reduction in process steps is achieved without compromising the durability or appearance of the final finish.
Beyond operational speed, the single-coat system addresses critical sustainability metrics for airlines. Data provided by AkzoNobel indicates that the new process results in a significantly thinner paint layer.
Field tests conducted in 2025 on a single-aisle aircraft demonstrated a 36% reduction in total film thickness compared to the previous two-coat system. In the aviation sector, where every kilogram counts, this reduction translates directly to lower aircraft operating weight.
According to the press release, this weight saving contributes to reduced fuel burn and associated CO2 emissions over the lifespan of the aircraft. The company emphasizes that these environmental benefits are achieved alongside improved finish consistency. The development of the single-coat Aerobase was driven by the specific needs of MRO facilities, which face constant pressure to increase throughput and reduce turnaround times. Aurore Bournazel, Segment Manager OEM, MRO & Airlines at AkzoNobel, highlighted the practical focus of the innovation in a statement.
“MROs are under constant pressure to improve efficiency without compromising quality. This latest Aerobase development enables a validated single-coat process that simplifies application, improves consistency and delivers measurable performance benefits.”
Aurore Bournazel, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings
The shift toward single-coat systems represents a logical evolution in aerospace coatings, particularly as the industry grapples with supply chain constraints and labor shortages. By removing an entire application pass, MROs can theoretically release aircraft back to operators faster. Furthermore, while sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) often dominate the “Net Zero” conversation, weight reduction remains one of the most immediate and cost-effective methods for airlines to lower emissions. A 36% reduction in basecoat thickness, applied across a global fleet, represents a tangible efficiency gain that requires no change in engine technology or fuel infrastructure.
AkzoNobel has confirmed that the enhanced Aerobase single-coat solution is available immediately in the most commonly used aerospace white colors. The product is certified for the MRO mixed fleet market, with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) testing and approval scheduled to follow.
To support the rollout, the company is conducting additional applications with two MRO partners on both single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. These trials are intended to generate robust real-world performance data regarding efficiency and finish quality. The product is planned for a broader global rollout throughout 2026.
Attendees of MRO Middle East 2026 can view the solution at the AkzoNobel booth (1620).
AkzoNobel Launches Single-Coat Aerobase Solution to Streamline MRO Operations
Technical Innovation: The “Cross-Coat” Application
Sustainability and Weight Reduction
Field Testing Results
Operational Impact for MROs
AirPro News Analysis
Availability and Future Rollout
Sources
Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
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