PPG Invests $380 Million in New North Carolina Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

PPG Industries has announced a substantial $380 million investment to construct a state-of-the-art aerospace coatings and sealants manufacturing facility in Shelby, North Carolina. The strategic investment represents a significant expansion of PPG’s manufacturing footprint and underscores the growing demand for specialized aerospace materials in the region. Set to break ground in October 2025, the facility will strengthen North Carolina’s position as a manufacturing powerhouse while creating valuable employment opportunities in the construction and aerospace sectors.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The planned 198,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on a sprawling 62-acre site in Shelby, North Carolina. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with completion expected in the first half of 2027. The initial development will include manufacturing and warehousing units dedicated to producing PPG’s comprehensive line of aerospace coatings and sealants. When operational, the facility will employ more than 110 people, contributing to the local economy and manufacturing sector.

Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment: “PPG’s investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers. 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.”

Strategic Location and Economic Impact

The selection of Shelby, North Carolina for this significant investment was not coincidental. The location offers substantial logistical advantages with nearby transport links that optimize supply chain efficiency and shipping logistics. These infrastructure benefits will enable PPG to improve service levels for customers throughout the aerospace industry.

The project aligns with North Carolina’s robust manufacturing ecosystem. According to recent industry rankings, North Carolina was named the top state for manufacturing competitiveness in 2024 by Site Selection Group, narrowly edging out South Carolina and Tennessee. This prestigious recognition reflects the state’s strategic advantages, favorable economic policies, and skilled workforce availability.

From an economic perspective, the manufacturing sector already contributes over $100 billion annually to North Carolina’s economy and employs more than 450,000 workers statewide. PPG’s new facility will further strengthen these impressive statistics while creating additional construction jobs during the development phase.

Leadership and Industry Perspective

The aerospace division at PPG has seen notable leadership developments in preparation for this expansion. Sam Millikin, who joined PPG in 1989 and assumed the role of vice president of global aerospace in January 2024, brings 34 years of industry experience to the project. His appointment follows a career that included positions as sales and marketing manager of coatings and specialty materials and global platform director of aerospace coatings and sealants.

Millikin shared his vision for the new facility: “We look forward to expanding our aerospace manufacturing footprint with this new facility. 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.”

Government Support and Workforce Development

North Carolina’s government leadership has strongly supported the manufacturing expansion. Governor Josh Stein, who has promoted the state’s manufacturing capabilities, commented on the announcement: “PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast. 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.”

This commitment to workforce development is backed by North Carolina’s educational infrastructure, which includes renowned universities like Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State University, alongside a robust community college system. These institutions collaborate with industries to provide specialized training programs, particularly in advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

Sustainability and Advanced Manufacturing

PPG’s new aerospace facility will incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining rigorous quality and safety standards. This approach aligns with PPG’s corporate sustainability initiatives and reflects the company’s dual commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

The integration of advanced manufacturing techniques and digital technologies at the Shelby facility will position it as a model for modern industrial development. These innovations will help PPG maintain its competitive edge in the aerospace coatings market, where precision and quality are paramount.

Construction Industry Implications

For the construction sector, PPG’s investment represents a significant project pipeline extending from late 2025 through 2027. The development of this specialized manufacturing facility will require expertise in industrial construction, potentially creating opportunities for contractors with experience in building complex manufacturing environments.

The 198,000-square-foot facility will require substantial site preparation across the 62-acre property, specialized construction techniques for manufacturing spaces, and integration of advanced technologies. Contractors involved in the project will need to demonstrate capabilities in constructing facilities that meet the exacting requirements of aerospace manufacturing.

Market Outlook and Industry Growth

PPG’s substantial investment signals confidence in the aerospace industry’s continued growth. With reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024, PPG’s allocation of $380 million to this single facility demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its aerospace division and capturing increasing market share in this specialized sector.

The aerospace coatings and sealants market is experiencing growing demand, driven by aircraft production increases and maintenance requirements for existing fleets. PPG’s expansion positions the company to address these market dynamics while supporting the broader aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in North Carolina and beyond.

Final Thoughts

PPG’s $380 million investment in Shelby, North Carolina represents a significant development for the construction and manufacturing sectors. The project will create immediate construction opportunities, followed by long-term manufacturing employment and economic benefits for the region. By selecting North Carolina for this strategic expansion, PPG has validated the state’s reputation as a premier manufacturing destination with the infrastructure, workforce, and business environment needed to support advanced industrial operations.

As construction begins in October 2025, this project will be a focal point for the construction industry in the region, showcasing the intersection of advanced manufacturing requirements with modern construction techniques and technologies.