PPG Industries is moving forward with plans to expand its aerospace operations, announcing a $380 million investment to build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shelby, North Carolina. The Pittsburgh-based coatings and specialty materials giant revealed on Thursday that the new plant will produce its full line of aerospace coatings and sealants, supporting the company’s growing footprint in one of its most in-demand market segments.

The upcoming facility will span 198,000 square feet and will initially feature warehousing and manufacturing spaces tailored specifically for aerospace product lines, according to the company’s press release. Construction is scheduled to begin in October, with completion expected in 2027.

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein praised the investment, highlighting the local economic boost the project will bring. The plant will create more than 110 new jobs, offering an average salary of $66,861.

“The backlogs are years in these segments, not months, not quarters, years,” said PPG Chairman and CEO Tim Knavish, referring to robust demand in aerospace segments. “Military, commercial, general aviation aftermarket, strong, strong, strong, strong.”

Boosting Logistics and Sustainability

PPG emphasized that the location of the new Shelby facility was chosen for its logistical advantages. Positioned near Interstate 85 and within reach of Charlotte Douglas and Greenville-Spartanburg International Airports, the plant is strategically placed to streamline supply chain and shipping operations, the company said.

In addition to strengthening logistics, the new factory will also showcase PPG’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. According to the release, it will be equipped with advanced manufacturing systems designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality.

Strong Aerospace Growth

PPG’s move comes as its aerospace segment continues to outperform. While the company’s overall net sales for the first quarter of 2025 fell 4% year-over-year to $3.7 billion—citing currency exchange impacts and divestitures—its performance coatings segment grew by 7%, reaching $1.3 billion. Aerospace coatings were a major driver behind that growth, contributing to record Q1 sales and a $300 million product backlog.

Demand has surged as aircraft manufacturers work to replenish depleted inventories from the COVID-19 slowdown. Many aerospace firms slashed production and drew down inventory during the pandemic, leading to pent-up demand as they ramp back up.

On the company’s April 30 earnings call, Knavish pointed to Boeing as a prime example of the aerospace sector’s long-term strength, noting the company’s backlog has reached over $500 billion.

PPG expects this growth trend to continue into the second quarter and beyond. The company has been aggressively investing to improve output capacity and efficiency, especially within the aerospace division.

“I would just say, stay tuned for kind of larger capital investments that are under engineering analysis now that would position this business for even better growth in rewards for our shareholders long term,” Knavish said.

Global Manufacturing Network

The Shelby plant will join PPG’s existing global network of 177 manufacturing facilities. Currently, the company operates three other aerospace coatings and sealants plants located in Mojave, California; Gonfreville-l’Orcher, France; and Shildon, United Kingdom. The North Carolina expansion underscores PPG’s continued commitment to meeting aerospace industry demand with localized production and advanced capabilities.

Originally reported by Sara Samora in Construction Dive.