PPG, a paints, coatings, and specialty materials manufacturer, is coughing up $44 million to boost its global powder production.

The investment is part of the company's efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production to meet growing customer demand for sustainably advantaged products. PPG plans to upgrade five powder coating manufacturing facilities in the US and Latin America.

The projects are part of PPG’s strategic efforts to expand its powder coatings offerings and increase global production to meet growing customer demand for sustainably advantaged products.

The investment is expected to increase overall capacity, add production capabilities for bonded metallic powders, improve processing times with automated packaging, and enhance capabilities to produce small, medium, and large batches. Enhancements and expansions are already completed or under way at powder production facilities in Brazil, IN, Gainesville, TX; Greensboro, NC; San Juan del Rio, Mexico; and Sumaré, Brazil. PPG expects to complete these total projects by the fourth quarter of 2023.

PPG has focused on growing its powder coatings capacity and capabilities, since 2019, with four acquisitions and expanding production and service elements at seven sites across the globe. A key factor driving the rapid adoption of powder coatings is the growing interest in more sustainable solutions. Powder coatings are generally formulated without solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and in the application line, these coatings can be reclaimed and reused.

“Focusing on powder coatings is a win-win for PPG and our customers as we are able to offer greater access to sustainably advantaged products,” said Marizeth Carvalho, PPG global director, powder coatings, Industrial Coatings. “Powder is the fastest growing coatings technology in the world, and PPG’s goal is to lead that charge through innovation and production advancements.”

In August 2022, the powder coating company also invested $11 million into its San Juan del Rio plant in Mexico, planning double capacity by this year.