PPG Aerospace celebrates 10th anniversary of Suzhou plant, decade of safety

SUZHOU, China, March 16, 2012 – PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) today celebrated the 10th anniversary of PPG Aerospace (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. Government officials from Suzhou New District, PPG Aerospace executives and Suzhou plant employees participated in a ceremony to recognize the anniversary and a decade of manufacturing safety at the plant.

PPG Aerospace (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. was established in March 2002 to meet the needs of major aerospace original equipment manufacturers as well as the rapidly growing Asia/Pacific maintenance (MRO) market. It is one of 16 global Application Support Centers for PPG Aerospace.

“Over the past decade, ASC-Suzhou has expanded its product portfolio and gradually localized its production of aerospace materials in China and other countries in the Asia/Pacific region, significantly fueling the growth of the regional aerospace manufacturing industry,” said Paul Bowman, PPG general manager, aerospace materials, Asia/Pacific. “Additionally, achieving a decade of manufacturing safety is notable, particularly for a chemical company. We share the best practices that lead to success here in Suzhou with PPG plants all around the world.”

PPG Aerospace (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. has improved its quality management system through its first 10 years, gaining qualification from both Boeing and Airbus. PPG also was the first chemical company approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to design and manufacture dozens of coating products and other aerospace materials. To meet growing demand in the Asia/Pacific region, ASC-Suzhou’s windshield framing repair service was added to offer customers regional window assembly overhaul and repair, and PPG established PPG Aerospace (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. in the Tianjin Airport Economic Area in 2010.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, PPG adheres to strict environment, health and safety policies in its businesses throughout the world,” said John Richter, PPG vice president of operations, coatings, Asia/Pacific. “The PPG EHS management system is integrated into all PPG's businesses to reduce the impact of its business activities on the planet and its people. Additionally, we are doing our best to ensure employees have healthy and safe work environments.”

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer and distributor of aerospace coatings, sealants, and packaging and application systems. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2011 were $14.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.