PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes a broad range of paints, coatings and specialty products. The company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1883 and today operates in more than fifty countries worldwide. PPG’s vision is to be the first choice partner to meet customers’ evolving needs for innovative paints, coatings and surface solutions that protect and beautify the world. The firm leverages a long history of innovation, sustainability and community engagement to develop leading edge products that solve customer challenges. PPG serves diverse end markets including industrial equipment, packaging material, aircraft and marine equipment, automotive original equipment, automotive refinish and aftermarket, pavement marking and many other consumer and industrial products.

Revenue is generated primarily through the sale of paints, coatings and specialty products to a wide array of customers. The company offers architectural coatings for residential and commercial buildings, protective coatings for industrial equipment, specialty finishes for aerospace and marine applications, and pavement marking products for infrastructure projects. PPG distributes its products through company owned stores, home centers, independent distributors, paint dealers and direct sales to end users. The firm also provides technical services such as color matching, application support and training to help customers achieve optimal results. Sales are driven by product performance, technology innovation, brand strength and the ability to meet specific end use requirements across different geographies.

The company operates through the following segments: Global Architectural Coatings, Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings.

• Global Architectural Coatings provides decorative paints, wood stains, adhesives, sealants and related sundries for residential and commercial buildings. It serves painting and maintenance contractors as well as consumers who purchase products for do it yourself projects. Distribution occurs through company owned stores, home centers, retail outlets, paint dealers and independent distributors. Key brands include COMEX, PPG, GLIDDEN, MERIDIAN, POLYFORM, RENNER, TAUBMANS, TIKKURILA and others. The segment competes on product performance, technology, quality, technical service, price, customer productivity, distribution and brand recognition.

• Performance Coatings delivers highly specified differentiated products and services that enhance customer productivity focused on aftermarket and select original equipment manufacturers to maximize profitable growth. The segment includes aerospace coatings, automotive refinish coatings, protective and marine coatings, traffic solutions and related chemicals. Aerospace coatings are supplied to commercial, military, regional jet and general aviation aircraft. Automotive refinish coatings serve vehicle repair shops and fleet operators. Protective and marine coatings protect metal structures such as ships, bridges and rail cars. Traffic solutions provide paints, thermoplastics and raised pavement markers for road marking projects. Distribution channels include direct sales, company owned outlets, independent distributors and concessionaires. Major brands are PPG, COLAD, FINIXA, SEM, SPRINT, SIGMA and Ennis Flint. Competitive factors are product performance, technology, quality, technical service, price, customer productivity, distribution and brand recognition.

• Industrial Coatings provides direct to factory technology advantaged solutions that are integrated into original equipment manufacturer operations to support their global expansion, sustainability and productivity goals. The segment includes automotive OEM coatings, industrial coatings for appliances and equipment, packaging coatings for metal cans and tubes, and specialty products such as TESLIN substrate, OLED materials and optical lens materials. Automotive OEM coatings are applied to vehicle bodies and components during assembly. Industrial coatings serve manufacturers of appliances, agricultural and construction equipment, consumer electronics, building products and many other finished goods. Packaging coatings are used on food, beverage and personal care containers. Specialty products find use in labels, displays, lenses and photochromic applications. Distribution is mainly direct to manufacturers, through specialized applicators and at regional service centers. Key brands are PPG and various product specific names. Competitive factors focus on product performance, technology, quality, technical service, price, customer productivity and distribution.

PPG holds a strong position as one of the largest global producers of paints and coatings. The company competes with other multinational firms such as Akzo Nobel N. V., Hempel A/S, Nippon Paint, the Jotun Group and The Sherwin Williams Company across its architectural and performance markets. In the industrial and specialty segments PPG faces competition from Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., BASF Corporation, Kansai Paints and 3M Company. Competitive advantages stem from a broad product portfolio, a well known brand portfolio, extensive research and development capabilities, a worldwide distribution network and a commitment to sustainability. The firm’s scale allows it to invest in new technologies and to offer customers integrated solutions that address performance, environmental and cost considerations.

PPG serves a diverse customer base that includes painting and maintenance contractors, individual consumers undertaking do it yourself home projects, automotive original equipment manufacturers and their tier suppliers, aircraft manufacturers and operators, metal fabricators, marine and offshore equipment builders, government agencies responsible for road marking and infrastructure maintenance, and manufacturers of consumer goods such as appliances, electronics and packaging. The company also works with distributors, retailers and specialty applicators who help bring its products to end users across different regions.