Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce PPG to Construct Paint and Coatings Facility in Loudon County

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | 08:00am
  • Loudon selected for PPG’s first new U.S. manufacturing plant in more than a decade
  • Company to create nearly 130 new jobs in East Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and PPG officials announced today the company has selected Loudon as the location of its newest paint and coatings manufacturing facility.

PPG will invest a total of $225 million and create 129 new jobs in Loudon County through the project.

The Loudon plant will be PPG’s first new U.S. manufacturing facility in the last 15 years and is part of the company’s greater investment to expand and innovate advanced manufacturing in North America. Upon completion, the Tennessee operations will be more than 250,000 square feet in size with dedicated space for warehousing as well as paint and coatings production.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG develops, manufactures and distributes its paints, coatings and specialty materials worldwide. Today, the company operates across more than 70 countries and reported net sales of more than $18 billion in 2023.

Since 2020, TNECD has supported more than 50 economic development projects in the East Tennessee region, resulting in approximately 9,700 job commitments and $2.9 billion in capital investment.

QUOTES

“Tennessee is leading the nation in attracting top global brands like PPG to the Volunteer State. I welcome PPG and thank this company for its commitment to creating greater opportunity for Tennesseans across the Greater Knoxville region.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“PPG shares in our commitment to innovation, and we are proud to have this household name in Tennessee. Our skilled workforce is ready to support the Loudon operations, and we look forward to seeing the economic prosperity these jobs and this $225 million investment will bring to Loudon County.” – TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter

“Innovation is at the forefront of PPG’s purpose in protecting and beautifying the world. These investments continue to modernize and digitize our manufacturing capabilities, and demonstrate PPG’s continued focus on quality and service to our customers as the premier single-source coatings supplier for every vehicle surface. As we continue to see a resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S., PPG will leverage this new facility and our other site investments to maximize quality, improve operational efficiency, and reduce product complexity within our manufacturing footprint.” – Tim Knavish, chairman and chief executive officer, PPG

“As the automotive industry continues to transform, we’re excited to expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our automotive customers. The strategic location of PPG’s new facility in Tennessee also creates a more efficient and effective supply chain with close proximity to many automotive manufacturing facilities, which will further enhance the service experience for our customers.” – Alisha Bellezza, senior vice president, automotive coatings, PPG

“I appreciate PPG’s decision to open its new operations facility in Loudon, Tennessee. As an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials, this new location will create 129 new jobs in our community and bring a substantial investment of $225 million dollars into our area. Hopefully, this facility will also serve as the foundation for PPG’s future growth in this region.” – Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris

“TVA and Loudon Utilities congratulates PPG on its decision to expand operations opportunities in Loudon. Helping to support companies that are committed to creating jobs and investing in the region is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Loudon County, City of Loudon, Loudon County Economic Development Agency and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to further that mission, and we celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of economic development

“I am excited to see a world renown brand like PPG putting down roots in Loudon County. This expansion of their operation will not only benefit the community directly by providing jobs for our citizens but indirectly through the associated economic growth their presence will bring.  I am grateful to all those who have worked to bring this outstanding company to our area.” – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge)

“I was excited to learn of PPG’s significant investment in Loudon County. This major manufacturing and distribution facility will enhance our local economy and be a great addition to Loudon’s business community. I thank the company for choosing East Tennessee and wish them success as they begin operations here.” – Rep. Lowell Russell (R-Vonore)

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Director of Communications
(615) 339-6608
Lindsey.Tipton@tn.gov

 

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