PPG to Establish Major Manufacturing Facility in Shelby, North Carolina
In a significant development for local manufacturing, PPG has announced plans to create 110 jobs in Shelby, North Carolina. The company will invest $380 million in a new facility, reviving its historical presence in Cleveland County, which dates back to the 1950s.
“PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that employees can build a career and employers have the well-trained people they need to get to work.”
PPG (NYSE: PPG), a Fortune 500 company, is a global leader in supplying paints, coatings, and specialty materials. Operative in over 70 countries, PPG reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. Specializing in aerospace, PPG caters to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket customers, including airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Their aerospace offerings include advanced coatings, sealants, and other specialty products designed for enhanced aircraft performance and safety. The new Shelby facility will focus on producing these aerospace coatings and sealants.
Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, stating, “PPG’s investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers. By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose – to protect and beautify the world – while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the positive impact on the local community: “It’s great to see another top manufacturing company select North Carolina as a place to do business. It’s also gratifying to see a company like PPG, with its historical ties to the region, once again become part of the strong and vibrant community of Shelby. I look forward to the great things to come from this renewed partnership.”
The new positions at the facility will offer an average salary of $66,861, significantly higher than Cleveland County’s current average wage of $48,310. Support for the project includes a performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund, contingent on PPG’s investment of $221.8 million and the creation of 62 jobs. The OneNC Fund assists local governments in attracting economic investments and job creation, and all grants require matching funds from local governments.
“PPG is a name held in high regard in our area, and we’re all excited to open the next chapter of this partnership for our region and for our state,” said Representative Kelly Hastings. “We welcome these new jobs and investment to our region, and I am especially proud that my mom is a PPG retiree.”
Senator Ted Alexander expressed his support, stating, “Bringing PPG back to Cleveland County and Shelby took a lot of effort by many people and organizations working behind the scenes. Our community looks forward to supporting the company as they re-establish operations in our area.”
The project saw collaboration from numerous parties, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County, the City of Shelby, and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.
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