PPG Industries
Global paints, coatings and specialty materials company
Last updated August 27, 2026
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Overview
PPG Industries is an American paints, coatings and specialty materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its origins lie in the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, founded in 1883 by Captain John Baptiste Ford and John Pitcairn Jr. at Creighton, Pennsylvania. The original business became one of the earliest commercially successful American producers of high-quality thick flat glass made by the plate process. PPG also distinguished itself by using locally produced natural gas to fire its furnaces, an industrial innovation that helped demonstrate the fuel's usefulness on a large commercial scale. The company expanded rapidly during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By 1900, its manufacturing network included ten plants, it held a substantial majority of the United States plate-glass market, and it had become the country's second-largest paint producer. Although glass remained important for much of its early history, PPG progressively diversified into paints, industrial and automotive coatings, fiberglass, sealants, adhesives, optical materials and other specialty chemicals. That transformation was formally reflected in the adoption of the name PPG Industries, Inc. in 1968. PPG's portfolio has been shaped by acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures. Its purchase of Ditzler Color Company in 1928 strengthened its automotive color and refinishing activities. In 1990, PPG established Transitions Optical as a joint venture with Essilor, later selling its interest to Essilor in 2014. The acquisition of Courtaulds Aerospace in 2000 expanded aerospace coatings and sealants. The 2008 purchase of SigmaKalon significantly enlarged the company's architectural and protective coatings operations, while later transactions added Dyrup, AkzoNobel's North American architectural coatings business, Comex, Revocoat and Wörwag. PPG has also repeatedly reshaped its business mix. It sold or reduced its exposure to automotive glass, flat glass and fiberglass, concentrating more heavily on coatings and specialty materials. Its attempted acquisition of AkzoNobel in 2017 was rejected after several unsolicited offers, and PPG abandoned the pursuit later that year. In 2024, it agreed to sell its United States and Canadian architectural coatings business to American Industrial Partners. The transaction, completed in December 2024, included brands such as Glidden, Dulux in Canada, Liquid Nails, Homax, Pittsburgh Paints and Stains, Flood, Sico and Manor Hall, together with company-owned stores and other distribution assets. The company serves industrial, automotive, aerospace, construction, consumer and other markets. Its products are used to protect and decorate buildings, vehicles, aircraft, infrastructure and manufactured goods, as well as in bonding, sealing and specialty-material applications. PPG operates internationally and has been a Fortune 500 company. Its Pittsburgh headquarters is located in PPG Place, a downtown office and retail complex known for its distinctive glass architecture designed by Philip Johnson. Beyond commercial activities, PPG has maintained longstanding links with motorsports and other sports through sponsorships, venue naming rights and technical support for racing teams.
History
PPG Industries began as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in 1883, when John Baptiste Ford and John Pitcairn Jr. established a plate-glass plant at Creighton, Pennsylvania. The company became an early American industrial success in the production of thick flat glass and was notable for operating glass furnaces with locally produced natural gas. Its early growth included the construction and acquisition of multiple plants, and by 1900 it was a dominant force in United States plate glass while also ranking among the country's leading paint producers. John Pitcairn played a central leadership role during the formative period, serving as a director from the company's creation, president from 1897 to 1905, and chairman until his death in 1916. PPG's expansion beyond basic glass accelerated during the twentieth century. The acquisition of Ditzler Color Company in 1928 brought an established automotive-color business into the group. Over time, PPG added paints, coatings, fiberglass, chemicals and related technologies, gradually reducing its dependence on traditional flat glass. The change of name to PPG Industries in December 1968 signaled the company's broader industrial scope. During the 1980s it expanded internationally, including through the acquisition of the Spanish paint company Cipisa. In 1990, PPG and Essilor created Transitions Optical as a joint venture, linking PPG's materials expertise with Essilor's optical business. PPG later sold its interest in Transitions Optical to Essilor in 2014. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, acquisitions strengthened PPG's specialized coatings position. In 2000, it agreed to purchase Courtaulds Aerospace, adding aerospace coatings, sealants and application-support facilities across several regions. In 2008, it acquired SigmaKalon, a major transaction that broadened architectural, decorative and specialty coatings. PPG also renamed its automotive-glass division Pittsburgh Glass Works, later sold most of that business, and ultimately disposed of its remaining stake in 2016. The 2010s brought additional portfolio changes. PPG acquired Dyrup in 2012, bought AkzoNobel's North American architectural coatings business in 2013, and acquired Mexican coatings producer Comex in 2014. Revocoat, a supplier of sealants, was added in 2015. PPG sold its flat-glass business to Vitro in 2016 and divested its remaining fiberglass operations to Nippon Electric Glass in 2017. These moves reflected a strategy centered increasingly on coatings, sealants and higher-value specialty materials. PPG's 2017 attempt to acquire AkzoNobel became one of the most prominent strategic episodes in its recent history. After AkzoNobel rejected successive unsolicited offers, some shareholders and activist investors pressed for negotiations and challenged AkzoNobel's board leadership. AkzoNobel proposed separating its chemicals business and increasing shareholder distributions, but PPG continued to argue that its proposal offered superior value. After further resistance and concerns about antitrust and organizational differences, PPG abandoned the attempt in June 2017. In the 2020s, PPG continued to develop coatings and adhesive technologies, including recognition for its PR 2930 structural adhesive, and completed its acquisition of German coatings manufacturer Wörwag in 2021. In 2024 it agreed to sell its United States and Canadian architectural coatings business to American Industrial Partners. The transaction closed in December 2024 and transferred a large group of consumer and trade brands, stores and distribution relationships. PPG therefore entered its current phase as a more focused international supplier of industrial, transportation, aerospace, protective and specialty coatings and materials. Environmental and labor issues have also formed part of the company's public history. PPG agreed in 2010 to remove substantial quantities of toxic waste associated with a former chromium-processing site in Jersey City under a federal court settlement. Earlier environmental accounts have also described contamination concerns around former industrial operations. In labor relations, the introduction of a two-tier compensation structure in 2006 produced strikes at several union locations. Alongside these controversies, PPG has maintained a visible sponsorship presence in motorsports, including the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, Team Penske, Formula One partnerships and NHRA racing.
- 2024
North American architectural coatings sale completed
[1]American Industrial Partners completed the purchase of PPG's United States and Canadian architectural coatings business.
- 2021
Wörwag acquisition completed
[1]PPG completed its purchase of the German coatings manufacturer.
- 2017
AkzoNobel takeover attempt abandoned
[1]PPG ended its pursuit after repeated rejection of its unsolicited offers.
- 2014
Transitions Optical interest sold to Essilor
[1]PPG completed the sale while continuing to provide certain research and development support.
- 2013
AkzoNobel North American architectural coatings business acquired
[1]The deal brought brands including Glidden, Liquid Nails and Flood into PPG's portfolio.
- 2008
SigmaKalon acquired
[1]The acquisition significantly enlarged PPG's paints and specialty-coatings portfolio.
- 2000
Courtaulds Aerospace acquired
[1]The transaction added aerospace coatings and sealants.
- 1990
Transitions Optical joint venture established
[1]PPG and Essilor formed a joint venture focused on photochromic lens technology.
- 1968
Company renamed PPG Industries
[1]The new name reflected the company's diversification beyond plate glass.
- 1928
Ditzler Color Company acquired
[1]The acquisition expanded PPG's automotive-color activities.
Products and positioning
A global coatings and specialty-materials supplier focused on performance, protection, appearance, durability and application technology across industrial, transportation, construction and consumer markets.
Architectural coatings
Architectural paints and coatings
PPG's architectural coatings business historically covered interior and exterior paints, stains, sealants and related home-improvement products sold through retail stores, independent dealers and large home-improvement channels. Brands associated with the former United States and Canadian business included Glidden, Dulux in Canada, Pittsburgh Paints and Stains, Flood, Sico and Manor Hall. This business was sold to American Industrial Partners in 2024.
Transportation coatings · 1928
Automotive coatings
PPG supplies coatings used by vehicle manufacturers and in automotive refinishing. The category developed from the company's acquisition of Ditzler Color Company in 1928 and includes technologies for color, appearance, corrosion protection and repair applications.
Aerospace materials · 2000
Aerospace coatings and sealants
PPG's aerospace portfolio includes protective and decorative aircraft coatings, sealants and related application support. Its position was strengthened through the acquisition of Courtaulds Aerospace in 2000 and serves aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and repair applications.
Industrial coatings
Industrial and protective coatings
These products are designed to protect equipment, structures, machinery and manufactured goods from corrosion, wear, chemicals and environmental exposure while providing specified colors and finishes. They serve industrial production, infrastructure, construction and other professional applications.
Specialty materials
Adhesives and sealants
PPG develops structural adhesives, sealants and bonding materials for transportation, aerospace, construction and industrial uses. The portfolio includes technologies intended to combine strength, flexibility, durability and resistance to demanding operating conditions.
Controversies
2021
PPG reaches settlement over Ford City waste-site allegations
PPG Industries reached a settlement concerning Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act allegations in a lawsuit. The settlement requires permits and water treatment, among other measures; the civil penalty amount had not yet been determined. The plaintiffs alleged pollution around the Ford City waste site, and the article reports that a court had determined discharges presented an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment.
2010
Jersey City chromium-site cleanup settlement
PPG agreed under a federal court settlement to remove approximately 700,000 tons of toxic waste from Canal Crossing, a former New Jersey site where it had operated a chromium-processing plant.
2006
Two-tier compensation dispute and strikes
PPG introduced different pay and benefit structures for employees hired after the change. The policy triggered substantial strikes at union locations, including a five-month West Virginia dispute.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024World Snooker Tour sponsorship
International
PPG entered snooker sponsorship through a title partnership for the Tour Championship; its Johnstone's Paint brand was subsequently associated with the Masters through 2027.
Outcome. Expanded sports marketing beyond motorsports
- 2017Williams Formula One partnership
International
PPG began a partnership with Williams F1 Team, extending its motorsports and vehicle-finish presence into Formula One.
Outcome. Ongoing sports and technology partnership reported in source material
- 2016PPG Paints Arena naming partnership
Pittsburgh, United States
PPG acquired naming rights for Pittsburgh's former Consol Energy Center, which became PPG Paints Arena.
Outcome. Venue branding established
- 1980CART PPG Indy Car World Series sponsorship
United States · International motorsports
PPG served as primary sponsor of the CART PPG Indy Car World Series from 1980 through 1997, linking its industrial brand with high-performance racing and automotive technology.
Outcome. Long-running motorsports association
Brand decisions
2024
Sale of United States and Canadian architectural coatings businessM&ABackground
PPG decided to divest a large architectural-coatings operation covering consumer brands, retail stores, independent dealers and retail distribution relationships.
Action taken
The business was sold to American Industrial Partners; the transaction closed on December 2, 2024.
Aftermath
PPG's portfolio became more concentrated on industrial, transportation, aerospace, protective and specialty coatings.
Reported transaction value. $550 million (Announced October 17, 2024; completed December 2, 2024)
2017
Abandonment of AkzoNobel acquisition pursuitM&ABackground
PPG made several unsolicited proposals to acquire AkzoNobel, while AkzoNobel's management argued that the offers undervalued the company and raised antitrust and cultural concerns.
Action taken
After AkzoNobel rejected the proposals, PPG ended its pursuit in June 2017.
Aftermath
The attempted combination did not proceed, and PPG continued as an independent coatings company.
- AkzoNobel — AkzoNobel rejected the proposals and outlined alternative restructuring and shareholder-return measures.
2008
SigmaKalon acquisitionM&ABackground
PPG sought to broaden its paints and specialty-coatings business through an international acquisition.
Action taken
PPG acquired SigmaKalon from Bain Capital.
Aftermath
The transaction substantially increased PPG's presence in paints and specialty coatings.
Recent events
- 2024
PPG agrees to sell North American architectural coatings business[1]
M&A
PPG announced the sale of its United States and Canadian architectural coatings business to American Industrial Partners for a reported $550 million; the transaction closed on December 2, 2024.
- 2017
PPG makes unsolicited offers for AkzoNobel[1]
M&A
PPG made multiple takeover proposals for AkzoNobel. AkzoNobel rejected the offers, citing valuation, antitrust and cultural concerns, and PPG later ended its pursuit.
- 2008
PPG completes SigmaKalon acquisition[1]
M&A
PPG completed its acquisition of SigmaKalon from Bain Capital, substantially expanding its paints and specialty-coatings operations.
- 2007
PPG faces lawsuit over automotive-glass customer disclosures[1]
Lawsuit
PPG was involved in litigation concerning alleged failure to disclose a reduction in purchases by two major automotive-glass customers.
- 2006
PPG workers strike over two-tier compensation system[1]
Other
A new two-tier pay and benefits system for non-salaried employees led to major strikes at unionized PPG locations, including a prolonged dispute in West Virginia.
Sources3 sources
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