Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in Shelby, North Carolina. The company plans to invest $380 million in a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County. This move marks the return of PPG to Shelby, where it originally established a facility in the 1950s.
“PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor 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 is an American Fortune 500 company known for its paints, coatings, and specialty materials. It operates in over 70 countries with reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. The company’s aerospace division offers solutions for OEMs and aftermarket customers, including airlines and MRO facilities. The new Shelby facility will produce PPG’s full line of aerospace coatings and sealants.
“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,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and CEO. “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 expressed satisfaction with PPG’s decision: “It’s great to see another top manufacturing company select North Carolina as a place to do business.” He added that it’s gratifying for PPG, with historical ties to the region, to rejoin Shelby’s community.
The average salary for these new jobs will be $66,861 compared to Cleveland County’s average wage of $48,310 at the time of application. A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will aid PPG’s project based on an investment of $221.8 million and creating 62 jobs. The fund provides financial assistance contingent upon meeting job creation targets.
Representative Kelly Hastings welcomed this development: “PPG is a name held in high regard in our area… I am especially proud that my mom is a PPG retiree.” Senator Ted Alexander acknowledged efforts by various entities: “Bringing PPG back… took a lot of effort by many people.”
The project involved collaboration between several organizations including North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, local government bodies, educational institutions like Cleveland Community College, among others.
