PPG Announces $280 Million Facility Expansion in Delaware

PPG Industries Inc (formerly known as Pittsburgh Plate Glass) recently announced a $280 million expansion of its manufacturing, which is at 760 Pittsburgh Drive. The project includes the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot facility. 

This expansion is important for Delaware because it will help position the city as a larger hub for manufacturing. The expansion will also create 100 new full-time jobs and add about $8 million in payroll to the local economy. These roles will include production operators, lab technicians, and engineers. PPG has been in Delaware since 1965 and currently employs around 450 people, demonstrating its long-standing presence in the community.

The new facility will focus on making OEM coatings, which are coatings used by car manufacturers. The state of Ohio also approved an eight-year 1.483 percent Job Creation Tax Credit to support this project. Construction will begin in late 2026 and is to be completed by 2028. 

Alisha Bellezza, PPG's senior vice president of automotive and packaging coatings, said, "As the automotive industry continues to evolve, PPG's expanded capabilities in Delaware will help us deliver the next generation of high-quality, sustainably advantaged coatings technologies.”

Tom Stipkovich from One Columbus said companies like PPG continue to reinvest in Delaware because of its skilled workforce and good location. This shows that Delaware is a good place for manufacturing companies to stay and grow.

PPG first came to Delaware in 1965 and played a role in building the city's industrial park. This facility is now one of PPG's most important manufacturing locations in North America. The plant produces resins and coatings for car manufacturers, collision repair shops, and packaging companies. In August 2025, PPG celebrated its 60th anniversary in Delaware, with many local and state officials joining the celebration, highlighting the company’s community partnership and importance. 

The timing of this expansion aligns with the car industry going through a big change as more and more cars are becoming electric. This is creating new challenges for companies that make coatings, as electric vehicles do not have the same exhaust heat used to cure traditional paint. This means the coatings have to work at lower temperatures. 

PPG has developed products like their ENVIRO PRIME EPIC 300, which can be used for electric vehicles, requiring less heat and energy. This technology reduces the bake temperature by 20 degrees Celsius, cuts energy use by up to 13 percent, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The new Delaware facility will allow PPG to expand production of these products as demand increases while also maintaining sustainability. 

PPG is not the only company that is expanding, as the Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved eight projects totalling about $853 million in investment and is expected to create 1,320 new jobs. This adds more than $80 million in payroll for Ohio workers. 

Among them, AAA Cooper Transportation plans to create 210 jobs across Columbus, Richfield, and Toledo, adding $14.7 million in new payroll. Dainty USA will create 240 jobs in Batavia Township, contributing $15.8 million in payroll. These developments reflect Ohio’s broader strategy to grow its manufacturing sector through tax incentives and investments. 

For Ohio Wesleyan University students, this expansion could create many new opportunities. The 100 new jobs at PPG, which include lab technicians, engineers, and business operation jobs, will be valuable for students majoring in STEM or Business. This may allow students who graduate to stay close to the area, reducing the burden of relocation. 

PPG has previously invited students to tour the Delaware facility before as part of National Manufacturing Day events. This also presents an opportunity for OWU's Career Connection office to create connections with PPG and expand internship and full-time job opportunities for OWU students. However, the new facility will not be ready until 2028, so this will be most relevant to current freshmen or sophomores. 

Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, and the facility should be completed by 2028. During this time, the construction itself will bring jobs and spending to the area, benefiting the local economy even before the plant opens.

Overall, this expansion shows PPG's commitment to Delaware and reflects the city’s growth. This is a good sign for Delaware and for OWU students seeking nearby jobs and internship opportunities.

Sources: 

PPG's 60-year history in Delaware PPG celebrates 60 years in Delaware — Delaware Gazette

EV coatings / ENVIRO-PRIME EPIC 300 technology PPG ENVIRO-PRIME EPIC 300 Helps Reduce Emissions — American Chemistry Council

Ohio Tax Credit Authority — the 8 projects and full investment figures Governor DeWine Announces 8 Projects, $853 Million in Investments — Ohio Governor's Office

PPG $280 Million Delaware expansion announcement Governor DeWine Announces PPG Industries Project — Ohio Governor's Office