International. PPG has commissioned a new water-based automotive coatings manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, Thailand.
The new facility responds to the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the automotive industry.
With an annual production capacity of 2,000 tonnes, the facility will enable the company to strengthen its offering of primers and waterborne primers for automotive manufacturers in Southeast Asia, a rapidly growing market.
The inauguration was held on March 20 with the presence of company executives and representatives of automotive manufacturers from the region.
The boom in Southeast Asia's auto industry, driven in large part by the Thai government's bet on electric vehicles, has opened up new opportunities for global manufacturers, including Chinese companies.
"Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid growth in the automotive sector," said Alisha Bellezza, senior vice president of Automotive Original Equipment Coatings at PPG. "With the Thai government's backing of electric vehicles, there are great opportunities for automakers globally, including Chinese OEMs."
As Chinese automakers expand their presence in new markets, including Thailand, investments like this plant allow PPG to support its customers through localized production and technical support. PPG has established strong partnerships with major Asian automakers, including Chinese brands such as BYD and Chery.
"PPG's purpose to 'protect and beautify the world' is evident in its development of water-based coatings with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)," said Thomas Li, vice president, Automotive Original Equipment Coatings, PPG Asia-Pacific.
The new plant in Thailand is part of PPG's global expansion strategy, which in 2024 announced the construction of its first factory in the United States in more than 15 years.
