HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Nov. 9, 2006 – PPG Aerospace – Transparencies officials and employees were joined by Huntsville government and industry leaders and aviation business representatives at ceremonies here today to dedicate PPG's new aircraft window framing repair facility.
PPG Global Director of Commercial Transparencies Mark Cancilla called the new facility "a solid step into the aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul market that holds great promise for PPG and its customers."
Located about three miles west of PPG's Huntsville aircraft window manufacturing plant and business headquarters, the operation is dedicated to the overhaul and repair of framed aircraft cockpit windows. It opened earlier this year under PPG's FAA repair license and received FAA approval.
"It has been exciting to see what was only an idea come to fruition in such a short time," Cancilla said. "But of course being in the aviation industry, we always have had a keen sense of timing. We were able to get this operation up and running in what seemed like breakneck speed certainly in main part because of the good people we had putting it all together."
Cancilla also commented on the advantages for businesses Huntsville provides, citing its infrastructure, people, and support of government and community leaders.
He noted that in the short time since the new PPG facility began operating, the potential for its growth has been magnified.
"In late September, we announced the acquisition of Sierracin Corp., a leading supplier since 1952 of advanced composite transparencies to the aerospace industry," he said. "Sierracin's advanced composite technologies, particularly in products for military fighter jets, complement our existing glass capabilities and represent an opportunity for us to expand aftermarket window framing repair and overhaul."
The PPG aerospace transparencies executive noted that the company has targeted aerospace products as one of its businesses for growth. "Our operation here and extension of capabilities into the repair and overhaul of framed cockpit windows clearly demonstrate our strategy to grow by diversifying the range of our services and technology," Cancilla said.
PPG began operations in Huntsville in 1969 at its aircraft windshield and window factory on Highway 72 East. The company employs more than 700 people in Huntsville at the factory and business headquarters and the new framing repair facility.
About PPG Aerospace
PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business of PPG Industries. PPG Aerospace – Transparencies is the world’s largest supplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace – PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants, coatings, and packaging and application systems.
About PPG Industries
In addition to its aerospace business, Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries is a global supplier of glass, coatings, fiber glass and chemicals. Sales in 2005 were $10.2 billion.
