PPG Architectural Coatings Creating New Headquarters in Cranberry

The creation of new headquarters for PPG's North American Architectural Coatings in Cranberry Township is expected to bring with it a crop of new jobs.

PPG on Monday announced it would establish its architectural coatings headquarters in the Cranberry Woods Business Park located along Route 228, as well as expand its existing technology center in Allegheny County.

The move should add more than 300 new jobs to the region, according to a statement from Gov. Tom Corbett’s office.  

“We continue to see momentum building in the Pennsylvania economy and businesses are moving here to grow,” Corbett said. “Today is a win for southwestern Pennsylvania, proving that the best way to spur new job growth is to work with local leaders and businesses.”

This project is expected to generate an investment of more than $14 million for infrastructure, equipment and employee training.

The 120,000-square-foot facility in Cranberry will consolidate operations from Louisville, Ky., Dover, Del., and Strongsville, Ohio, Corbett said.

Cranberry Township manager Jerry Andree said he is pleased to count PPG among the companies already established in the Cranberry Woods business park, including headquarters for Westinghouse Electric Company and MSA.

“The decision of PPG validates the excellent business environment that exists in Cranberry Township,” he said. “PPG is joining an impressive group of companies in the Cranberry Woods business park. The Cranberry Woods Business Park was designed to attract a wild range of quality companies that provide family sustaining jobs. We welcome PPG to that group of companies.” 

The company also plans to expand and co-locate its North American Architectural Coatings research and development activities, laboratory equipment and personnel, currently located at the company’s Springdale and Strongsville, Ohio locations, to Harmar Township.

The Governor’s Action Team, a group of economic development professionals working directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania, coordinated the project.

Among the financial incentives PPG received from the state  is a funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including a $1,250,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant, $618,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits and a $42,750 Guaranteed Free Training grant, which will be used to train its new workforce.

Also included is a $2 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. The loan is scheduled to be repaid within 15 years.

“We are excited with PPG’s decision to retain jobs in the region and bring many additional employees to their new division home in Cranberry Township,” said Ken Raybuck, executive director of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County. 

“PPG is another global company making a substantial investment in Butler County that will serve our region. Cranberry Township officials, the Governor’s Action Team and the Corbett administration and many others were key in helping PPG make its final decision.”