International. PPG announced that it will deliver clear film and paint solutions for industrial and automotive customers through PPG Advanced Surface Technologies.
This new joint venture is formed with Entrotech, Inc., a provider of technology-based film solutions. PPG retains a majority interest in the joint venture. Specific financial and ownership terms were not disclosed.
According to the company, paint films are multilayer applications in which at least one coat is made of paint. They provide a variety of environmental benefits, including lower energy consumption, as well as new aesthetic options.
The technology is currently used in the automotive industry; however, it has potential applications in a variety of industrial end uses.
"This joint venture will position our paint film product portfolio for accelerated commercialization, offering customers innovative products with high performance and significant sustainability benefits," said Tim Knavish, PPG president and chief executive officer.
"This company will be positioned for rapid global expansion aligned with PPG's portfolio."
PPG established its paint film capabilities in 2021 with the acquisition of Wörwag, a Germany-based coatings supplier offering film products for a variety of automotive parts and panels. The JV will consist of PPG Wörwag's film assets and entrotech's automotive film business.
Entrotech's automotive film portfolio includes transparent automotive protective films and the Aero Sustainable Material Technology line of paint films. The company's patented and patent-pending technologies were originally developed in 2007 to meet the demanding requirements of motorsport and other applications.
In 2019, Aero films were used for the first time in exteriors of commercial motor vehicles. Since then, the company has further developed the technology for potential use in commercial transportation, maritime, construction and other areas in which PPG operates.
"We are excited to join the global PPG family through this joint venture," said Jim McGuire, founder and CEO of entrotech.
"This agreement builds on a long-standing collaboration as we use PPG paint products to create our paint films. We look forward to expanding our reach globally with PPG's paint film team through this partnership."
