PPG donates $10,000 and products to U.S. Space and Rocket Center

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 6, 2014 – The PPG Industries Foundation has donated $10,000 to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) Foundation in Huntsville, Alabama, for scholarships to AVIATION CHALLENGE® programs at the center. Additionally, PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) aerospace business, which operates a facility in Huntsville, has donated coatings to change the livery of an F-16 jet as a “Red Tail” commemorating Alabama’s Tuskegee Airmen who served the U.S. during World War II.

“We greatly appreciate PPG’s support of our Aviation Challenge program, which encourages science, technology, engineering and mathematical (STEM) skills through the excitement of aviation, water and land survival training,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, USSRC CEO and executive director. “Both PPG and the city of Huntsville have a strong aviation history, and we delight in partnering with local businesses such as PPG.”

The PPG grant helped fund scholarships for underserved students ages 9 to 18 to attend the Aviation Challenge camp at USSRC. In honor of the donation, the week of July 6-11 was designated "PPG Week" for both the Aviation Challenge camp and the SPACE CAMP® program, which focuses on space exploration. Preston Nesselrotte, PPG segment manager for military transparencies, aerospace, presented to trainees, and additional PPG representatives interacted with students during various activities through the week.

To recognize PPG’s donation of paint from a Kennesaw, Georgia, facility, in custom colors that replicate the original Red Tails livery, Dr. Barnhart said PPG has been named the presenting sponsor for a dedication event on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Aviation Challenge facility for the F-16 Red Tail aircraft. “While this event will primarily honor the Tuskegee Airmen, who trained here in Alabama and served our nation bravely as fighter pilots, instructors, suppliers and mechanics during World War II, we would also like to acknowledge PPG for donating products that helped make our Red Tail project possible.”

Tom Meyer, PPG Huntsville plant manager, said, “At PPG, we’re strongly committed to helping advance the industries we serve by supporting educational initiatives associated with those industries. The USSRC and its Aviation Challenge camps offer in-depth information and hands-on experiences that directly relate to PPG’s aerospace business and encourage students to pursue STEM-related studies and careers. The camp trainees will be integral to the future of our industry, and the unique programming the camp provides shows the value of industry’s collaboration with the community.”

Established in 1951, the PPG Industries Foundation demonstrates the values of PPG Industries by enhancing the quality of life in communities where the company has a presence. Interests of the foundation, in order of priority, are education, human services, culture and arts, and civic and community affairs. PPG also supports charitable causes by encouraging employees' volunteerism and board service with nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.ppgfoundation.com.

About the U.S. Space & Rocket Center

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is home to Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge®, the Apollo 16 capsule, the National Historic Landmark Saturn V rocket and world-class traveling exhibits. USSRC is the Official Visitor Center for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and a showcase for national defense technologies developed at the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal. To learn more about the exciting programs and activities at the USSRC, go to www.rocketcenter.com.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.®

PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2013 were $15.1 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Aviation Challenge, Space Camp and U.S. Space & Rocket Center are registered trademarks of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.