PPG Industries' industrial coatings business has broken ground on a new application development center for liquid coatings at its Oak Creek, Wis., plant.

According to the company, the facility will support development of custom formulations of liquid coatings that apply well and consistently in varying application conditions, and it will enable PPG to simulate customer production lines for new coatings and application trials and for application training.

Scheduled to open in February the center will include advanced equipment such as multiple curing ovens, robotic paint applicators and spray booths with temperature and humidity controls to help mimic processes and environments in various customers’ plants. The abilities to simulate actual production conditions and to test applications on large and complex shapes and parts will enable PPG technical experts to engage closely with customers during development and testing, offering new opportunities to identify and address potential problems and to refine application training, according to the company. The facility also will further enhance the Secure Launch Excellent process capabilities of PPG’s industrial coatings business.

“At PPG, we understand the challenges and demands our customers face every day. This new facility will enhance our ability to work collaboratively with them to develop next-generation liquid coatings formulations that help them reduce manufacturing complexities and make coated products that last longer and look better,” said Kevin Braun, PPG vice president, industrial coatings, Americas.

For more information, visit ppgindustrialcoatings.com.