PPG officials hosted customers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the PPG coatings research center in Marly, France, to open a new laboratory and inaugurate an electrocoat (e-coat) aerospace primer pilot operation. This is PPG’s second significant investment for an AEROCRON e-coat primer installation, increasing global application capability for customer education.

Like the first PPG e-coat aerospace primer system, which is located near Pittsburgh, the Marly installation will be used for customer application trials and qualifications.

Daniel Bencun, aerospace coatings segment manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, joined PPG Marly Manager Pascal Vanhamme in cutting the ribbon and opening the new e-coat laboratory.

“This is a unique capability and a significant asset designed to benefit PPG customers in this region,” Bencun said of the Aerocron e-coat primer pilot operation. He thanked the customers who attended for their trust and confidence in PPG’s capabilities.

“With keen understanding of its benefits, PPG adapted proven e-coat technology for corrosion resistance from automotive and industrial businesses to meet unique aerospace requirements,” Bencun said. He added that the company is committed to dedicating resources for customers to take advantage of this game-changing technology and optimize its efficiencies. “Investments in research and development like this one in Marly are important to e-coat technology adaptation and implementation within the aerospace industry.”

During the event, PPG experts demonstrated the Aerocron primer application process and discussed technical achievements and next steps for Aerocron e-coat, describing current U.S. and European aerospace operational systems and future systems planned. They also detailed estimated aircraft operational cost savings for fuel based on the reduced weight achieved by uniform coating thickness with the e-coat primer.