PPG Industries’ new operation in Greece has conducted its first-ever customer training initiative, with 55 customers from 25 Greek shipping companies attending the one-day event last month.

Held at the new facility in Acharnai - Athens, PPG’s sales team took customers on a tour of the new training centre, giving them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with new product developments from PPG’s protective and marine coatings business.

Led by George Petkovski, PPG technical training manager, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), attendees also took part in a spray and roll-on application exercise, followed by an information session on topics such as corrosion and paint technology, surface preparation, coating application in modern shipbuilding, fouling prevention by coatings, coating assessment and inspection equipment.

Tassos Kaklamanis, PPG marine sales manager, Greece, said, “It is essential that our customers are able to understand exactly how our products work, and how we can work with them to make cost and efficiency savings for their vessels. Sessions such as this one give customers the opportunity to get up close to many of our products and take part in a number of hands-on demonstrations. The session resulted in some very positive feedback and is something that we plan to continue.”

A second session is planned for customers in Greece in March.