PPG to acquire global coatings manufacturer Whitford Worldwide

PPG has announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Whitford Worldwide, a global manufacturer that specialises in low-friction and non-stick coatings for industrial applications and consumer products. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter 2019, subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed. “The acquisition of Whitford will allow PPG to further drive value for its customers and shareholders by enhancing our range of product offerings, research and development capabilities, and global market reach in the growing industrial coatings sector,” said Mr. Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer.

Whitford, a privately held company headquartered in Elverson, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1969. The company specializes in manufacturing low-friction, wear-resistant coatings for industrial applications in automotive, aerospace, energy and construction products. Whitford also makes non-stick coatings for cookware, bakeware and small electric appliances such as toaster ovens, griddles, fry pans and irons. Whitford employs more than 700 people and operates 10 manufacturing facilities located in Elverson, PA, USA; Fostoria, Ohio, USA; Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Runcorn, UK; Brescia, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Jiangmen, China; Zhuhai, China; Tuas, Singapore; and Bangalore, India.

“Joining PPG is a giant step forward for Whitford,” added Mr. Dave Willis, Whitford’s founder and Chairman of the Board. “In one fell swoop, we will have access to new technologies, diverse R&D facilities, strong financial support and global coverage in areas where we have wanted to expand, but did not yet have sufficient resources. This is very good news for our customers and our employees.”

Complementary business strength

“Whitford’s leadership in low-friction and non-stick coatings will provide strategic additions to the robust port-folio of industrial coatings solutions we deliver today, while PPG’s research and development organization will leverage Whitford’s extensive expertise in fluoropolymer chemistry across the markets we serve,” said Mr. Tim Knavish, PPG senior vice president, industrial coatings. “In addition, Whitford’s global footprint and customer-centric, high-touch business model are highly complementary to PPG’s business, allowing for a seamless integration process.”