PPG on Monday marked the 135th anniversary of its founding with Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and CEO, and members of the company’s leadership team ringing the bell to signal the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
“Ringing the NYSE closing bell puts an exclamation point on our 135th anniversary. This is a milestone that few manufacturing companies reach,” said McGarry. “From its humble beginnings, PPG has endured, grown, evolved and transformed time and again. We’ve led technological change and have become a global leader through the strength of our products, manufacturing capabilities, sustainability, innovation, community engagement and a dedicated, world-class workforce. We’re poised to lead, succeed, and protect and beautify the world for the next 135 years.”
PPG was founded in 1883 as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. and was listed on the NYSE on Dec. 17, 1945. Over its 135-year history, the company has strategically transformed from a plate-glass manufacturer based in Pittsburgh to a leading paint, coatings and specialty materials manufacturer, with more than 47,000 employees and 160 manufacturing facilities in 70-plus countries. PPG has paid uninterrupted annual dividends since 1899 and has raised its annual dividend payout for 46 consecutive years.
Over the company’s history, it has introduced innovations that allow customers to be more efficient, effective and sustainable. In addition, PPG’s operations go beyond product innovation to extend to communities. PPG and the PPG Foundation collaborate and engage with employees, community partners and other stakeholders to make their vision of bringing color and brightness to communities a reality. Since its inception in 1951, the PPG Foundation has provided tens of millions of dollars to communities globally.
The company’s position as a manufacturing leader, employer and community partner has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune, Forbes, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and more.
Click here to view a video of Monday’s opening bell ceremony.