PPG Industries  in Argentina recently celebrated the consolidation of operations at its coatings manufacturing complex in Pilar. Approxiamtely 170 people attended an event, including key customers, government officials, employees and major suppliers.

In addition to being PPG’s manufacturing hub in Argentina, the 4,200-square-foot facility now serves as the company’s headquarters in the country. More than 50 business office, information technology, human resources and other support-team members have moved to remodeled office space at the Pilar site from a rented building in St. Martin, about 25 miles west. The staff had been in St. Martin since shortly after PPG’s acquisition of ICI plc’s South America coatings business in 1999.

The investments at Pilar demonstrate PPG’s commitment to the region, according to Carlos Santa Cruz, PPG general manager, South America.

“We are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to Argentina,” Santa Cruz said. “We appreciate the loyalty of our Argentina customers and are excited about this opportunity to strengthen our mutual growth. Consolidating at our Pilar complex makes excellent business sense. It will enable us to capitalize on numerous synergies and improve our customer service. This investment is an extension of our dedication to innovation, sustainability and color leadership – which are factors in every decision we make.”

Santa Cruz said his staff is committed to continuous improvement at the Pilar complex by attracting and retaining the most talented employees, working even more closely with customers, and developing and implementing various operational excellence initiatives within the manufacturing facility.

The Pilar manufacturing plant – located within the province of Buenos Aires and built in 2000 – produces automotive refinish and industrial coatings products.