PPG Contributes to University

PPG Supports University Projects \ PPG Finances Projects at Lipetsk State Technical University in Russia PPG announced the completion of a project that provided USD 38,000 (RUB 2.8 million) in scientific equipment for a chemistry laboratory renovation at Lipetsk State Technical University (LSTU) in Russia. The equipment will be used for education in coatings-related disciplines and individual student research. PPG Russia Country Leader Olga Kolevatova said, "PPG works with universities around the world because we know the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for a skilled workforce. We hope our collaboration with LSTU will be beneficial to the university and help young professionals move closer to achieving their professional and scientific goals." The equipment includes a nitrogen generator, adhesion testing apparatus, thickness gauge and other instruments and tools. LSTU students with relevant specializations will also be offered internship opportunities at PPG's automotive OEM and industrial coatings manufacturing facility in Lipetsk. This initiative will help young professionals gain practical work experience in the coatings industry and receive additional training.

Industry-University Collaboration

Deputy Head of the Lipetsk Region Administration Sergey Kurbatov said, "This is a win-win combination for the university, students and PPG. LSTU is a first-class laboratory and partner. While students can develop their skills and knowledge through the laboratory and internships, PPG can reach out to potential talented employees among the students. This collaboration also presents an excellent example of business's responsibility in shaping the knowledge of our society." Lipetsk PPG Plant Manager Oleg Valuev said, "We are pleased to help LSTU, the leading university of the Lipetsk region, train personnel for the developing economy. Based on our experience, LSTU students demonstrate a high level of professional competence. By renovating the laboratory equipment and offering internship opportunities, we help prepare them for practical work." PPG volunteers recently completed a COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project bringing PPG's TIKKURILA® paint to life to revitalize public spaces at LSTU. PPG provided approximately 40 gallons (150 litres) of Tikkurila coatings, including Tikkurila Euro Primer and Tikkurila LUJA 7® wall and ceiling paint, to cover more than 400 square meters of surface. Employee volunteers painted several walls with murals designed by Lipetsk artist Daniil Bely, whose portfolio includes other high-profile public projects. Bely's art, inspired by materials science and chemistry, reminded students of the progress of science and its importance for society's future. PPG has been operating in Russia for 16 years. The company's facility in Lipetsk is located in a special economic zone; the factory produces automotive, industrial, protective and marine coatings. The company also has an automotive OEM coatings facility in Kolomna and two architectural coatings facilities in St. Petersburg. The Colorful Communities program, PPG's signature initiative for supporting communities, aims to preserve and beautify neighborhoods where PPG operates worldwide. Through the Colorful Communities program, PPG's dedicated volunteers contribute their time and PPG paint products to help transform community assets—from adding color to classrooms and maternity wards to redesigning playgrounds. Since 2015, PPG has completed 380 Colorful Communities projects affecting more than 6.8 million people in 42 countries. Source