PPG honors researchers, developers of glass, coatings innovations

Today's awards recognized the people most responsible for proprietary technologies leading to the development of a new manufacturing process for high-performance glass products that can significantly reduce the transfer of solar heat into automobiles, homes and commercial buildings or provide one-of-a-kind aesthetic qualities, and a new generation of electrodeposition coatings that are more effective and efficient in preventing corrosion in automobiles and a variety of other industrial applications. Honored for contributions to high-performance glass products were: Gerald DiGiampaolo, Robert Heithoff, Jack Krumweide (retired), Larry Shelestak and Kwang Won of the Harmar Township, Pa., glass technology center and Steve Anderson of the Carlisle, Pa., glass plant. Honored for contributions to PPG's improved electrodeposition coatings were: Steve Zawacky and Bob Zwack at the Allison Park, Pa., coatings research center and Mike Polack and Victor Corrigan at the Cleveland coatings facility. Honorees are chosen biennially by the PPG Collegium of active and retired personnel whose outstanding career contributions have established substantial product and process innovation.Recipients receive a cash award and a plaque.

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of coatings, glass, fiber glass and chemicals, with 120 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in 24 countries. Sales in 2001 were $8.2 billion.