PPG Unveils Blast, Ballistics Protection Solutions For Construction

Date: 3 December 2009

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 1, 2009 – PPG Industries’ (NYSE:PPG) fiber glass business has introduced Mil-Tough inorganic composite binder panels for physical asset protection, expanding the company’s portfolio of solutions for blast and ballistics applications.

These precast, fiber glass-reinforced ICB panels enhance blast and ballistics resistance in thinner, lighter forms than possible with traditional steel-reinforced concrete systems.Mil-Tough ICB panels also offer better temperature and fire resistance than supported by other materials typically used in security applications, according to Kevin Richardson, market development manager, PPG Fiber Glass.

The panels can be custom manufactured based on the customer-defined threat level, and they can be incorporated into either modular systems for rapid force protection or permanent structures. Modular designs provide an interconnecting infrastructure to support use in multi- and single-level buildings as well as freestanding perimeter wall systems.

PPG offers Mil-Tough ICB panel solutions appropriate for homeland security, government and military agencies’ applications worldwide.

“Mil-Tough ICB panels have exhibited very good strength and ductility in blast load tests,” said Kirk A. Marchand, P.E., of Protection Engineering Consultants. “The technology offers advantages in weight and constructability when incorporated into architectural assemblies for blast- and ballistic-resistant applications.”

Jim Peters, global manager, new application development and testing, PPG Fiber Glass, said, “PPG experts have created a complete process, from design through delivery, to provide unique products that protect people, infrastructure and property against blast and ballistics, projectiles and explosions.” He said extensive testing has proven that Mil-Tough panels protect reliably against various National Institute of Justice ballistics and Government Services Administration blast threat levels.

PPG initially will produce Mil-Tough ICB panels at a facility in Shelby, N.C.

About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 140 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. Sales in 2008 were $15.8 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.

Mil-Tough is a trademark of PPG Industries.