PPG Employees Recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
0mins
Should l Buy PPG?
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Outstanding Leadership Awards: PPG's Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been honored with the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards for their exemplary leadership and industry achievements, highlighting the importance of key individuals driving success in manufacturing.
- Strategic Achievements: Since joining PPG in 2018, Solcz has developed a global strategy for wheel coatings, achieving record sales and profitability as Americas general manager of auto parts in 2020, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.
- IT Transformation Leader: As PPG's global IT director, Harshberger has driven impactful changes by implementing systems across the manufacturing value chain, improving overall operational efficiency while actively contributing to the Women's Leadership Network.
- Future Leadership: The STEP Ahead Awards emphasize the critical role of developing and nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving manufacturing sector, with PPG's exemplary leaders serving as role models to inspire the next generation to find their place in manufacturing.
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Analyst Views on PPG
Wall Street analysts forecast PPG stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 108.250
Low
109.00
Averages
116.92
High
130.00
Current: 108.250
Low
109.00
Averages
116.92
High
130.00
About PPG
PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes a broad range of paints, coatings and specialty products. Its segments include Global Architectural Coatings, Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. The Global Architectural Coatings segment consists of architectural coatings EMEA and architectural coatings Latin America and Asia Pacific operating segments. This segment primarily supplies paints, wood stains, adhesives, sealants and purchased sundries. The Performance Coatings segment consists of automotive refinish coatings, aerospace coatings, protective and marine coatings and traffic solutions operating segments. This segment primarily supplies a variety of coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, foams and finishes, along with pavement marking products, transparencies and paint films. The Industrial Coatings segment supplies a variety of protective and decorative coatings and finishes along with adhesives, sealants, metal pretreatment products, and other specialty products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
PPG Launches New Waterborne Shop Primers for Steel
- Technological Breakthrough: PPG's AQUACRON® waterborne primers cure in just two minutes under standard heat, significantly enhancing production efficiency for steel fabricators, allowing high-volume operators to accelerate throughput and reduce space needed for drying and curing.
- Environmental Advantage: The new primers have VOC emissions similar to standard residential-grade paints, helping steel manufacturers comply with stringent emissions regulations while streamlining product specification and sourcing processes.
- Cost Savings: The water-resistant layer of AQUACRON® primers minimizes the need for sandblasting and surface preparation, leading to substantial savings in time, labor, and costs, thereby improving construction efficiency and economic benefits.
- Market Adaptability: This product is suitable for various climatic conditions and provides a smooth finish, marking PPG's leadership in the waterborne primer sector and further strengthening its competitive position in the coatings industry.
See More
PPG and Team Penske Celebrate 60 Years of Partnership
- Iconic Livery Return: PPG and Team Penske announced that the iconic PPG livery will return for nine major races in 2026, celebrating 60 years of partnership, which further solidifies the brand's influence in motorsports.
- Expanded Driver Lineup: The expanded driver lineup includes two-time INDYCAR Series Champion Newgarden and McLaughlin, along with NASCAR drivers Cindric and Berry, showcasing PPG's extensive involvement across multiple racing events, enhancing brand visibility and market recognition.
- Race Highlights: Newgarden will drive the PPG-liveried car in five INDYCAR events, while McLaughlin and Cindric will represent PPG in their respective races, expected to attract more racing fans' attention and boost PPG's brand promotion.
- Long-Term Partnership: PPG has been a partner with Team Penske since 1984, reinforcing its commitment as an associate partner in both INDYCAR and NASCAR, demonstrating PPG's sustained dedication and leadership position in the racing industry.
See More
PPG Employees Recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards
- Leadership Recognition: PPG's Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been awarded the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards for their exemplary leadership and industry achievements, highlighting the company's pivotal role in talent development within manufacturing and enhancing PPG's reputation in the industry.
- Strategic Achievements: Since joining PPG in 2018, Solcz has driven global strategy for wheel coatings, and as Americas general manager for auto parts in 2020, she achieved record sales and profitability, showcasing her critical role in business growth.
- Technological Transformation: As global IT director, Harshberger has led impactful changes across the manufacturing value chain, managing key areas such as enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and supporting employee career development.
- Women Empowerment Advocacy: Harshberger actively participates in the Women's Leadership Network, promoting employee well-being and equal opportunities, demonstrating the responsibility and influence of modern manufacturing leaders while fostering diversity and inclusivity in company culture.
See More
PPG Employees Recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards
- Outstanding Leadership Awards: PPG's Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been honored with the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards for their exemplary leadership and industry achievements, highlighting the importance of key individuals driving success in manufacturing.
- Strategic Achievements: Since joining PPG in 2018, Solcz has developed a global strategy for wheel coatings, achieving record sales and profitability as Americas general manager of auto parts in 2020, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.
- IT Transformation Leader: As PPG's global IT director, Harshberger has driven impactful changes by implementing systems across the manufacturing value chain, improving overall operational efficiency while actively contributing to the Women's Leadership Network.
- Future Leadership: The STEP Ahead Awards emphasize the critical role of developing and nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving manufacturing sector, with PPG's exemplary leaders serving as role models to inspire the next generation to find their place in manufacturing.
See More
PPG Wins Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
- Employee Engagement Innovation: PPG has won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the commitment of its employees to innovation, engagement, and operational excellence, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in the global market.
- Record Engagement Levels: In 2025, PPG achieved its highest employee engagement results since participating in the survey in 2014, with frontline employees also reaching record engagement for the second consecutive year, showcasing the positive impact of the company's culture.
- Diverse Employee Interaction: PPG engaged its workforce through multiple touchpoints, ensuring a sense of participation and belonging among employees, which enhances overall work efficiency and team performance.
- Global Influence: Gallup's meta-analysis includes over 3.3 million employees across 347 organizations and 53 industries, and PPG's recognition further demonstrates its ability to establish a high-performing workplace culture on a global scale.
See More
PPG Wins Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
- Record Engagement Achievement: PPG achieved its highest employee engagement results in 2025 since participating in the Gallup survey in 2014, with frontline employees also reaching record engagement for the second consecutive year, reflecting a thriving workplace culture and strong employee commitment.
- Global Employee Interaction: Engaging over 38,000 employees through workshops, interviews, and surveys, PPG has shaped behaviors and expectations that strengthen its culture, positioning the company for future success.
- Leadership Development Enhancement: More than 6,300 leaders participated in development programs, with over 200 frontline leaders trained across 17 priority plant locations, significantly boosting leadership capabilities and management effectiveness.
- Community Contribution Projects: PPG completed 43 COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® projects, with employee volunteers enhancing community environments in 23 countries, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
See More
PPG Launches New Waterborne Shop Primers for Steel
- Technological Breakthrough: PPG's AQUACRON® waterborne primers cure in just two minutes under standard heat, significantly enhancing production efficiency for steel fabricators, allowing high-volume operators to accelerate throughput and reduce space needed for drying and curing.
- Environmental Advantage: The new primers have VOC emissions similar to standard residential-grade paints, helping steel manufacturers comply with stringent emissions regulations while streamlining product specification and sourcing processes.
- Cost Savings: The water-resistant layer of AQUACRON® primers minimizes the need for sandblasting and surface preparation, leading to substantial savings in time, labor, and costs, thereby improving construction efficiency and economic benefits.
- Market Adaptability: This product is suitable for various climatic conditions and provides a smooth finish, marking PPG's leadership in the waterborne primer sector and further strengthening its competitive position in the coatings industry.
See More
PPG and Team Penske Celebrate 60 Years of Partnership
- Iconic Livery Return: PPG and Team Penske announced that the iconic PPG livery will return for nine major races in 2026, celebrating 60 years of partnership, which further solidifies the brand's influence in motorsports.
- Expanded Driver Lineup: The expanded driver lineup includes two-time INDYCAR Series Champion Newgarden and McLaughlin, along with NASCAR drivers Cindric and Berry, showcasing PPG's extensive involvement across multiple racing events, enhancing brand visibility and market recognition.
- Race Highlights: Newgarden will drive the PPG-liveried car in five INDYCAR events, while McLaughlin and Cindric will represent PPG in their respective races, expected to attract more racing fans' attention and boost PPG's brand promotion.
- Long-Term Partnership: PPG has been a partner with Team Penske since 1984, reinforcing its commitment as an associate partner in both INDYCAR and NASCAR, demonstrating PPG's sustained dedication and leadership position in the racing industry.
See More
PPG Employees Recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards
- Leadership Recognition: PPG's Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been awarded the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards for their exemplary leadership and industry achievements, highlighting the company's pivotal role in talent development within manufacturing and enhancing PPG's reputation in the industry.
- Strategic Achievements: Since joining PPG in 2018, Solcz has driven global strategy for wheel coatings, and as Americas general manager for auto parts in 2020, she achieved record sales and profitability, showcasing her critical role in business growth.
- Technological Transformation: As global IT director, Harshberger has led impactful changes across the manufacturing value chain, managing key areas such as enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and supporting employee career development.
- Women Empowerment Advocacy: Harshberger actively participates in the Women's Leadership Network, promoting employee well-being and equal opportunities, demonstrating the responsibility and influence of modern manufacturing leaders while fostering diversity and inclusivity in company culture.
See More
PPG Employees Recognized with 2026 STEP Ahead Awards
- Outstanding Leadership Awards: PPG's Laura Harshberger and Jennifer Solcz have been honored with the 2026 STEP Ahead Awards for their exemplary leadership and industry achievements, highlighting the importance of key individuals driving success in manufacturing.
- Strategic Achievements: Since joining PPG in 2018, Solcz has developed a global strategy for wheel coatings, achieving record sales and profitability as Americas general manager of auto parts in 2020, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.
- IT Transformation Leader: As PPG's global IT director, Harshberger has driven impactful changes by implementing systems across the manufacturing value chain, improving overall operational efficiency while actively contributing to the Women's Leadership Network.
- Future Leadership: The STEP Ahead Awards emphasize the critical role of developing and nurturing talent in the rapidly evolving manufacturing sector, with PPG's exemplary leaders serving as role models to inspire the next generation to find their place in manufacturing.
See More
PPG Wins Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
- Employee Engagement Innovation: PPG has won the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting the commitment of its employees to innovation, engagement, and operational excellence, thereby strengthening the company's competitive position in the global market.
- Record Engagement Levels: In 2025, PPG achieved its highest employee engagement results since participating in the survey in 2014, with frontline employees also reaching record engagement for the second consecutive year, showcasing the positive impact of the company's culture.
- Diverse Employee Interaction: PPG engaged its workforce through multiple touchpoints, ensuring a sense of participation and belonging among employees, which enhances overall work efficiency and team performance.
- Global Influence: Gallup's meta-analysis includes over 3.3 million employees across 347 organizations and 53 industries, and PPG's recognition further demonstrates its ability to establish a high-performing workplace culture on a global scale.
See More
PPG Wins Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for Fourth Consecutive Year
- Record Engagement Achievement: PPG achieved its highest employee engagement results in 2025 since participating in the Gallup survey in 2014, with frontline employees also reaching record engagement for the second consecutive year, reflecting a thriving workplace culture and strong employee commitment.
- Global Employee Interaction: Engaging over 38,000 employees through workshops, interviews, and surveys, PPG has shaped behaviors and expectations that strengthen its culture, positioning the company for future success.
- Leadership Development Enhancement: More than 6,300 leaders participated in development programs, with over 200 frontline leaders trained across 17 priority plant locations, significantly boosting leadership capabilities and management effectiveness.
- Community Contribution Projects: PPG completed 43 COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® projects, with employee volunteers enhancing community environments in 23 countries, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility.
See More
