PPG Industries Inc - a major coatings and specialty products company - said it will open more plants in China in the next three to five years to make products tailored specifically to local customers.

With over 30 plants in the Asia-Pacific region, 14 of which are located on the Chinese mainland, PPG plans to develop its presence in the Chinese market step by step to become a leading domestic manufacturer.

"We're planning to find and work with more high-standard factories to manufacture what we sell in China instead of importing products from overseas to meet the increasing demands within the country," said Mike Horton, PPG's president for the Asia-Pacific region.

Horton added that all the factories the company will set up or work with should meet the company's environmental protection requirements.

Working with most of the large automakers in China, PPG helps customers in the industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and after-markets to produce surfaces in sustainable ways.

"China is a very important market for PPG by being the second-largest market among 70 countries," said Horton. "We have plans to continue to invest in China as our business grows, and we want to apply our best technology to help our customers."

He said that the company plans to boost its manufacturing capabilities in the southern, central and western areas of the country.

In addition, Horton added that the sustainable development concept has always been a major focus of the company, and one shared with companies in China.

"Sustainable development is a crucial issue for both companies and the society at large, in order to preserve a healthy and balanced relationship between the environment, economic growth and humanity," he said.

Horton added that the company attempts to provide a platform to achieve that objective by holding annual forums for experts from all lines of work to exchange ideas on sustainable development approaches.

Sustainable business practices have been part of PPG's strategy and culture since its early days of operation. Over the last decade, PPG has transformed itself from a diversified, multi-business manufacturer to the world's leading coatings and specialty products company in part because of its sustainable development strategy.

In the PPG corporate sustainability report, published in April, the company introduced its new sustainability vision, values and goals. Leading up to 2020, PPG said it will strive to reduce its environmental impact, improve employees' safety, health and well-being, and encourage charitable donations and volunteer projects by employees.

"Sustainable development is never a short-term endeavor," said John Richter, PPG'S vice-president of operations, coatings, for Asia Pacific.

"PPG is committed to sustainable-growth strategies and never stops exploring better ways for corporate and social development. We hope our efforts can encourage more companies to actively fulfill their social responsibilities and contribute to the development of a sustainable society," said Richter.

yuran@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/12/2013 page10)