James Wood AutoPark Auto Body Collision Center Goes Green with PPG Waterborne Paint

(April 2009) – (Denton, Texas): James Wood AutoPark Auto Body Collision Center has taken a proactive stand in protecting the environment by going "green" with its paint finishing system. The collision center recently switched to a low-VOC PPG waterborne basecoat from a conventional solvent-based system.

"Our use of waterborne basecoat for refinishing our customers' vehicles significantly reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere," said Rick Bramlett, James Wood AutoPark Body Shop Manager. "This move further helps us do our part to improve the quality of our air and contribute to an overall healthier work environment."

VOCs are chemical compounds commonly used in paint coatings and cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere they help create ozone and smog. When compared to a conventional solvent borne basecoat, (PPG Envirobase® High Performance or Nexa Autocolor™ Aquabase® Plus) can reduce base coat sourced VOC emissions by up to 80%.

Waterborne basecoat is the latest coatings technology that's typically used by the manufactures to create the original color on today's vehicles. According to the PPG, the introduction of its waterborne color toners for use in collision centers provides the enhanced ability to match a vehicle's original finish.

"This is a major technological advancement with no downside," says Bramlett. "Not only is the paint better ecologically, it gives better color matches and it's faster to complete a repair when compared to the system we were using."

About James Wood AutoPark Auto Body Collision Center

James Wood's 40,000 square foot, state-of-the-art body shop repair facility was built at the northern end of the property, along State School Road. All new equipment was installed, with paint booths from Garmat frame and measuring equipment from Car-O-Liner, and a central vacuum system from Eurovac. PPG also installed a brand new Global Paint System to help ensure quality. The result of combining this type of facility with a staff of extremely well trained technicians and estimators has created a quickly growing and well-respected business. The facility is also GM PPG Certified First, GoodWrench and I-Car Gold Certified.

In 2008, James Wood celebrated 30 years in the car business. The AutoPark is located at 3906 I-35E South at State School Road in Denton, Texas. The James Wood Auto Body Collision Center repairs and paints all vehicle makes models, not only Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick, and Pontiac. To learn more about our green initiative and PPG waterborne paint, contact Rick Bramlett at 940-349-1406 or visit www.jameswood.com.

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.