PPG Industries Inc.'s Total Service Solutions business has announced the launch of its first comprehensive product and service supply program in China. The company signed a contract with the Chinese automaker Wuxi Vehicle Body Co. to provide a chemical and process management program at a production facility in Wuxi, China.

PPG says the Total Service Solutions business is providing all indirect materials and chemicals associated with the coating-application process, including detackification and paint-line cleaning solvents, consumables and lab equipment. PPG also is supplying all materials required for the coating-application process.

The agreement allows the company to "demonstrate its broad product portfolio and expertise in processing and coating vehicles," says Vincent Robin, managing director of PPG Automotive, Asia Pacific.

An on-site PPG team will manage and maintain the Wuxi paint line, allowing the automaker to "better focus on manufacturing vehicles," says Scott Follett, global director, PPG Total Service Solutions.