Jun 2 2011
PPG Industries' (NYSE: PPG) fiber glass business recently added three experienced researchers to its new product development and technology team.
"Dedication to delivering high quality products and keeping our innovation pipeline filled is of utmost importance to us," said Paul Westbrook, director of science and technology for PPG Fiber Glass. "It's crucial to PPG's customers that our technology creates value in the marketplace. We excel at meeting our customers' needs for product performance, industry knowledge and technical support."
The new PPG scientists are:
- Brad Busche, who has been named senior research engineer for North America. With experience in material, polymer and interfacial science, he will help to grow PPG's participation in the long fiber thermoplastics (LFT) market. Busche earned a Bachelor of Science in ceramic engineering with an emphasis in chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle and master's and doctoral degrees in material science engineering from North Carolina University.
- Elizabeth Skomra, who has joined PPG as senior research engineer and will leverage her knowledge of fiber science to lead the fiber glass business's funded initiatives and assist with targeted development efforts. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Michigan, a master's in apparel, textiles and merchandising from Eastern Michigan University, and a doctorate in polymer fiber science from Clemson University.
- Rochelle Bradford, who has been appointed research and development product chemist to help develop improved materials for structural composites in the energy and infrastructure markets. Her professional experience is in textile, coatings and personal care applications. Bradford earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bucknell University and a doctorate in organic chemistry with a minor in polymer chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
"By adding the talents of these individuals to our pool of expertise, PPG is showing its commitment to remain a global leader in the composites industry and to grow its position in the markets we serve," said Kevin McDonald, PPG general manager, reinforcements, for the United States, Canada and Europe. "We will be able to not only build, but sustain strong relationships with our customers by developing innovative PPG fiber glass products and technologies."