PPG Aerospace Awarded Boeing Contract for Electrochromic Cabin Window Systems

"Bringing innovation to the marketplace is a core strength at PPG,which is why the aerospace industry is so important to our company,"said Charles E. Bunch, chairman and chief executive officer of PPGIndustries. "Aircraft manufacturers and their customers arecontinually seeking opportunities to improve performance, and we'redelighted to help them meet their technology requirements."

According to David Morris, PPG Aerospace vice president, theBoeing 787 will be the first commercial aviation application forelectrochromic window technology.

"We are excited about providing Boeing with the latest innovationin the transparencies world that promises to revolutionize air travelon its new Dreamliner," Morris said.

"PPG has explored variable-transmittance window technology foraircraft over several years. The culmination of this effort is ourinvolvement in the 787 Dreamliner. Together we are meeting the needsof the public for more enjoyable travel and helping airlines enhancetheir operating efficiency. We are especially pleased that we will beintroducing a new type of window component on such a technologicallyadvanced airplane as the 787."

Expected revenue is about $50 million over the first fiveyears, according to Morris.

Under a separate, related agreement, PPG Aerospace and GentexCorporation, the Zeeland, Mich.-based manufacturer ofautomatic-dimming rearview mirrors and commercial fire protectionproducts, will work together to produce the variably dimmableelectrochromic cabin window systems for the Boeing 787.

Morris said that the PPG-Gentex relationship capitalizes on theindividual strengths of two industry leaders in order to create andcommercialize the new technology at a faster pace than either could doalone.

"PPG brings its unmatched aircraft transparency expertise toBoeing as well as the world's airlines," Morris said.

"We have the knowledge and systems in place to successfully supplythe electrochromic transparencies. Importantly, we understand therequirements for a transparency operating in an aircraft environmentin order to be qualified. In addition, we have the infrastructure andexperience needed to provide airlines with direct worldwide productsupport and sales service in the aftermarket."

Gentex brings its patented electrochromic technology, as well asexpertise in electronics and microelectronics, that will be utilizedin the window panels and control systems, according to Garth Deur,Gentex executive vice president.

"This is a start for Gentex, in a new industry, and offers us theability to leverage some of the research and development dollars wehave invested over the years in the development of this uniquevariably dimming technology."

Electrochromic panel prototypes will be provided to Boeing inearly 2006, and first production units for evaluation are due bymid-2006. First articles are expected to be produced for flightevaluation by the fourth quarter of 2006, according to Morris. Volumeshipments are expected to begin in mid- to late 2007.

The passenger-cabin windows on the Boeing 787 will be almost 25percent larger than those on the Boeing 777, Morris noted.

The electrochromic transparencies will allow passengers to adjustthe amount of light transmitted to five different levels from dark toclear, with a manual override for use by the flight crew. The dimmablewindow panels will be inserted between the exterior cabin window andinterior plastic dust cover.

Morris noted that the new window systems will not only providelight control, but also enhance the interior appearance and comfort ofthe aircraft.

"Passengers will be able to control the amount of solar energythat enters the cabin to reduce solar light and heat transmittance formore comfort, and there will be less stress on the heating and airconditioning system," Morris said. "Because there will be no windowshades, interior space will be more attractive."

Electrochromic technology uses electricity to darken anelectrically conductive medium between two layers of glass. Turningoff the electricity bleaches, or lightens, the medium.

About PPG Aerospace

PPG Aerospace is the aerospace products and services business ofPPG Industries. PPG Aerospace - Transparencies is the world's largestsupplier of aircraft windshields, windows and canopies. PPG Aerospace- PRC-DeSoto is the leading global producer of aerospace sealants,coatings, and packaging and application systems.

PPG is the sole source to Boeing for cockpit windows on the Boeing737, 767 and 777 airplanes.

About PPG Industries

In addition to its aerospace business, Pittsburgh-based PPGIndustries (NYSE:PPG) is a global supplier of glass, coatings, fiberglass and chemicals, with 2004 sales of US$9.5 billion.

About Gentex Corporation

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation (Nasdaq:GNTX) is aninternational company that provides high-quality electro-opticproducts to the worldwide automotive industry and North American fireprotection market. Based in Zeeland, Mich., the company develops,manufactures and markets interior and exterior automatic-dimmingrearview mirrors that utilize proprietary electrochromic technology todim in proportion to the amount of headlight glare from trailingvehicle headlamps. Many of the mirrors are sold with advancedelectronic features, and approximately 95 percent of the company'srevenues are derived from the sales of auto-dimming mirrors to nearlyevery major automaker in the world.

About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The 787 is a family of three super-efficient airplanes that willprovide passengers with a better flying experience. The airplanes willfeature significant improvements in passenger amenities includingcleaner air, bigger windows, a lower cabin altitude and higherhumidity. Detailed design of the 787 is under way with productionscheduled to start in 2006. First flight is planned for 2007 withdeliveries beginning in 2008.