Teaming up with Toyota Guanajuato: PPG COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project in Mexico

Over 500 children and young people receiving care at Asociación Pro-Personas con Parálisis Cerebral (APAC) in Celaya, Mexico, are greeted with vibrant colors and uplifting murals thanks to a recent COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® project. PPG employee volunteers collaborated with volunteers from PPG customer, Toyota Guanajuato, to enhance spaces used for rehabilitation activities.

Volunteers from both companies worked together to improve common areas and walkways with the goal of creating a more welcoming, positive environment for patients, their families, and staff. Key areas such as the facility’s entrance and wall murals were redesigned to enhance the overall experience and well-being of the children and youth receiving therapy.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to the communities where we operate. When a project creates real conditions for children and youth to receive rehabilitation in a safer and more dignified environment, it proves that technology and compassion can work together to change lives,” said Omar Landeros, Director of Automotive at PPG.

The project took place during the 10-year celebration year for the Colorful Communities program, PPG’s signature initiative to bring color and brightness to communities where we operate. Teaming up with customers like Toyota Guanajuato is one way we expand on our purpose to protect and beautify the world.

Cooler, comfortable spaces

Maintenance on the institution’s main dome, a vital space for physical therapy, as a priority at the project. Given the region’s high temperatures, this area had become a risk for heat-related issues. To address this, we applied PPG Comex products, including specialized TOP® Thermal Insulating Coating, which can lower surface temperatures by up to 15°C. This fast-drying product helps create cooler, more comfortable, and water-resistant environments.

The impact of color

Research shows that color selection can significantly influence children's mood and behavior. In pediatric healthcare settings, warm and vibrant colors like yellow and red have been shown to boost spirits, while softer tones like blue and green promote relaxation and may even reduce pain perception.

“Improving our facilities means improving the quality of life for our users. This kind of support allows us to continue offering therapy in safer and more dignified conditions for the 500 children and young people we serve. The colorful murals also help lift their spirits, creating a joyful and inviting space that motivates them to attend therapy, positively impacting their treatment,” said Flor Resendiz, Director of APAC Celaya.

Partnering with Toyota Guanajuato

Beyond its national reach, PPG holds a strong presence in the Bajío region of Mexico through industrial plants and service centers in Querétaro, serving Celaya and nearby municipalities. This enables PPG to offer specialized technical solutions for the local automotive industry while also driving social impact through community projects and corporate volunteering. The collaboration with Toyota Guanajuato highlights a shared commitment to making a positive difference, combining resources and efforts to improve spaces that enhance people’s quality of life.

“Toyota’s purpose is to create happiness for all, which is why joining initiatives like Colorful Communities projects is so important to us. We’re grateful for this partnership that allows our team members to contribute to transforming our community and making the world a better place,” said Francisco García, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Guanajuato.

Sonia Ayma, General Affairs Manager and head of social responsibility initiatives at Toyota’s Guanajuato manufacturing plant, added: “Our long-standing partnership with APAC has led us to this transformative initiative with PPG, benefiting children across our state.”

With this project, PPG adds to its more than 80 Colorful Communities initiatives in Mexico, which since 2015 have positively impacted communities across 12 states.