PPG Industries has launched its SEM brand into Mexico’s automotive repair market, bringing a 70-year legacy in vehicle surface preparation and refinishing products into one of Latin America’s most competitive collision repair sectors.
Already well established among professionals in the United States and Australia, the SEM brand has built a reputation as a benchmark for refinish solutions that improve efficiency and elevate final finish quality.
Positioned under the motto “The choice of the pros,” the brand is targeting painters, detailers, and body shop specialists who need consistent results with reduced material waste across every stage of the repair process—from sanding and masking to final touch-ups.
“In Mexico, more than 45,000 automotive painters work under pressure to deliver high-quality finishes – performance at the body shop level is critical to profitability and customer satisfaction,” said Alejandra Gallego, PPG director, allied products, automotive refinish.
“Therefore, every phase of the process becomes especially relevant. Surface preparation can represent up to 60% of a refinish job, making it a critical step. Any failure directly impacts adhesion, color, and the final finish, making high-performance solutions essential.”
The newly available SEM portfolio is designed to cover the full refinishing workflow, including high- and mid-performance abrasives for faster sanding, detailing products for precision correction, high-performance masking tapes for accuracy, and a custom aerosol system built for quick, clean repair of minor damage in the workshop.
“The introduction of the SEM brand in Mexico expands PPG’s offering for the automotive refinish market, allowing us to provide more comprehensive solutions for body shops,” said Juan Pablo Reyes, PPG sales and business development manager, Mexico, Automotive Refinish.
“By broadening our portfolio beyond coatings, we help customers improve efficiency, consistency and the overall performance of their repair processes, supported by PPG’s leading technology, expertise and trusted brands.”
