PPG, Universal Display Complete $15 Million Capacity Expansion at Barberton, OH, Facility

PPG and Universal Display announced the completion of Universal Display’s $15 million investment in PPG’s Barberton, OH, manufacturing facility. The investment doubles commercial production capacity for Universal Display’s proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent emitters, and will add more than 20 positions at the facility.
 
Universal Display (UDC) is a leading supplier of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. PPG is the exclusive manufacturer for Universal Display’s UniversalPHOLED emitter materials.
 
The expansion increases production capabilities at PPG’s Barberton plant, where an initial OLED manufacturing line was completed in 2013. The additional production capacity will help meet the growing demand for next-generation OLED displays for smartphones, tablets and televisions. The site, which PPG owns and operates, provides the two companies with resources to meet the needs of major customers in the display and lighting industries.
 
“This facility showcases the dedication and commitment of our teams to deliver high-quality materials and innovative technologies,” said Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and CEO.
 
“Our relationship allows us to combine PPG’s specialty materials manufacturing expertise with our innovative, high-performance phosphorescent materials technology,” said Steven V. Abramson, Universal Display Corporation president and CEO. “With the adoption of OLEDs expected to grow for the foreseeable future, we’re delighted to unveil the expanded OLED production facility at PPG’s Barberton, Ohio, plant.”
 
In 2000, PPG established a strategic relationship with Universal Display for the commercialization and production of UniversalPHOLED materials. The PPG Barberton plant opened in 1900 and currently employs approximately 160 people.