PPG, Universal Display Corporation Mark Completion of $15 Million Capacity Expansion

PPG and Universal Display Corporation (Nasdaq: OLED) announced the completion of Universal Display’s $15 million investment in PPG’s Barberton, Ohio, 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 Corporation (UDC) is a leading supplier of phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. These state-of-the-art materials are used to produce high-performance, thin, energy-efficient displays that provide vibrant color for consumer electronics and solid-state lighting applications. 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.

“PPG is incredibly proud to unveil the new OLED materials production unit,” said Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and CEO. “This facility showcases the dedication and commitment of our teams to deliver high-quality materials and innovative technologies. We are excited to partner with UDC on this expansion and we look forward to many more years of continued success together.”

“UDC is extremely pleased with our strong partnership with PPG for more than 15 years to deliver cutting-edge technological advances in OLED materials for our customers,” said Steven V. Abramson, Universal Display Corporation president and CEO. “Our relationship allows us to combine PPG’s specialty materials manufacturing expertise with our innovative, high-performance phosphorescent materials technology. 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 about 160 people. It produces a wide range of specialty materials, such as CR-39 and TRIVEX lens materials; TESLIN substrate used in print and laminated materials; and silica products used in coatings, adhesives and sealants. PPG employs more than 2,500 people in Ohio across 12 facilities. Locally, the company supports the University of Akron, College of Engineering with grants for the Women in Engineering (WIE), Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs) and Corrosion programs.