Filmtech Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement with Q4 Services LLC that appoints Q4 as the exclusive distributor of optical standard metalized film for use in the simulation industry starting July 1.
The companies said the new arrangement will boost capabilities and supply flexibility for the global military and commercial simulation industry.
“We'll actually work jointly with them to develop a different technology on their platform,” said Mark McGarel, president of Filmtech, in a phone interview.
He explained that Filmtech will continue to honor its commitments to provide film until the changeover.
Filmtech, a maker of metalized and barrier films and licensee of Ultimet Films CeramAlox technology for packaging and converting industries, is based in Bean Station, Tenn.
Q4 Services is a certified women-owned small business that specializes in the manufacture of collimated visual display systems supporting the simulator industry. It is headquartered in Orlando, Fla.
According to the agreement, Filmtech will cease production of mirror film products and remove the machinery to begin engineering evaluation and upgrades in June. Prior to the removal, Filmtech will make one final production run and Q4 will not be involved in the marketing and distribution of this run.
Following the successful completion of the engineering work, Filmtech will relocate and return the equipment to service to resume the manufacture and Q4's distribution of 145” and new wide industry mirror film products.
McGarel said that the simulation market is small, but important. Pilots view the mirrored film in simulators to learn and train. He said that some of the details have yet to be worked out, but that he expects that it will lead to wider film and a better simulator experience.