A $15 million investment in a Barberton, Ohio, plant operated by Pittsburgh-based PPG, which makes materials for Universal Display Corp. of Ewing, N.J., will lead to the addition of 20 jobs.
The investment, announced Feb. 6, will double the commercial production capacity for Universal Display's UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent emitter products. The expansion project is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of this year, according to a news release.
Viktor Sekmakas, PPG executive vice president, said in a statement, "This expansion furthers our partnership with Universal Display, our commitment to the ongoing development of this important technology, and our capability to meet customers' increasing demand for energy-efficient displays and lighting devices."
Universal Display supplies phosphorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials, are used on thin, flexible substrates made of plastic, glass or metal, to produce thin, energy-efficient displays for personal electronics, such as televisions, smartphones and tablets, and solid-state lighting applications. PPG is the exclusive manufacturer of UniversalPHOLED materials that enable the development of low-power and eco-friendly displays and lighting.
PPG and Universal Display opened an OLED materials production operation at PPG's Barberton plant in 2013. PPG owns and operates the site. The Barberton plant, which PPG opened in 1900 and which currently employs more than 150 people, also produces specialty materials such as optical casting resins used for eyewear applications; TESLIN substrate, which is used in applications such as security and loyalty cards, electronic passports and specialized labels; and design silica products used in the manufacture of paints, tires and reinforced rubber products.