PPG Industries and Universal Display Corporation today marked the opening of a world-class organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials production facility at PPG’s Barberton, Ohio plant. This new site, which PPG owns and operates, commenced manufacturing earlier this month and will foster the expanded development and production of Universal Display’s phosphorescent OLED (UniversalPHOLED®) materials.
“This investment furthers our commitment in this growing technology area and expands our partnership with Universal Display. As the market demand for energy-efficient, high-performance OLED displays and lighting devices continues to grow, we are better prepared today to meet their needs.”

Universal Display is the leading supplier of phosphorescent OLED materials, which are used to produce high-performance, thin, energy-efficient display and lighting products, including smartphones, televisions, and solid-state lighting applications. PPG is Universal Display’s exclusive manufacturer of UniversalPHOLED emitter materials, which offer significant advantages over conventional OLED technologies. The new facility provides the two companies with the resources to meet the high-volume needs of the growing OLED display and lighting industries.
The state-of-the-art production facility reinforces PPG’s long-term commitment to manufacturing in Ohio. “We are proud to announce the opening of a world-class production facility for OLED materials at PPG’s Barberton, Ohio, plant,” said Charles E. Bunch, PPG Chairman and CEO. “This investment furthers our commitment in this growing technology area and expands our partnership with Universal Display. As the market demand for energy-efficient, high-performance OLED displays and lighting devices continues to grow, we are better prepared today to meet their needs.”

“Congratulations to PPG on the opening of the new OLED Production Area. This new state-of the art facility builds upon a 113 year history in Barberton, and will expand PPG’s capabilities to produce energy efficient OLED display and lighting devices,” said U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio). “I have introduced the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitive Act (ESIC), which will make it easier for employers to use energy-efficient tools, help them reduce their costs, and hire new workers. I am thankful for PPG’s support on ESIC, and look forward to working with them to promote a more energy-efficient economy while driving economic growth and encouraging private sector job creation.”
“This partnership between PPG Industries and Universal Display Corporation is a significant expansion project for Ohio, connecting two of the state's targeted sectors — advanced manufacturing and polymers — which will further strengthen Ohio's position in those industries both nationally and around the world," said David Mustine, JobsOhio Managing Director for Polymers and Chemicals.

PPG and Universal Display established a strategic relationship in 2000 for the commercialization and production of UniversalPHOLED materials.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our partnership with PPG, a valuable partner as we increase our portfolio of OLED technologies and materials,” said Steven V. Abramson, President and CEO of Universal Display. “As our customers ramp up production of OLED displays and lighting devices, this new facility will enable us to produce and deliver greater volumes of the most cutting-edge PHOLED materials to meet their growing requirements.”

The Barberton plant, which PPG opened in 1900, produces a variety of specialty materials such as optical casting resins for eyewear applications; TESLIN(R) substrate, which is used for security and loyalty cards, electronic passports and other applications; and design silicas used in the manufacture of paints, tires and reinforced rubber products.