Wednesday 24 May 2023
Universal Display Corporation (UDC) and PPG have opened an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) manufacturing facility in Shannon. This Co Clare site is expected to double the production capacity and further diversify the worldwide manufacturing footprint for UDC’s energy-efficient phosphorescent OLED emissive materials for the growing OLED market.
UDC’s initial investment of €10m, and subsequent multimillion-euro expenditures and multiyear, multiphase expansions of the site are expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the region.
High-tech roles include engineering and operational disciplines
PPG produces UDC’s highly-efficient, high-performing UniversalPHOLED® materials. There are 50 people working at the new production site, and the headcount is expected to increase up to 100 as further investments roll out. The high-tech roles at the Shannon facility include engineering and operational disciplines, supply chain roles, synthetic chemists, and analytical technicians.
PPG has been UDC’s exclusive manufacturer of phosphorescent OLED emitter materials since 2000. Broadening global manufacturing operations in Ireland builds on that longstanding partnership. The new facility in Shannon expands upon PPG’s established OLED production facilities located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Barberton, Ohio.
Norma Foley TD, education minister, said: “The opening of this state-of-the-art new facility in Shannon is a significant development for the midwest region and is an endorsement of the government’s continued focus on science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) academic programmes and the calibre of workforce we have here in Ireland.
Successful foundations
"By working in partnership, PPG and UDC have grown exponentially, broadening global manufacturing operations in Ireland, building on successful foundations and developing this impressive Shannon facility.”
“We are delighted to celebrate the opening of our new OLED manufacturing site with PPG, our long-term partner of more than two decades, as well as esteemed Ireland elected officials, key associations and colleagues,” said Steven V Abramson, president and CEO of Universal Display Corporation.
“This new site represents a major infrastructure investment for the future of the OLED industry. The region’s great workforce talent, driven by strong education systems here in Ireland, and its commitment to innovation helped our decision process in selecting Shannon as the facility’s location.
"We look forward to continuing to work with our partner PPG, as well as the government through IDA Ireland, as we continue to invent, develop and deliver state-of-the-art phosphorescent OLED materials.”
“PPG is proud to be a strategic partner of UDC. Our work together in the production of OLED materials and technologies is driving sustainable innovation in the consumer electronics industry,” said Tim Knavish, PPG president and chief executive officer.
“The opening of this new facility in Shannon reflects the availability of skilled talent in Ireland’s midwest region and our commitment to supporting the growth of the local economy. We are grateful for the support of the government through IDA Ireland.”
“IDA Ireland is committed to winning jobs and investment for all regions. It's great to see the opening of this facility following on from the announcement in 2021 by UDC and PPG to locate in Shannon and create 100 jobs,” said Mary Buckley, executive director, IDA Ireland.
To enhance the energy efficiency, colour gamut and lifetime of OLED displays, UDC’s phosphorescent OLED emitters are used in virtually every OLED display in the world such as consumer electronic products ranging from smartwatches and smartphones to laptops, tablets, automotive and TVs, including foldable and rollable consumer electronic products.