New OLED manufacturing plant opens in Shannon, Ireland

18 May 2023

Joint venture between Universal Display Corp. and PPG to double production capacity.

New OLED manufacturing site in Shannon, Ireland.

OLED technology developer Universal Display Corp. and PPG, a US-based supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, have together opened a new organic light-emitting diode (OLED) manufacturing facility in Shannon, Ireland.

The plant 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 10 million euros, and subsequent multimillion-euro expenditures and multiyear, multiphase expansions of the site are expected to have a significant positive economic impact on the region.

PPG produces UDC’s highly-efficient, high-performing UniversalPHOLED®materials. There are currently 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.

Emitter materials

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 smart watches and smartphones to laptops, tablets, automotive and TVs, including foldable and rollable consumer electronic products.

UDC’s phosphorescent OLED emitters are made by PPG.

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 Shannon facility expands upon PPG’s established OLED production facilities located in Monroeville, Pa., and Barberton, Ohio.

Speaking at the May 18th event to mark the official opening, Norma Foley TD, Ireland’s Minister for Education, said, “The opening of this state-of-the-art new facility in Shannon is a significant development for the Mid-West region and is an endorsement of the [Irish] Government’s continued focus on science, technology, engineering, and maths academic programmes and the calibre of workforce we have here in Ireland.

Steven V. Abramson, president and CEO of UDC, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of our new OLED manufacturing site with PPG, our long-term partner of more than two decades. 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.”

Tim Knavish, PPG president and CEO, said, “Our work together in the production of OLED materials and technologies is driving sustainable innovation in the consumer electronics industry. This new facility in Shannon reflects the availability of skilled talent in Ireland’s Mid-West region and our commitment to supporting the growth of the local economy.”