Tredegar Surface Protection, an operating division of Tredegar Corporation and a global leader in surface protection films, expanded operations with an investment of $5 million to scale-up and commission a state-of-the-art manufacturing line at its technical center in Richmond, Virginia.

The expansion will be for developing innovative surface protection films. Tredegar Surface Protection provides highly specialized masking films to the world’s leading manufacturers of optical films, and specialty substrates, used in; displays, semi-conductors, and automotive applications, as well as to leading manufacturers of specialty personal protective equipment, including face shields.

According to company officials, Tredegar Surface Protection plays a critical role in protecting the sensitive surfaces of optical films used in displays and other substrates during manufacturing, converting and transportation. In response to increased demand for high-quality surface protection films and faster design cycles in the LCD and OLED markets, the Company has invested approximately $5 million for a scale-up line in its Richmond Technical Center.

“New technologies such as 8K resolution and foldable displays are driving the need for new surface protection films that meet increasing quality and performance requirements. This scale-up line will enable us to commercialize new products faster to ensure we can satisfy industry quality requirements and keep pace with the rapid introduction of new models in the mobile phone and television markets,” said Bapi DasGupta, President of Tredegar Surface Protection. “Tredegar Surface Production has a long track record of supplying innovative high-quality materials for masking applications, and this expansion will enable us to continue our tradition of providing increased value to improve our customers’ productivity and bottom line.”

Michael Steward, Director of Technology at Tredegar Surface Protection added, “our customers depend on us to deliver innovative surface protection films that allow them to execute their product roadmaps with high yields and efficiencies. This new scale-up line positions us well to respond quickly with the new products and technologies that our customers require.”