Film Props Up Losses for Southwall

Can film prop up other product segments during a slower economy? It seems to be working for Southwall Technologies Inc. While some segments were down for the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company, film was up. The parent company for V-Kool and Huper Optic brand films reports its fourth-quarter 2007 revenue was down 5.6 percent from the third quarter of 2007, due primarily to a decline relating to plasma display products. But the company further reports that the decline was offset partially by revenue increases for automotive and architectural window film products.

“2007 was a turnaround year for Southwall,” says Dennis Capovilla, the company’s president. “As demand for and interest in energy conservation continues to increase in importance globally, we believe that Southwall is now in a better position to respond to the growing opportunity for products that improve energy efficiency.”