GHT targets North America expansion with automotive protection films

South Korean PPF maker GHT Co., Ltd. is pushing into North America as it leans on 20 years of coating development, ISO-certified manufacturing and a growing OEM network. The expansion centers on its KEEPGARD film lineup and a push for distributor and installer partnerships.

Why it matters: - GHT Co., Ltd. is trying to turn its international manufacturing base into a larger North American sales footprint. - The expansion could widen access to paint protection film and windshield protection film for distributors, installers and OEM buyers in the region. - The company is positioning its technical credentials and certifications as a differentiator in a competitive automotive film market.

What happened: - GHT Co., Ltd., a South Korean manufacturer of automotive protection films, said it is expanding its market presence in North America. - The company is led by CEO Gyeong-hwan An. - GHT said it has 20 years of specialized research and development in plastic coatings. - GHT has supplied automotive film products to international markets across the Middle East, Europe and Asia since 2019. - GHT is seeking strategic distribution partnerships with automotive film distributors and certified installation centers across North America. - GHT said it offers introductory partnership incentives for new North American commercial accounts that come through official media and trade inquiries.

The details: - GHT manufactures paint protection film and windshield protection film. - The company says its production capabilities cover product design through final manufacturing. - GHT’s PPF is designed to protect vehicle exteriors from scratches, environmental contaminants and physical wear. - The film uses proprietary topcoat technology and TPU-based construction. - GHT says the film is built for long-term durability, stain resistance and self-healing performance. - The PPF is designed to reduce yellowing and provide enhanced elongation and high adhesion strength. - The company said the film is intended to improve durability and ease installation for professional applicators. - GHT said its products have performed well in the Middle East under extreme heat, strong UV exposure and windblown sand. - GHT holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. - The KEEPGARD brand includes KEEPGARD PRO-S, which combines stain resistance, self-healing capability and workability. - KEEPGARD MASTERS is positioned as the premium model with reinforced structural durability. - The lineup also includes matte-finish options called SATIN and DEEP. - KEEPGARD WAVE is a film that changes appearance depending on the angle of light. - In windshield protection, GHT offers KEEPGARD XPERT, a TPU-based film for automotive glass. - KEEPGARD XPERT is designed to protect against stone chips, road debris and surface scratches. - The film is designed to reduce optical distortion, glare and wiper friction noise. - GHT said KEEPGARD XPERT has a 0.8 mil, or 20 μm, topcoat thickness, which is thicker than standard market alternatives. - GHT recently secured an agreement to supply OEM-branded windshield films to a major Middle Eastern client. - GHT also offers OEM and private label manufacturing for global business partners. - The company’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - GHT is using a mix of product performance claims, certification credentials and export history to support its North American push. - The OEM and private-label strategy suggests GHT wants to compete both as a branded supplier and as a behind-the-scenes manufacturing partner. - The focus on certified installation centers points to a channel strategy built around professional application rather than direct-to-consumer sales.

What's next: - GHT plans to build regional partnerships across North America. - The company is looking to accelerate market entry through commercial accounts tied to media and trade inquiries. - GHT said it will continue building brand awareness while pursuing long-term regional partnerships.