What Strong Mdi does

Strong/MDI Inc. is a Canadian specialty manufacturer of premium projection screens, headquartered in a 7,600 square meter purpose-built facility in Joliette, Quebec. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures custom high-performance screens for three primary end markets: cinema exhibition (its anchor segment serving Cinemark, AMC, Marcus Theatres, Cinépolis, National Amusements, and IMAX worldwide), professional audiovisual installations, and themed entertainment (theme parks, dark rides, immersive attractions, flying theatres, and motion simulators). Its product portfolio spans front and rear projection screens, 3D silver screens, micro-perforated screens, motorized retractable systems (Strongview, Poliview), solid curved/compound screens (acquired from Eclipse), and optical coatings (Premium HGA, Orion gray), with screens producible up to 18.9 meters by 32 meters via two on-site coating towers.

The underlying technology centers on proprietary optical chemistry developed in-house, including High Gain (HGA) coatings that reflect up to 40% more light than standard silver screens, micro-perforation with a 3.5% void area and 0.55mm hole diameter for acoustic transparency with minimal light loss, and patented compound curved screen technology with acoustic-through-solid-surface capability. The Seismos immersive flooring line integrates Powersoft's Mover Direct Drive haptic transducer technology. Manufacturing is vertically integrated — design, welding, perforation, coating, assembly, quality inspection (per ISO 9001:2015), and shipping all occur on-site.

The business model is predominantly direct enterprise sales with quote-based, custom-made-to-order pricing and multi-year contracts. Exclusive long-term supply agreements with the largest U.S. and Latin American cinema chains represent the primary revenue engine, supplemented by technical integrator channels (e.g., ADDE in France), OEM collaborations (Barco), and themed entertainment project work. The company is privately held under Saltire Capital Ltd, a long-term investment firm, following its prior history as a subsidiary of publicly traded Ballantyne Strong Inc. and Strong Global Entertainment (NYSE American: SGE).

Name

Strong Mdi

Legal name

Strong/MDI Inc.

Website

https://strongmdi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Strong/MDI is a Canadian manufacturer of custom premium projection screens — including HGA, micro-perforated, motorized, and compound curved variants — serving major cinema chains (Cinemark, AMC, Marcus, IMAX), themed entertainment operators (Triotech, Sally Dark Rides), and Pro-AV integrators from its 7,600 sqm Joliette, Quebec facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Projection Screens

NAICS

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343)

SIC

Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Creative Monitors (Color-Accurate/Reference) (HDACADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

4K/5K/8K & High-Resolution Monitors (HDACADAH), Photo & Video Output Devices (Printers, Portable Photo Printers, Photo Frames) (CRACAPAL), Dual-Screen & Specialty Form-Factor Monitors (HDACADAN)

Keywords

• Projection screens
• Cinema screens
• Themed entertainment
• Pro av screens
• Optical coatings

Headquarters

HQ city

Joliette

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Projection Screen Sales: Sale of custom high-performance projection screens for cinema, Pro-AV, and themed entertainment markets. Screens are manufactured to order with custom dimensions, coatings, and frame types.
2. Screen Installation & Technical Services: On-site screen coating application, installation support, and technical services. Includes surface preparation, coating application, and quality inspection by specialized technicians.
3. Custom Structure & Frame Systems: Custom screen support structures including Domino frame systems, masking motors, and specialized mounting solutions for unique venue requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Strong MDI manufactures custom, high-performance projection screens — including premium cinema screens, 3D silver screens, motorized screen systems, solid curved/compound screens, custom frame structures, and specialized optical coatings — for cinema exhibitors, professional audiovisual integrators, and themed entertainment operators. The company produces screens to custom dimensions and specifications in its 7,600 sqm Joliette, Quebec facility, and supports customers with on-site coating application and installation services.

Product overview

Strong MDI is a manufacturer of premium projection screens serving cinema, professional audiovisual (Pro A/V), and themed entertainment markets. The product portfolio is organized across three core screen technologies (3D silver, 2D front projection, rear projection/hybrid), three main screen formats (fixed framed, motorized, custom structures), and specialized offerings (solid curved screens, optical coatings, masking motors, immersive solutions). Named product lines include Premium HGA screens (HGA 1.7, HGA 1.9, HGA ReAct 1.4), Strongview motorized screens (Standard, L, XL, Vista), Poliview tensioned screens, Domino frame system, Eclipse curvilinear screens (acquired), Orion gray optical coating, and Seismos haptic immersive flooring. The company operates a 7,600 square meter state-of-the-art facility in Joliette, Quebec, Canada with two coating towers capable of coating screens up to 18.9m x 32m, and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seismos: Immersive product line featuring interactive flooring system with haptic audio feedback technology, developed in partnership with Powersoft.
• Orion

Products and services

• Premium HGA 1.7 Screen Premium cinema screen designed for high-output laser projection systems requiring superior light diffusion properties; reflects up to 40% more overall light than standard silver screens. Targets cinema exhibitors deploying laser projection.
• HGA ReAct 1.4 Screen Advanced cinema screen with enhanced optical properties tailored for laser projection systems; part of the Premium HGA family offering superior light diffusion.
• Northview Screen 1.3 gain micro-perforated projection screen used in cinema main auditoriums.
• Blackview Screen Gray anthracite projection surface designed for environments where the viewing space is not totally dark; helps the screen surface blend into the environment while maintaining image quality.
• Stereoview Foldable 3D Screen Foldable silver 3D screen that reduces international shipping costs by half and facilitates handling and installation; optimized for polarized 3D projection systems.
• Digitalview Screen Gray projection screen surface used in venues such as the Belcourt Theatre for live event rooms.
• Domino Screen Frame System Custom modular screen support system made to any shape or size for original projection projects; can be attached to a structure, self-supported, wall-mounted, or suspended; suitable for rear view and front view screen surfaces.
• Strongview Motorized Screen Electric screen system available in Strongview (Standard) and Strongview L versions; features a quiet tubular motor and a perfectly tensioned screen surface, compatible with non-coated rear view and front view screens. Standard format: 13'-1" to 17'-11" image width; Large format: 18' to 22'-6.5" image width.
• Strongview XL Motorized Screen Large-format electric projector screen system with image widths up to 36'-6" (11.12m); features a CSA-approved 1/2HP motor, elegant profile, and a tension system for a perfectly flat screen surface; available with all non-coated surfaces.
• Strongview Vista Large Format Motorized Screen Very large-format motorized screen available for image widths from 37 to 55 feet (11.3 to 16.7m); unique offering with silent, reliable operation and a smooth projection surface.
• Poliview Tensioned Motorized Screen Tab-tensioned motorized screen with reinforced tension system and durable tension tabs for a wrinkle-free surface; designed for corporate, education, and worship venues requiring high-quality electric screens.
• Strongview+ Independent Masking System Upgrade for the Strongview Series that allows users to switch between different aspect ratios using an independent masking control system, larger head truss assembly, and additional subframes for support rollers.
• Eclipse Curvilinear Screens Compound curved projection screens acquired from Eclipse Projection Screens; feature patented jointless surfaces that prevent moiré patterns and integrated acoustic panels allowing sound to pass through solid surfaces. Used in theme parks, immersive exhibitions, and simulation applications.
• Orion Gray Optical Coating Acrylic-based matte gray optical coating for solid paintable surfaces, providing wide viewing angles and impeccable color reproduction; applied onsite by Strong/MDI technicians. Recommended for large commercial immersive displays in themed entertainment; available in 0.5 or 0.7 optical gain.
• Premium HGA Optical Coating High-quality 2D and 3D optical coatings developed to enhance overall viewing experience; allows 3D viewing at sub-optimal viewing angles for themed entertainment applications.
• Seismos Immersive Flooring Product Line Interactive flooring system with haptic technology for themed entertainment attractions, incorporating Powersoft's Mover Direct Drive low-frequency transducer so audiences can physically feel low-end frequencies through bone conduction.
• 3D Silver Screens Silver screens optimized for 3D projection with properties tailored for polarized 3D systems used in cinema applications.
• Front Projection Screens Front projection screens for standard projection applications across cinema and Pro-AV venues.
• Rear Projection / Hybrid Screens Rear projection and hybrid screen solutions for specialized applications.
• Fixed Framed Screens Fixed frame screens for permanent installation in cinema, Pro-AV, and themed entertainment venues.
• Custom Structures Custom support structures for projection screens designed for specific venue requirements.
• Solid Curved Screens Solid curved screens for immersive projection environments, including compound and curvilinear configurations.
• Optical Coating Services Optical coating services including Orion gray, Premium HGA, and other specialized coatings applied on-site by Strong/MDI technicians.
• Masking Motors Motor systems for screen masking to adjust aspect ratios on motorized screen installations.
• Immersive Solutions Complete immersive screen solutions for themed entertainment, flying theatres, motion simulators, and interactive attractions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Screens reflect up to 40% more light than standard silver screens
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• CinemarkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026Exclusive global supply agreement renewed for 5 years (effective January 2026). Cinemark sources all cinema screens exclusively from Strong/MDI for nearly 500 theaters across US and Latin America. Partnership began more than five years ago.
• ADDEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 September 2025Technical integrator partnership for cinema installations. ADDE supplies and installs Strong/MDI screens for cinema projects in France, including Frontignan and Agde cinemas. ADDE acts as catalyst between equipment manufacturers and exhibitors.
• AMC TheatresflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Exclusive agreement for laser deployment initiative renewed. Strong/MDI continues supplying cutting-edge screens designed to optimize laser projection performance for AMC locations across the United States.
• Marcus TheatrescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Three-year extension of supply agreement. Strong/MDI remains exclusive supplier of cinema screens for Marcus Theatres locations across the United States, operating nearly 1,000 screens.
• PowersoftcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 August 2023Partnership for enhancement of Strong/MDI's Seismos Immersive Product line with Powersoft's Mover Direct Drive haptic feedback technology. Powersoft is an Italian company specializing in professional audio technologies. Includes resale and integration of Powersoft products by Strong Technical Services.
• Eclipse Projection ScreenscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2018Strong/MDI acquired Eclipse Screens' commercial activities. Eclipse founder Dustin Small joined Ballantyne Strong as Director of Specialized Projects. Eclipse compound curved screen technology complements Strong/MDI's product line for themed entertainment.
• BarcocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong/MDI collaborated with Barco on Barco Escape multi-projection system. Strong/MDI design and engineering team involved in screen and structure design for the innovative projection system.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Harkness Screens: Long-established global manufacturer of cinema projection screens and screen surfaces. Competes head-to-head with Strong/MDI in premium cinema screens supplied to major exhibitors.
• Severtson Screens: U.S. manufacturer of projection screens including cinema, Pro-AV, and custom-projection surfaces. Closely comparable to Strong/MDI across cinema and themed-entertainment screen offerings.
• Stewart Filmscreen: U.S.-based manufacturer of premium projection screens for cinema, Pro-AV, and immersive applications. Directly comparable to Strong/MDI across both cinema and large-format Pro-AV screen categories.
• Screen Excellence: UK-based projection screen maker specializing in fixed-frame, acoustically transparent, and high-end cinema/AV screens. Compares to Strong/MDI's premium fixed-frame and curved-screen offerings.
• Da-Lite (Legrand AV): Major U.S. projection screen brand under Legrand AV producing fixed frame, motorized, and cinema-grade screens. Directly comparable to Strong/MDI's Pro-AV and motorized screen lines.
• DNP (Dai Nippon Printing) - Supra Screens: Denmark-based supplier of high-end optical projection screens (rear/front) for cinema, simulation, and immersive environments. Directly comparable to Strong/MDI's premium optical-coating product lines such as HGA and Orion.
• Vutec: U.S. projection screen and AV accessory manufacturer with cinema, Pro-AV, and custom-format offerings. Comparable to Strong/MDI in custom and specialty screen formats.
• Elite Screens: Large global projection screen manufacturer focused on consumer and Pro-AV markets. Overlaps with Strong/MDI's Pro-AV and motorized screen categories (Strongview/Poliview).
• Draper: U.S. manufacturer of projection screens, window shades, and AV mounting solutions. Directly comparable across motorized and fixed-frame screen lines serving the Pro-AV market.

Broad incumbents

• Christie (Christie Digital Systems): Major cinema technology incumbent providing projectors, AV systems, and integrated cinema solutions (including co-supply of IMAX and chain-wide deployments). Adjacent rather than direct because Christie sells projectors and integrated systems, not screens — but competes for the same cinema and Pro-AV budgets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/strong_mdi

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Strong Mdi