Safelite Glass Corp. to Manufacture AP Technoglass Windshields
ENFIELD, N.C. – Jan. 7, 2013 - AGC Automotive Americas, an industry leader and innovator in glass technologies, has entered into a license agreement with Safelite® Glass Corp., which allows Safelite to manufacture, distribute and sell replacement windshields under the AP Technoglass brand.
With more than 100 years of experience in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) automotive glass industry, AGC has developed techniques and technical know-how in engineering, manufacturing, and technology innovation to ensure OEM-quality parts. Safelite’s Enfield plant earned the trust of AGC after a close partnership with the shared goal of broadening the distribution of AP Technoglass branded windshields, increasing brand recognition and ensuring customers’ access to OEM-quality replacement glass. AGC will continue its production of AP Technoglass as well.
“Safelite Glass Corp. has been manufacturing Original Equipment Equivalent (OEE) windshields since 1967,” said Dino Lanno, Safelite’s senior vice president of supply chain and manufacturing. “It’s important for consumers to know that all vehicle glass sold in the U.S. – both OEM and OEE – must meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. In addition, Safelite-manufactured glass is put through a rigorous, five-point in-plant inspection and is further validated through random plant and supply chain audits. However, this partnership will allow us to meet the demands of customers for approved OEM-quality parts.”
Safelite Glass Corp.’s sister company, Safelite AutoGlass® will continue to purchase glass from a variety of worldwide vendors. This manufacturing partnership is a prime example of how a supply partner can add value to the relationship beyond the supply of vehicle glass.
“AGC has long been known for providing high-quality, best-in-class glass to the automotive industry,” said Alain Crouzillas, president of AGC Global ARG. “We’re confident that Safelite will continue to ensure that OEM-quality standards are met with their production of AP Technoglass and we are pleased that more customers will have access to this level of quality parts.”
About AGC Glass Company North America
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, AGC Glass Company North America is one of the largest flat glass manufacturers in North America and part of Japan-based Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. A fully integrated supplier, AGC Glass Company North America has 3,600 employees in three major business units: Building, Automotive and Solar.
Beyond Glass is a philosophy that glass is more than just a product to manage light and energy – it’s an opportunity make buildings, automobiles and solar products more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, safer and more visually appealing; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate AGC as a proven global partner who provides solutions through a worldwide network of technical knowledge and innovation – for a better future with glass. To learn more, visit www.us.agc.com.
About Safelite® Glass Corp.
Safelite® Glass Corp. is a U.S. manufacturer of replacement windshields. It operates a manufacturing facility in Enfield, N.C. as well as two distribution centers located in Ontario, Calif. and Braselton, Ga. The manufacturing facility serves all of the Safelite AutoGlass® and the customers of Safelite Group's wholesale operations, Service AutoGlass®. The Safelite® Glass Corp. manufacturing and distribution facilities are ISO-9001 certified.