Our Story: With over 100 years of history, we aim to continue contributing to society for years to come with our state of the art glass solutions dedicated to mobility.

Our story

With over 100 years of history, we aim to continue contributing to society for years to come with our state of the art glass solutions dedicated to mobility.

Establishment

1907

In 1907, Toshiya Iwasaki decided to start domestic production of flat glass and established Asahi Glass Co., Ltd, (currently AGC Inc.). Under him, it succeeded in the first Japanese production of sheet glass. His pioneering spirit, summarized in the basic principle "Never take the easy way out, but confront difficulties" was the driving force behind AGC Group overcoming a succession of difficult business challenges and led to the company's subsequent dynamic growth.

Expanded into automotive glass business

1950's 1960's

In 1956, AGC began manufacturing automotive glass in response to growing demand for automobiles in Japan. Aichi and Sagami plants were established in 1970 and 1972 respectively.

Expansion in Southeast Asia. Technology enabled mass production

1970's

Due to new construction and expansion of manufacturing bases of Japanese automobile companies in Southeast Asia, Thai Safety Glass, currently AGC Automotive (Thailand) Co., Ltd., was established in 1974. Also, in 1976, PT Asahimas Flat Glass Tbk was established in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the industry’s first introduction of a gas furnace enabled the mass production of tempered glass for automobiles at one of AGC’s glass plants in Japan.

Business expansion in Europe, India, and North America

1980's

In 1981, AGC acquired Glaverbel, a long-established Belgian glass manufacturer excelling at manufacturing technology. In keeping with their traditional management spirit which always kept an eye on the global market, AGC actively expanded their business in Europe. This also contributed to the further growth of Glaverbel and invigorated the market.

In 1985, Asahi India Safety Glass Ltd., currently Asahi India Glass Ltd., was established in India.

Also in 1985, AGC established AP Techno Glass, currently AGC Automotive Americas Co., as a joint venture with the largest flat glass manufacturer in the United States, and it contributed to the region’s development through the production of automotive glass. AGC started operations at their Ohio plant in 1986 and at their Kentucky plant in 1989.

Business expansion in China and Europe

1990's

In 1995, a joint venture was established in China, followed by capital investment in QHSD, currently AGC Automotive (Qinhuangdao) Inc. To address production growth in all European regions, AGC acquired Sklo Union in the Czech Republic in 1990, started laminated glass production at Splintex in Belgium in 1992, invested capital in Bor Glassworks in Russia in 1997, and in 1998 expanded business in France and Italy through the acquisition of further European companies.

Transformation into a truly global company

2000's

AGC evolved into a truly global company in the 2000's. In 2002, AGC introduced the Global In-house Company System and Global Management System. In 2003, the automotive business was unified and branded as AGC Automotive. In 2007, the AGC Group brand was unified as AGC. In 2018, on its 100th anniversary, the corporate name Asahi Glass Company was changed to AGC Inc., to further enhance the integrated management framework for the AGC Group on a global scale.

Meanwhile, in line with the rapidly expanding Chinese automobile market, AGC made QHSD, currently AGC Automotive (Qinhuangdao) Inc., a subsidiary to strengthen the production capacity of Qinhuangdao plant in 2003. In 2005, AGC Automotive Hungary Ltd. started operations. In 2008, operations started at the Foshan plant (second plant) in China.

Business expansion in emerging markets and in the new mobility age

2010's

In the 2010's, positioning “business expansion in emerging markets” was one of its growth strategies. In 2014, AGC started operations at the Guaratingueta plant in Brazil, in 2016 at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, and in 2019 at the Kenitra plant in Morocco. Meanwhile in China, operations started at the Suzhou plant (third plant), and integration of operations with the other two automotive glass production bases, Foshan Plant and Qinhuangdao Plant, was accelerated in 2015. Also, in order to enhance the automotive replacement glass business, AGC acquired NordGlass, currently AGC Automotive Poland Sp. z o.o., in Poland in 2015.

During the same period, vehicles became more and more connected, requiring ICT (Information and Communication Technology). In 2013, AGC’s subsidiary, AGC Display Glass Yonezawa started production of flat-surfaced cover glass for car-mounted displays on a dedicated production line in Japan. In 2017, AGC started mass production of 3D curved cover glass for car-mounted displays at Keihin Plant in Japan, which was a world first.

In addition, AGC enhanced on-glass antenna development including 5G and V2X, and opened two anechoic chambers in Belgium in 2019.

AGC begins mass production of 3D curved cover glass for car-mounted displays

AGC established a global tri-polar R&D framework for automotive on-glass antennas

Enhancing development of high value-added products for a mobility society

2020's

AGC Automotive identified Mobility as one of its Strategic Businesses, and especially focused on developing products and solutions of displays, antennas, and sensors as fields in which it can take advantage of AGC Group’s strengths. By leveraging the inherent strengths of the AGC Group, we enhanced the development of high value-added products for a sustainable, safe and comfortable mobility society.

Effective from January 17, 2024, the legal entity name of Nordglass Sp. z o.o. has been changed to AGC Automotive Poland Sp. z o.o.. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our operations and align our brand identity.

Light control glass, "Digital Curtain^® Dx", made its worldwide debut, adopted in Toyota’s new Harrier model.

AGC Automotive Europe launched the "Pulsaart" brand to reinforce antenna positioning.

Curved large cover glass for car-mounted dislays launched on the market, adopted by Cadillac. World’s first curved OLED display cover glass for a mass production vehicle.

Further acceleration towards a sustainable future-mobility society

Today

Thanks to the efficient coordination of AGC Group capabilities involving glass, chemical, and materials technologies , AGC Automotive develops unique and high values-added solutions for a safe & comfortable mobility that elevate driving experience. Our unique innovations are exhibited in major fairs around the world through interactive experiences enabling to appreciate all benefits offered to mobility experts and end-users.

At CES 2025, we showcased “Next-gen Cockpit” which combines the aesthetics and functionality of glass, “Wideye^™ Panoramic All-in-glass Roof for Seamless LiDAR Integration”, and “Antenna System” which integrates the antenna inside the roof glass.

Digital Curtain^™ Light Control Glass Adopted for Toyota’s “Century”