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4 MIN. READ
Glass manufacturers provide essential materials for different industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications and consumer products.
This sector has experienced steady growth over the past few years, and there are new products and opportunities to be aware of when selling to glass manufacturers.
According to data collected by MNI, the 2,178 companies that make up the U.S. glass manufacturing sector experienced a 1.49% growth over the past year.
Trends in this sector are fairly representative of manufacturing as a whole:
• 16% of glass manufacturers import raw materials, while 11% of all manufacturers do.
• 71% of glass manufacturers focus on domestic distribution, which is very close to the 70% of all manufacturers who adopt this strategy.
• 27% of glass manufacturers prioritize international distribution, reflecting the 29% of all manufacturers who export their products.
You’ll find 31% of glass manufacturers in the South and 28% in the Midwest, with Ohio being home to three of the top 10 largest manufacturers in this sector.
Several trends and opportunities will help the glass manufacturing sector overcome COVID-19 and possible economic stagnation:
• Nonresidential construction projects and the automotive industry create a strong demand for flat glass products.
• Automating production is a growing trend for this sector, resulting in more effective production processes and lower costs.
• Demand is increasing for complex glass products for decorative purposes and products with specific properties.
• There are plenty of opportunities in the tech, telecommunications and energy sectors with glass fibers for fiber optic cables, protective screens for electronics and solar panels.
• New opportunities like vaccine vial production for COVID-19 vaccines could appear soon.
Here are the top 10 largest manufacturers in this sector.
| Top Companies | City | State | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentex Corp. | Zeeland | MI | 5,000 |
| Fuyao Glass America, Inc. | Moraine | OH | 2,300 |
| Pella Corp. | Pella | IA | 2,224 |
| Viracon | Owatonna | MN | 2,000 |
| Safelite AutoGlass | Columbus | OH | 1,600 |
| Anchor Hocking Co. | Lancaster | OH | 1,200 |
| SMR Automotive | Marysville | MI | 1,085 |
| Corning, Inc., Optical Fibers Div. | Wilmington | NC | 1,000 |
| Gallo Glass Co. | Modesto | CA | 1,000 |
| Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. | Wausau | WI | 1,000 |
Gentex Corp.
This award-winning manufacturer is located in Zeeland, Mich., and employs 5,000 people. Gentex Corp. specializes in fire protection equipment and glass products for the aerospace and automotive industries. Its research department develops automation technology for cars.
Fuyao Glass America Inc.
Located in Moraine, Ohio, Fuyao Glass America Inc. has 2,300 employees and is an OEM glass supplier for major automakers. This manufacturer stands out thanks to new materials research and offers products like ultra-thin glass, coated glass and dimmable glass.
Pella Corp.
Pella Corp. is a window and door manufacturer. The company has 2,224 employees and operates from Pella, Iowa. Products include wood, fiberglass, and vinyl doors and windows for the residential construction sector.
Viracon
Viracon is an Owatonna, Minn., company with 2,000 employees. It specializes in glass products for the nonresidential construction sector, including insulating glass products, laminated glass for glazing applications, and monolithic glass for modern buildings with huge facades.
Safelite AutoGlass
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Safelite AutoGlass has 1,600 employees and offer windshield repair and replacement. This company emphasizes customer service and convenience to make auto glass repairs an easy process.
Anchor Hocking Co.
Anchor Hocking Co. is a Lancaster, Ohio, company with 1,200 employees that offers timeless glass household products. Its product catalog includes bakeware, drinkware, storage products, and other kitchen essentials.
SMR Automotive
SMR Automotive makes mirrors for the automotive industry and develops camera technology to improve blind spot visibility. This Marysville, Mich., company has 1,085 employees.
Corning Inc. Optical Fibers Div.
Corning Inc. played an instrumental role in the development of fiber optics. The Wilmington, NC, company is still a major player in the telecommunications market for glass products and has 1,000 employees.
Gallo Glass Co.
Gallo Glass Co. is an eco-friendly manufacturer that uses sustainable and innovative techniques to make wine and spirits bottles. It's located in Modesto, Calif., and employs 1,000 people.
Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc.
In Wausau, Wisc., Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc. specializes in windows and doors. Its products go beyond glass to include windows and door trim and hardware for residential construction projects. The company has 1,000 employees.
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