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From anti-reflection to color tints, modern glass enhances design in many ways.

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BNL-BNP Paribas

Due to the clever structural glazing, the aesthetics are visually appealing, reflecting the building’s surroundings on all sides.

cube berlin

Architects 3XN have created deliberate geometric transformations that create a prismatic pattern of triangular surface reliefs.

NOBU HOTEL

Nobu Hotel Warsaw embraces the city’s charisma to create a genuinely unique, stunning structure in this cultural hub.

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Our story

Just as we were in 1932, we're ready to meet the challenges of now and the future

Environmental Stewardship

Find out more about how glass can support sustainable design

Quality control

We strive for quality in everything we do

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Access our comprehensive suite of engineering and analytical tools

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Download and use our standardized Guardian BIM content to create project specific BIM files

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For anyone who is interested in learning more about glass and its use

Our story

About Us

An entrepreneurial spirit,
a certain foresight

We have a heritage of matching the latest technologies to people’s needs at Guardian Glass. Perhaps this is no surprise once you realize we began as a windshield glass manufacturer for Detroit’s automobile industry. Not a place to succeed without having innovative ideas, strict quality control and a relentless work ethic. Years passed until the company came under the dynamic and far-sighted leadership of William “Bill” Davidson. Bill had a vision and an unshakable will to make things happen, two other attributes we still have to this day. Which is why, on October 26, 1970, Guardian opened its first state-of-the-art float glass plant in Carleton, Michigan, becoming the first U.S. company in over 50 years to enter the primary glass market. Following this success, Guardian went on to construct glass manufacturing plants across the United States, then Europe, then globally across regions as diverse as Thailand, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. In 1983 we were among the first companies to develop low-emissivity (low-E) glass, with a state-of-the-art magnetron sputter coating process – helping to improve the energy efficiency of architectural glass around the world. Since then, we’ve developed many unique products and bespoke solutions for clients. Including architects, fabricators, glaziers, cladders, interior designers and homeowners. 

With its flexibility, aesthetic qualities and sustainability attributes glass has never been more essential to the world’s plans. Just as we were in 1932, we’re ready to meet the challenges of now and the future, with new thinking, products and solutions to meet the needs of all our customers –and the world at large. 

Early years
1932

Guardian Glass Company begins as a small windshield fabricator in Detroit, Michigan

Guardian Glass Company begins as a small windshield fabricator in Detroit, Michigan

Guardian Glass Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1932. The company’s 20 employees produced roughly 100 laminated windshields a day in a plant on Detroit’s Lower East Side. Its only equipment was a press used for laminating glass to the interlayer; all other work was done manually. Sales during the company’s first year totaled $130,000.

Guardian adopted the logo incorporating a big G surrounding a knight on a horse. The logo represented security and protection against wind, weather and debris that Guardian windshields gave to drivers and passengers of vehicles.

During World War II, Guardian was producing millions of square feet of laminated glass for windshields in trucks, jeeps and other military vehicles. In the early 1950s, Guardian began production of curved, laminated windshields and in 1970, Guardian became the first company to enter the U.S. primary glass industry in nearly 50 years when production started at a new plant in Carleton, Mich.

Guardian’s history of progressive management, innovative thinking and steady growth continued. Today, Guardian operates plants on five continents and our products and systems grace vehicles, homes and construction projects all over the world. Our vision is to create long-term value for our customers, shareholders and society more efficiently and faster than our competitors through commercial and operational excellence and the application of Market-Based Management®.

1957

William Davidson is named president.

1968

Company goes public and changes name to Guardian Industries Corp.

1969

Permaglass acquisition adds Millbury, Ohio, plant.

Early years
1932

Guardian Glass Company begins as a small windshield fabricator in Detroit, Michigan

Guardian Glass Company begins as a small windshield fabricator in Detroit, Michigan

Guardian Glass Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1932. The company’s 20 employees produced roughly 100 laminated windshields a day in a plant on Detroit’s Lower East Side. Its only equipment was a press used for laminating glass to the interlayer; all other work was done manually. Sales during the company’s first year totaled $130,000.

Guardian adopted the logo incorporating a big G surrounding a knight on a horse. The logo represented security and protection against wind, weather and debris that Guardian windshields gave to drivers and passengers of vehicles.

During World War II, Guardian was producing millions of square feet of laminated glass for windshields in trucks, jeeps and other military vehicles. In the early 1950s, Guardian began production of curved, laminated windshields and in 1970, Guardian became the first company to enter the U.S. primary glass industry in nearly 50 years when production started at a new plant in Carleton, Mich.

Guardian’s history of progressive management, innovative thinking and steady growth continued. Today, Guardian operates plants on five continents and our products and systems grace vehicles, homes and construction projects all over the world. Our vision is to create long-term value for our customers, shareholders and society more efficiently and faster than our competitors through commercial and operational excellence and the application of Market-Based Management®.

1957

William Davidson is named president.

1968

Company goes public and changes name to Guardian Industries Corp.

1969

Permaglass acquisition adds Millbury, Ohio, plant.

1970
1970

First float glass plant begins operations in Carleton, Michigan

First float glass plant begins operations in Carleton, Michigan

Guardian’s defining moment. With no experience building a float glass plant and many obstacles ahead, William Davidson called on his team of engineers to defy the odds and build a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Carleton, Michigan. The plant totaled 275,000 square feet with a pull of 350 tons per day.

Heat up of the furnace started in August 1970, and the first Guardian glass was pulled later that month. At the official dedication on October 26, Davidson told the assembled industry, community, civic and government leaders that, “It is Guardian’s intention to truly be a glass company of the future, matching the properties of the product to the needs of the people, and it is with that in mind that we are entering the glass manufacturing field.”

1973

Second float line launches in Carleton, Michigan. This is the only Guardian plant to have two furnaces under one roof.

1974

Guardian adds fabrication capability with acquisition of Glass Guard Industries in Webster, Massachusetts.

1974

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, automotive glass fabrication plant begins operations.

1978

Kingsburg, California, float glass plant starts operations.

1970
1970

First float glass plant begins operations in Carleton, Michigan

First float glass plant begins operations in Carleton, Michigan

Guardian’s defining moment. With no experience building a float glass plant and many obstacles ahead, William Davidson called on his team of engineers to defy the odds and build a modern, state-of-the-art facility in Carleton, Michigan. The plant totaled 275,000 square feet with a pull of 350 tons per day.

Heat up of the furnace started in August 1970, and the first Guardian glass was pulled later that month. At the official dedication on October 26, Davidson told the assembled industry, community, civic and government leaders that, “It is Guardian’s intention to truly be a glass company of the future, matching the properties of the product to the needs of the people, and it is with that in mind that we are entering the glass manufacturing field.”

1973

Second float line launches in Carleton, Michigan. This is the only Guardian plant to have two furnaces under one roof.

1974

Guardian adds fabrication capability with acquisition of Glass Guard Industries in Webster, Massachusetts.

1974

Upper Sandusky, Ohio, automotive glass fabrication plant begins operations.

1978

Kingsburg, California, float glass plant starts operations.

1980
1980

Corsicana, Texas float glass plant begins operations.

1981

Guardian expands into Europe with launch of float glass plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg

Guardian expands into Europe with launch of float glass plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg

The Bascharage, Luxembourg float glass plant was Guardian’s first in Europe and set the stage for worldwide expansion.

Luxembourg’s central location between Belgium, France and Germany gave the company ready access to Europe’s most important glass regions.

A small number of U.S. trained managers and technicians moved to Luxembourg to assume leadership roles within the plant. Guardian wanted to show its European employees the possibilities of working in a new and exciting environment, for a company that intended to lead the way in Europe as it had in the U.S. In a careful process of give-and-take, Guardian learned how to function as a European company while a European workforce learned how to function as part of the Guardian team.

Guardian’s move shook up the glass establishment and the company was later dubbed the "raging bull" in Europe by the Financial Times.

In 2016, Guardian celebrated 35 years in Luxembourg with the official opening of its new offices in Bertrange.

1982

AIRCO acquisition in Carleton, Michigan, adds new coating facility strategically located across the street from float glass plant.

1982

Guardian celebrates 50th anniversary.

1983

Guardian purchases Fullerton, California, rolled glass plant.

1983

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Low-Emissivity, or low-E, glass has microscopically thin, transparent metal coatings that reflect long-wave radiation, and helps make homes and buildings more energy efficient in both warm and cold climates.

Low-E glass was first manufactured in Europe and then introduced in the early 1980s to North America. In 1983, Guardian was one of the first companies in the United States to manufacture low-E glass after adding sputter coating technology at its Corsicana, Texas float glass plant.

Today's low-E coatings are multilayered, complex designs engineered to provide high visible light transmission, low visible light reflection and reduce heat transfer.

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Low-Emissivity, or low-E, glass has microscopically thin, transparent metal coatings that reflect long-wave radiation, and helps make homes and buildings more energy efficient in both warm and cold climates.

Many building projects today incorporate low-E glass to significantly reduce energy use and costs, thereby reducing a building's carbon footprint.

Guardian Glass manufactures advanced low-E coatings for residential and commercial applications to meet the needs of its customers around the world.

1984

Guardian purchases Floreffe, Pennsylvania, float glass plant.

1985

Guardian acquires Llodio, Spain, float glass plant.

1985

Guardian becomes privately held after 17 years as a public company.

1985

Guardian launches new company-wide HealthGuard program focused on employee wellness

Guardian launches new company-wide HealthGuard program focused on employee wellness

In 1985, Guardian introduced HealthGuard -- an ambitious and focused effort to elevate the well-being of its employees and control health-care costs. This global health program was an extension of William Davidson’s longtime belief both in the virtues of competition and in the proposition that Guardian should support its employees in every possible way.

“I believe HealthGuard is one of the best programs we’ve ever offered Guardian employees,” said Davidson. “Encouraging people to take charge of their health and reduce health-care costs is a worthy objective. I have personally believed in the value of physical fitness for many years. HealthGuard does not tell employees how to live. It encourages them to consider the effects of lifestyle on their well-being. The decision to accept those recommendations and to act on them is up to each person.”

Company health programs would become more common in the coming years, and Guardian was a recognized leader in the arena. The company’s innovative approach was featured in a CNN News special.

HealthGuard helps Guardian employees and their family members improve their lives through educational initiatives, physical activity, health screenings and community outreach

1986

Guardian College Scholarship Program launches in North America to support employees and their children in the pursuit of higher-education.

1988

Richburg, South Carolina, float glass plant, and a second float glass plant in Luxembourg (Dudelange), start operations.

1980
1980

Corsicana, Texas float glass plant begins operations.

1981

Guardian expands into Europe with launch of float glass plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg

Guardian expands into Europe with launch of float glass plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg

The Bascharage, Luxembourg float glass plant was Guardian’s first in Europe and set the stage for worldwide expansion.

Luxembourg’s central location between Belgium, France and Germany gave the company ready access to Europe’s most important glass regions.

A small number of U.S. trained managers and technicians moved to Luxembourg to assume leadership roles within the plant. Guardian wanted to show its European employees the possibilities of working in a new and exciting environment, for a company that intended to lead the way in Europe as it had in the U.S. In a careful process of give-and-take, Guardian learned how to function as a European company while a European workforce learned how to function as part of the Guardian team.

Guardian’s move shook up the glass establishment and the company was later dubbed the "raging bull" in Europe by the Financial Times.

In 2016, Guardian celebrated 35 years in Luxembourg with the official opening of its new offices in Bertrange.

1982

AIRCO acquisition in Carleton, Michigan, adds new coating facility strategically located across the street from float glass plant.

1982

Guardian celebrates 50th anniversary.

1983

Guardian purchases Fullerton, California, rolled glass plant.

1983

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Low-Emissivity, or low-E, glass has microscopically thin, transparent metal coatings that reflect long-wave radiation, and helps make homes and buildings more energy efficient in both warm and cold climates.

Low-E glass was first manufactured in Europe and then introduced in the early 1980s to North America. In 1983, Guardian was one of the first companies in the United States to manufacture low-E glass after adding sputter coating technology at its Corsicana, Texas float glass plant.

Today's low-E coatings are multilayered, complex designs engineered to provide high visible light transmission, low visible light reflection and reduce heat transfer.

Guardian adds low-emissivity (low-E) glass to product portfolio

Low-Emissivity, or low-E, glass has microscopically thin, transparent metal coatings that reflect long-wave radiation, and helps make homes and buildings more energy efficient in both warm and cold climates.

Many building projects today incorporate low-E glass to significantly reduce energy use and costs, thereby reducing a building's carbon footprint.

Guardian Glass manufactures advanced low-E coatings for residential and commercial applications to meet the needs of its customers around the world.

1984

Guardian purchases Floreffe, Pennsylvania, float glass plant.

1985

Guardian acquires Llodio, Spain, float glass plant.

1985

Guardian becomes privately held after 17 years as a public company.

1985

Guardian launches new company-wide HealthGuard program focused on employee wellness

Guardian launches new company-wide HealthGuard program focused on employee wellness

In 1985, Guardian introduced HealthGuard -- an ambitious and focused effort to elevate the well-being of its employees and control health-care costs. This global health program was an extension of William Davidson’s longtime belief both in the virtues of competition and in the proposition that Guardian should support its employees in every possible way.

“I believe HealthGuard is one of the best programs we’ve ever offered Guardian employees,” said Davidson. “Encouraging people to take charge of their health and reduce health-care costs is a worthy objective. I have personally believed in the value of physical fitness for many years. HealthGuard does not tell employees how to live. It encourages them to consider the effects of lifestyle on their well-being. The decision to accept those recommendations and to act on them is up to each person.”

Company health programs would become more common in the coming years, and Guardian was a recognized leader in the arena. The company’s innovative approach was featured in a CNN News special.

HealthGuard helps Guardian employees and their family members improve their lives through educational initiatives, physical activity, health screenings and community outreach

1986

Guardian College Scholarship Program launches in North America to support employees and their children in the pursuit of higher-education.

1988

Richburg, South Carolina, float glass plant, and a second float glass plant in Luxembourg (Dudelange), start operations.

1990
1990

Guardian launches joint venture float glass plant in Maturín, Venezuela.

1991

Oroshaza, Hungary, float glass plant starts operations.

1992

Guardian acquires Consolidated Glass & Mirror Company in Galax, Virginia, expanding fabrication capabilities.

1992

Guardian enters Asia with the launch of the Nong Khae, Thailand, float glass plant.

1992

Guardian Japan Ltd. expands company reach into Japan through distribution center and sales office.

1993

Gujarat Guardian Limited (GGL), India, float glass plant begins operations

Gujarat Guardian Limited (GGL), India, float glass plant begins operations

GGL is Guardian's joint venture float glass plant with Modi Rubber in Gujarat, India.

1993

Guardian adds a third facility in Luxembourg with the launch of the Grevenmacher automotive glass fabrication plant.

1993

Tudela, Spain, float glass plant begins operations.

1994

Guardian enters Latin America with distribution center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

1995

Guardian moves from Novi, Michigan, to new world headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

1996

DeWitt, Iowa, float glass plant begins operations.

1996

Thalheim, Germany, float glass plant begins operations.

1996

Guardian opens float glass plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Guardian opens float glass plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Guardian's joint venture float glass plant in Al Jubail is known as GulfGuard.

1997

Guardian adds second float glass plant in Thailand in Rayong.

1997

Glass distribution center is established in Argentina.

1998

Geneva, New York, float glass plant begins operations.

1998

Porto Real, Brazil, float glass plant begins operations.

1990
1990

Guardian launches joint venture float glass plant in Maturín, Venezuela.

1991

Oroshaza, Hungary, float glass plant starts operations.

1992

Guardian acquires Consolidated Glass & Mirror Company in Galax, Virginia, expanding fabrication capabilities.

1992

Guardian enters Asia with the launch of the Nong Khae, Thailand, float glass plant.

1992

Guardian Japan Ltd. expands company reach into Japan through distribution center and sales office.

1993

Gujarat Guardian Limited (GGL), India, float glass plant begins operations

Gujarat Guardian Limited (GGL), India, float glass plant begins operations

GGL is Guardian's joint venture float glass plant with Modi Rubber in Gujarat, India.

1993

Guardian adds a third facility in Luxembourg with the launch of the Grevenmacher automotive glass fabrication plant.

1993

Tudela, Spain, float glass plant begins operations.

1994

Guardian enters Latin America with distribution center in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

1995

Guardian moves from Novi, Michigan, to new world headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

1996

DeWitt, Iowa, float glass plant begins operations.

1996

Thalheim, Germany, float glass plant begins operations.

1996

Guardian opens float glass plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Guardian opens float glass plant in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia

Guardian's joint venture float glass plant in Al Jubail is known as GulfGuard.

1997

Guardian adds second float glass plant in Thailand in Rayong.

1997

Glass distribution center is established in Argentina.

1998

Geneva, New York, float glass plant begins operations.

1998

Porto Real, Brazil, float glass plant begins operations.

2000
2000

Guardian opens float glass distribution centers in Veracruz, Mexico, and Cartagena, Colombia.

2000

Guardian Science & Technology Center opens in Carleton, Michigan

Guardian Science & Technology Center opens in Carleton, Michigan

In 2000, Guardian opened its Science & Technology Center, one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive glass laboratories in the world. Since that time, STC has launched scores of new products and received hundreds of new patents.

President and CEO William Davidson had the vision to direct and lead this change. In a view of the future to employees he said, “For the last 20 years, Guardian has been in a capital expenditure phase, building float plants at a rate of nearly one every year. We need to begin looking at the plants we have and finding ways to make them more profitable. We can only become more profitable through change, and that is the direction in which this company is headed. Therefore, I have two challenges for each of you. First, continue to be the low-cost producer of your products. Second, pursue the development of further downstream operations and more new products. As a company, we need to exploit our current capabilities and competitive advantage, while at the same time, develop new capabilities. It is these new capabilities that will see Guardian through the inevitable moment when our old capabilities no longer provide an advantage. We must either evolve as a company or fall behind.”

The cornerstone of Guardian’s new direction was the establishment of the Science & Technology Center to unify and coordinate critical aspects of product and process innovation. The location across the street from a float glass plant was selected so the company did not grow out of touch with the realities of day-to-day operations. The Science & Technology Center had two overriding objectives: provide Guardian innovated products to offer its customers and develop efficient manufacturing processes that increase quality by reducing customer costs.

2000

Guardian develops the SunGuard® series of coated glass products for commercial applications

Guardian develops the SunGuard® series of coated glass products for commercial applications

This would later become Guardian SunGuard® advanced architectural glass

2002

Czestochowa, Poland, float glass plant begins operations.

2003

Guardian launches the world's largest sputter coater in Bascharage, Luxembourg.

2003

Goole, England, float glass plant begins operations.

2003

Guardian purchases partial ownership of the Egyptian Glass Company float glass plant in Cairo.

2004

El Marqués, Mexico, float glass plant begins operations.

2006

Guardian introduces ShowerGuard® glass, the industry's first temperable, permanently protected shower glass.

2007

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, float glass plant begins operations

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, float glass plant begins operations

Guardian's joint venture float glass plant in RAK is known as Guardian Zoujaj International Float Glass Co. LLC.

2007

Guardian celebrates 75th anniversary.

2008

Ryazan, Russia, float glass plant begins operations.

2009

Tatuí, Brazil, float glass plant begins operations.

2000
2000

Guardian opens float glass distribution centers in Veracruz, Mexico, and Cartagena, Colombia.

2000

Guardian Science & Technology Center opens in Carleton, Michigan

Guardian Science & Technology Center opens in Carleton, Michigan

In 2000, Guardian opened its Science & Technology Center, one of the most sophisticated and comprehensive glass laboratories in the world. Since that time, STC has launched scores of new products and received hundreds of new patents.

President and CEO William Davidson had the vision to direct and lead this change. In a view of the future to employees he said, “For the last 20 years, Guardian has been in a capital expenditure phase, building float plants at a rate of nearly one every year. We need to begin looking at the plants we have and finding ways to make them more profitable. We can only become more profitable through change, and that is the direction in which this company is headed. Therefore, I have two challenges for each of you. First, continue to be the low-cost producer of your products. Second, pursue the development of further downstream operations and more new products. As a company, we need to exploit our current capabilities and competitive advantage, while at the same time, develop new capabilities. It is these new capabilities that will see Guardian through the inevitable moment when our old capabilities no longer provide an advantage. We must either evolve as a company or fall behind.”

The cornerstone of Guardian’s new direction was the establishment of the Science & Technology Center to unify and coordinate critical aspects of product and process innovation. The location across the street from a float glass plant was selected so the company did not grow out of touch with the realities of day-to-day operations. The Science & Technology Center had two overriding objectives: provide Guardian innovated products to offer its customers and develop efficient manufacturing processes that increase quality by reducing customer costs.

2000

Guardian develops the SunGuard® series of coated glass products for commercial applications

Guardian develops the SunGuard® series of coated glass products for commercial applications

This would later become Guardian SunGuard® advanced architectural glass

2002

Czestochowa, Poland, float glass plant begins operations.

2003

Guardian launches the world's largest sputter coater in Bascharage, Luxembourg.

2003

Goole, England, float glass plant begins operations.

2003

Guardian purchases partial ownership of the Egyptian Glass Company float glass plant in Cairo.

2004

El Marqués, Mexico, float glass plant begins operations.

2006

Guardian introduces ShowerGuard® glass, the industry's first temperable, permanently protected shower glass.

2007

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, float glass plant begins operations

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, float glass plant begins operations

Guardian's joint venture float glass plant in RAK is known as Guardian Zoujaj International Float Glass Co. LLC.

2007

Guardian celebrates 75th anniversary.

2008

Ryazan, Russia, float glass plant begins operations.

2009

Tatuí, Brazil, float glass plant begins operations.

2010
2012

Rostov, Russia, float glass plant begins operations.

2012

Koch Industries invests in Guardian Industries.

2013

Ron Vaupel named President and CEO of Guardian Industries Corp.

2013

Custom Glass Solutions by Guardian is established to serve diverse transportation segments in North America.

2014

Kevin Baird named President and CEO of Guardian Glass.

2015

Guardian Science & Technology Center completes expansion

Guardian Science & Technology Center completes expansion

In 2015, Guardian completed expansion of its Science and Technology Center (STC) in Carleton, Michigan.

The STC is one of the driving forces behind Guardian's commitment to innovation that creates value for its customers and delivers products that improve people’s lives.

With this 27,000-square-foot addition, the STC is able to accelerate the rate of product design and development. Highlights include a full-size vacuum coater; a glass product showcase wall; an electrically wired, full-scale demonstration wall for advanced glazing technologies; and upgraded and expanded laboratory space.

Of particular note is the addition of a cutting-edge curtain wall designed to achieve net zero energy results using Guardian’s high performance commercial glass products, SunGuard SNX 51/23 and SunGuard Spandrel HT, and building-integrated photovoltaic panels.

“This high-performance building is a working demonstration of Guardian’s commitment to advancing glass technology,” says Sheldon Davis, Vice President, Research and Development.

To learn more about the STC, its sister facility SRG Global’s Advanced Development Center and Guardian’s commitment to continuous improvement in product and process innovation.

2016

Guardian launches new coater at the Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, float glass plant.

2017

Koch Industries, Inc. completes the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp.

Koch Industries, Inc. completes the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp.

Koch Industries, Inc. announced that it completed the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp. following the receipt of all regulatory approvals. Koch initially invested in Guardian in 2012, acquiring a 44.5 percent minority interest in the company at the time.

Guardian brings new capabilities and expertise to Koch in several highly technical manufacturing and distribution industries. In addition to being one of the world’s largest producers of float, value‐added and fabricated glass products, Guardian is also a leader both in high‐value coatings on plastics for the automotive industry and the distribution of specialty building products.

“Guardian began in 1932 as a small windshield company in Detroit and has since become an established leader, proudly serving a global customer base in multiple industries,” said Ron Vaupel, president and CEO of Guardian. “The combination of Guardian’s expertise and Koch’s existing capabilities and infrastructure provides a tremendous opportunity for all of us to create more value for our customers and the communitiesin which we operate.”

“Koch Industries’ philosophy is to invest in companies where there is mutual benefit for both entities as well as their customers,” said Charles Koch, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries. “Our capabilities will help Guardian better serve their customers, while their industry‐specific experience and expertise will bolster Koch’s operations. Although we’ve worked with Guardian since 2012, I believe our progress together has just scratched the surface.”

With the addition of Guardian, Koch companies now employ more than 120,000 people worldwide, with about 70,000 of those in the United States. Guardian companies have nearly 150 locations in more than 25 countries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

2010
2012

Rostov, Russia, float glass plant begins operations.

2012

Koch Industries invests in Guardian Industries.

2013

Ron Vaupel named President and CEO of Guardian Industries Corp.

2013

Custom Glass Solutions by Guardian is established to serve diverse transportation segments in North America.

2014

Kevin Baird named President and CEO of Guardian Glass.

2015

Guardian Science & Technology Center completes expansion

Guardian Science & Technology Center completes expansion

In 2015, Guardian completed expansion of its Science and Technology Center (STC) in Carleton, Michigan.

The STC is one of the driving forces behind Guardian's commitment to innovation that creates value for its customers and delivers products that improve people’s lives.

With this 27,000-square-foot addition, the STC is able to accelerate the rate of product design and development. Highlights include a full-size vacuum coater; a glass product showcase wall; an electrically wired, full-scale demonstration wall for advanced glazing technologies; and upgraded and expanded laboratory space.

Of particular note is the addition of a cutting-edge curtain wall designed to achieve net zero energy results using Guardian’s high performance commercial glass products, SunGuard SNX 51/23 and SunGuard Spandrel HT, and building-integrated photovoltaic panels.

“This high-performance building is a working demonstration of Guardian’s commitment to advancing glass technology,” says Sheldon Davis, Vice President, Research and Development.

To learn more about the STC, its sister facility SRG Global’s Advanced Development Center and Guardian’s commitment to continuous improvement in product and process innovation.

2016

Guardian launches new coater at the Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, float glass plant.

2017

Koch Industries, Inc. completes the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp.

Koch Industries, Inc. completes the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp.

Koch Industries, Inc. announced that it completed the acquisition of Guardian Industries Corp. following the receipt of all regulatory approvals. Koch initially invested in Guardian in 2012, acquiring a 44.5 percent minority interest in the company at the time.

Guardian brings new capabilities and expertise to Koch in several highly technical manufacturing and distribution industries. In addition to being one of the world’s largest producers of float, value‐added and fabricated glass products, Guardian is also a leader both in high‐value coatings on plastics for the automotive industry and the distribution of specialty building products.

“Guardian began in 1932 as a small windshield company in Detroit and has since become an established leader, proudly serving a global customer base in multiple industries,” said Ron Vaupel, president and CEO of Guardian. “The combination of Guardian’s expertise and Koch’s existing capabilities and infrastructure provides a tremendous opportunity for all of us to create more value for our customers and the communitiesin which we operate.”

“Koch Industries’ philosophy is to invest in companies where there is mutual benefit for both entities as well as their customers,” said Charles Koch, chairman and CEO of Koch Industries. “Our capabilities will help Guardian better serve their customers, while their industry‐specific experience and expertise will bolster Koch’s operations. Although we’ve worked with Guardian since 2012, I believe our progress together has just scratched the surface.”

With the addition of Guardian, Koch companies now employ more than 120,000 people worldwide, with about 70,000 of those in the United States. Guardian companies have nearly 150 locations in more than 25 countries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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