Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) LLC and Daimler AG have entered into a new OEM/supplier strategic partnership for the supply of automotive glass. Under this new multi-year business model, PGW will be the main supplier of windshields, and laminated glass for doors and rear windows, for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUVs.
Daimler AG is a global producer of premium passenger cars and the largest manufacturer of heavy and medium-duty trucks in the world. Along with PGW, a world leading supplier of automotive glass and services, the parties have evolved an existing relationship which includes both product supply and collaborative development. This new agreement is expected to significantly increase the scope of business conducted between the two companies.
"This strategic partnership will strengthen the valued relationship with Daimler and position our business for both sustained growth and profitability for the future," said Lou Braga, vice president and general manager of PGW's OEM business unit.
The new business model requires PGW to invest in manufacturing capacity and technology development to meet the requirements of the partnership. PGW glass products including Sungate coated automotive glass, Solextra blue glass, Safe and Sound laminated glass and SoundMaster enhanced acoustic glass are key technologies expected to see increased use on Daimler vehicles. PGW process technologies for precisely controlling glass shape and optical characteristics are also critical to meeting the high expectations of Daimler customers.
"Daimler was an early adopter of our Sungate coated automotive glass," said Paolo Cavallari, general manager of PGW Europe. "And through this strategic partnership we are committed to supporting their ongoing needs for innovative process and product technologies."
