Guardian Custom Glass Solutions (Source: Guardian)
Guardian Automotive announced the launch of Custom Glass Solutions today—a division focused on offering glass for the bus, truck, train and off-highway vehicles markets. Officials say this new company “reinforces” their commitment to serving the automotive glass needs of various transportation segments.
Guardian Automotive has made a string of announcements this month, which began with officials revealing they are exiting the local distribution business.
Not long after, Safelite announced it had reached an agreement to acquire substantially all the vehicle glass repair assets of Guardian Auto Glass LLC, a joint venture of Guardian Industries Corp. and LRST LLC. Additionally, Safelite Group reached an agreement to acquire the vehicle glass insurance claims management assets of Guardian Glass Network, not including its RV glass claims management operations.
“As we continue to refine our business strategies, we seek opportunities to create sustainable value for the company and our present customers,” says Mike Morrison, president of Guardian Automotive.
“We have always been committed to our ‘specialty’ business, but by formalizing this commitment we send a strong message to our customers that Guardian is focused on mutual, long-term growth,” he adds.
The division specializes in offering large format, laminated glass systems. Along with offering laminated glass, the company offers flat, bent and tempered glass systems.
“We’re responding to a void in the marketplace for a glass supplier that is dedicated to the needs of the so-called specialty transportation segments,” says Neale Yeomans, director of Custom Glass Solutions.
According to Yeomans, large volumes are not a prerequisite to do business with the division.
“We will make 10 parts or 100,000 parts,” he explains.
The company offers a variety of services, including research and development, marketing and technical support.
A few of the main customer segments Custom Glass Solutions focuses on are:
—Commercial Transportation, which includes heavy trucks, utility trucks, freight trains, shipping vessels and more;
—Public Transportation, including city buses, tour buses, commuter trains, trolleys, subways and more;
—Lifestyle vehicles, including RVs, powersports equipment, recreational watercraft and more;
—Safety and Protection, including fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances and other rescue vehicles;
—Service parts, which include dealer-direct shipping programs, aftermarket service and more.
Methinks the Koch Brothers will soon be throwing these Guardian Automotive lightweights out on their keisters.
But Koch seems to be the ones driving this. Is there anybody left over there that knows the business?
Good concept, sell your retail division to your competitor, sell or eliminate your distribution chain, open a new manufacturing venture… who do they think will buy these parts from them? No other company will carry parts that are slow moving as there is no profit on shelved parts. The inmates are truly running the asylum at Guardian Industries.