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Tag Archives: Safelite
Belron Reports Sales Increase for Q1 2023
D’Ieteren Group recently presented results for the first fiscal quarter of 2023, which include financial data from Belron, owner of Safelite AutoGlass. Belron’s total sales increased by 12% in the first quarter of the year to more than $1.5 billion. … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires New Angle Glass
Safelite Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass, has acquired the auto glass assets of New Angle Glass in the Boston area. The transaction was completed on Friday, May 19, 2023. “As we continue to grow and reach even more customers, we’re … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group Continues Purchase, Disposal of Own Shares
D’Ieteren Group continues to buy back its own shares as part of a repurchase program launched in 2019, with the company now holding approximately 2.5% of its total ordinary shares outstanding as self-owned treasury stock. Michael Collins of EquiNova Capital … Continue reading
Safelite Acquires Missouri’s Mark’s Mobile Glass
Safelite Group, the owner of Safelite AutoGlass, has acquired the auto glass assets of Mark’s Mobile Glass, a company that operates five locations throughout Missouri. The transaction was completed on Friday, March 3, 2023, and marks Safelite’s first major acquisition … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged acquisition, Mark's Mobile Glass, Missouri, Safelite
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Safelite to Pay $45,000 to Settle EEOC Sex Discrimination Lawsuit
Safelite AutoGlass and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have come to terms with respect to the latter’s allegation of sex discrimination brought in September 2022. Safelite was accused of violating federal law by refusing to hire a qualified applicant … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Safelite
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Safelite, Caliber Executives Elected Officers for CIECA Board of Trustees
Brady Bonner, vice president of Client Sales and Support at Safelite Solutions, and Caliber Collision’s chief information officer Ashley Denison were recently elected as officers to the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) Board of Trustees. The officers will serve … Continue reading
Safelite’s Website Reportedly Back Online Following Weekend Maintenance
The auto glass repair and replacement industry has been looking for answers this past week as reported issues with Safelite’s website were seemingly gumming up the works for companies and their day-to-day operations. According to the owner of one company, … Continue reading
A Look at the Top Ten Stories From 2022
A cybersecurity breach at Mygrant Glass, numerous lawsuits and legislative initiatives, and Ford’s unveiling of its Ford Certified Glass Network (FCGN) dominated the glassBYTEs news cycle in 2022. With 2023 right around the corner, here are some of the stories … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Premium Auto Glass
Safelite Group has acquired the assets of Premium Auto Glass, headquartered in Denver. The deal closed Friday, Dec. 9. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. “We’re pleased to welcome the Premium Auto Glass team to Safelite,” says Renee Cacchillo, … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Premium Auto Glass, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite
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Safelite Receives Extra 30 Days to Respond to Sex Discrimination Lawsuit
Those who are monitoring the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) lawsuit alleging sex discrimination against Safelite AutoGlass will have to wait a few more days to receive an update on the proceedings. While Safelite originally had until mid-November to file … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Safelite
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ACE American Won’t Receive Reimbursement for Defense of Safelite
Zurich American Insurance Company, and Discover Property & Casualty Company are off the hook for $1.65 million each now that a federal judge in Ohio has granted their motion for summary judgment. That means Safelite’s insurance company, ACE American Insurance … Continue reading
Third Circuit Strikes Down Appeal from Former Safelite Employee
A former Safelite employee in Connecticut alleging employment discrimination failed to file a timely complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, according to a recent ruling. The U.S. Third Circuit of Appeals subsequently upheld the lower court’s … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Genuine Auto Glass in Seattle
Safelite Group, a vehicle glass services and recalibration company and owner of Safelite AutoGlass, acquired the assets of Seattle’s Genuine Auto Glass in a transaction that closed Friday, Oct. 7. This marks Safelite’s fifth major acquisition in 2022 alone. “We’re … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Genuine Auto Glass, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite
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Safelite Announces Two New Executive Team Members
Safelite has announced the appointment of Scott Koenigs to executive vice president/chief people officer, as well as Gannon Jones to executive vice president/chief commercial and customer experience officer. “We are pleased to welcome two seasoned and professional leaders with deep … Continue reading
Safelite Autoglass Sued for Sex Discrimination
Safelite AutoGlass, the largest auto glass repair and replacement business in the United States, violated federal law by refusing to hire a qualified applicant because she is a woman, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit … Continue reading
Safelite Acquires Pro Tech Auto Glass in Pennsylvania
The Safelite Group, owner of Safelite AutoGlass, recently announced the acquisition of Pennsylvania-headquartered Pro Tech Auto Glass, a retail chain serving western Pennsylvania, southern New York and eastern Ohio. The transaction closed on Friday, Aug. 26. “Founded in 1972, Pro … Continue reading
Campfield, Ultra Bond File Appeal in Lawsuit Against Safelite
Richard Campfield, Ultra Bond owner and president, has filed an appeal with respect to a 2015 lawsuit that alleged Safelite engaged in false windshield replacement advertisements that harmed his business. A federal judge in Ohio granted summary judgment to Safelite … Continue reading
Insurers Argue over more than $3M for Safelite Defense Costs in Ultra Bond Inc. Suit
Defendants Zurich American Insurance Company, and Discover Property & Casualty Company have until the end of August to file replies in support of their cross-motion for summary judgment in a case where Safelite’s insurer, plaintiff ACE American Insurance Company, seeks … Continue reading
European Commission Approves D’Ieteren’s Acquisition of PHE
The European Commission has approved D’Ieteren’s acquisition of PHE following an investigation into what the development would mean for competition in France’s auto glass repair and replacement industry. While the commission expressed competition concerns, D’Ieteren received approval after agreeing to … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, D’leteren, European Commission, France, Safelite
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Safelite Appoints Christina Pletnewski as Chief Marketing Officer
Safelite has appointed former vice president of marketing Christina Pletnewski to chief marketing officer, the company recently announced in a news release. “Christina’s journey since joining our business in 2016 as vice president of marketing demonstrates her vast talent and … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Christina Pletnewski, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite
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D’Ieteren Group Resumes Buy Back of Shares, Sets Future Plans
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, the owner of Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions in the United States, continued its plan this week to buy back shares for nine to 12 months. The Group’s board of directors decided in … Continue reading
Tom Feeney Expands Roles
Tom Feeney, former CEO of the Safelite Group and current executive chairperson of Belron North America, is assuming additional roles in the automotive insurance industry. Hi Marley, creators of a communication platform designed for the insurance industry, announced last week … Continue reading
Safelite Auto Glass Will Be the Blue Jackets’ First-Ever Uniform Partner
The Blue Jackets have their uniform partner. In an announcement made Saturday, the team and Safelite Auto Glass announced the first uniform partnership in franchise history. Safelite’s logo will adorn the Blue Jackets’ sweaters beginning in the 2022-23 NHL season. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged auto glass, Columbus Blue Jackets, Safelite, Sponsor, windshield repair, windshield replace
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New Safelite President Assumes Role Today
Renee Cacchillo assumes the duties of president and CEO of Safelite today. She joined Safelite in 2011 after serving as vice president of operations services with Bob Evans Inc. Prior to Bob Evans; she spent eight years with Limited Brands … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass, president, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite, windshields
2 Comments
Area Man Nabbed For Burglary of Auto Glass Business, Police Say
An area man has been charged with allegedly burglarizing a business and then stealing a car to get away. Sullivan County resident Trevor Tompkins, age 25, of Monticello, was arrested on Monday, Nov. 29 for the Thursday, Nov. 11 robbery, … Continue reading
Is Safelite No Longer Servicing Tesla Vehicles?
On the Tesla Motors Club community page, Tesla vehicle owners shared stories last week of challenges getting repairs done. A Tesla Model Y owner in Marietta, Ga., posted about a spider crack in the glass roof that Tesla would not … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged repair, replacement, Safelite, Tesla, windshield
1 Comment
WV Court Upholds Denial of Claim by Safelite Tech
An auto glass technician’s failure to notify his employer in a timely manner about a shoulder injury contributed to the West Virginia Supreme Court’s denial for benefits in his case against Safelite. According to court documents, Robert Wilson was an … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group Outlook is Continued Growth
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, showed a strong recovery in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020. Belron operates Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions. According to a statement, all businesses owned by the Group contributed to its … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, COVID19, D'Ieteren Group, financials, Safelite
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Safelite Group Acquires Advanced Glass and Trim
Safelite® Group, a vehicle glass services and recalibration company and owner of Safelite AutoGlass®, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Advanced Glass and Trim in Jackson, Wyo. The transaction was completed on Friday, July 30, 2021. Advanced Glass … Continue reading
Marketing Strategy Targets—and Retargets — Potential Customers
Visit Safelite’s website and you just might become a target, or rather a retarget, of the auto glass giant. Visitors to Safelite AutoGlass’ website may have noticed they may receive automatic emails for glass services within a few days of … Continue reading
Lucky 13? D’Ieteren Group Sells 13% to New Shareholders
D’Ieteren Group announced Sunday July 11 that Hellman & Friedman, BlackRock-Managed Funds and GIC are joining the company’s list of shareholders and will acquire up to a total of 13 percent of Belron. This ownership change will give Belron at … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Autoglass, Belron, Carglass, D’Ieteren, Safelite
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FTC Report Cites Safelite Comments
Safelite, LKQ and others were among the companies highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission in its report to Congress last week as being critical of certain OEM practices of automobile manufacturers. The FTC report listed several ways in which manufacturers … Continue reading
Safelite Hires a New Content Marketing Specialist
Joshua Stevenson took to –where else?– social media and announced that he has been named a content marketing specialist for the Safelite Auto Glass. “I am so excited to begin this new chapter of my life with Safelite as we … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged content marketing specialist, Joshua Stevenson, Safelite
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Safelite Takes Over Country Financial’s Auto Glass Services
Safelite has begun administering claims for Country Financial’s auto glass program. LYNX Services (LYNX) was the previous claims administrator. The change was effective January 1, 2021. “We’re excited to enhance our partnership with Country Financial and to have them join … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Country Financial, LYNX Services, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite
8 Comments
Former TruRoad Exec Forms Collision Repair Company
Rich Harrison has a new job. The co-founder and senior manager of TruRoad, and prior to that COO for Safelite, has announced the formation of CollisionRight, a regional multi-shop operator of auto body services in the Central United States. Harrison will … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged CenterOak Partners, CollisionRight, Rich Harrison, Safelite, TruRoad
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Safelite Buys the Assets of Lee & Cates Auto Glass
The auto glass division of the 94-year old Lee & Cates Glass has been sold to Safelite Auto Glass. The third generation family-owned business is based in Jacksonville, Fla., and has ten locations. Safelite has purchased the auto glass portion … Continue reading
Companies on Alert for Potential Scam Emails
An email sent out this morning on behalf of Belron International, Safelite’s parent company, from Humphrey Singer may contain malware. The email contained two attachments, however, it listed “belrone.com” as the sending address, which is not a valid domain, according … Continue reading
Safelite Solutions Ends Deal with Westhill Inc.
Safelite Solutions recently announced it has terminated its strategic partnership with Westhill Inc., an Atlanta insurance technology company after seven months. Both companies had announced the new partnership in late January of this year. “Over the past few months, it … Continue reading
Safelite Jingle Again Named a Top 10 Audio Brand Logo
Safelite AutoGlass (Safelite) has been recognized again for its “Safelite repair, Safelite replace” jingle. Veritonic, the audio creative testing specialist, recently released their 2020 Audio Logo Scores where they measured and benchmarked audio logos with consumers, including recall awareness and … Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Donates PPE to Two Ohio Hospitals
Safelite AutoGlass (Safelite) announced the company recently donated personal protection equipment (PPE) to two local Columbus, Ohio hospitals, including Nationwide Children’s and OhioHealth. Each hospital received 200,000 latex gloves and 1,000 N95 face masks, according to Safelite. “Knowing the critical … Continue reading
Safelite Announces Layoffs and Other Measures in Response to COVID-19
Safelite president and CEO Tom Feeney announced major company changes today, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the auto glass industry. According to Feeney, the company has experienced unprecedented change brought on by unimaginable circumstances. “COVID-19 is a major … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, changes, COVID-19, New Mexico Governor, Safelite, Tom Feeney
8 Comments
Safelite Solutions Stops Contact Center Operations for SGC Network
Safelite Solutions (Safelite) has announced that on Wednesday, March 25th, 2020, Safelite will cease contact center operations for SGC Network Shop Care and transition service needs to its digital channels, due to decreased volume, according to the company’s announcement. All … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Safelite, Safelite Solutions, SGC Network, ShopCare
18 Comments
Associations Speak Out On Connecticut Auto Glass Bill
Associations and businesses have begun to speak out – in both opposition and support – of a new piece of auto glass legislation introduced in Connecticut’s General Assembly. The bill, also known as HB 5294, looks to “establish an auto … Continue reading
Safelite Solutions Inks Deal with Westhill
Today Safelite Solutions (Safelite) announced a new strategic partnership with Westhill Inc. (Westhill), an Atlanta-based digital solutions company. According to a Safelite press release, Westhill’s “breakthrough technology redefines the traditional property insurance claims process, resulting in a greatly enhanced policyholder experience.” … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged new partnership, Safelite, Tom Feeney, Westhill, Westhill Inc
3 Comments
Safelite Motion in Discrimination Lawsuit Gets Denied
Safelite Fulfillment Inc.’s (Safelite) second motion to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit in New Jersey District Court has been denied. The court has yet to announce additional dates for this ongoing suit. Case Background Walters vs. Safelite began in June 2018 … Continue reading
Drunk Driver Linked to Safelite Kills Person Crossing the Street in Harlem
A drunk driver struck and killed a pedestrian in East Harlem, police told the New York Post. “The fatal crash happened just after 5 p.m. Tuesday when 23-year-old Farkell Hopkins slammed his Safelite auto windshield repair truck into the man, … Continue reading
Safelite Responds to Campfield’s Summary Judgement Motion
Safelite Group Inc. (Safelite) responded to the summary judgement motion Richard Campfield, Ultra Bond, Inc. (Ultra Bond) owner and president, filed in Ohio’s federal court. Safelite states Campfield’s motion should be denied in its entirety and a summary judgement should … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Lanham Act, Richard Campfield, Safelite, Safelite Group Inc., summary judgement, Ultra Bond, VGRR
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Florida AOB Legislation Dies in Committee
Florida’s Senate Banking and Insurance committee meeting ended in a split four-to-four vote on proposed legislation that proponents claimed would help decrease alleged auto glass repair and replacement fraud. The bill, discussed in yesterday’s meeting, sought to prohibit auto glass … Continue reading
Safelite EVP Discusses Leadership
“Don’t try to plan it all out. Some of us are so linear and put timeframes on ourselves that actually put on more pressure and be open to an opportunity that might be different from what they were thinking because … Continue reading
Safelite Announces New Senior Vice President and CIO
Safelite Group, parent company to Safelite AutoGlass, announced Howard Bruss as the company’s senior vice president and chief information officer. “As CIO, Howard will have a seat at the table with our senior leadership team and be part of the … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Howard Bruss, Safelite, senior vice president, Tom Feeney
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Safelite Acquires Quick’s Glass Service
Safelite Group (Safelite), the owner of Safelite AutoGlass, announced its acquisition of Quick’s Glass Service’s assets. According to the company, the transaction was completed at the close of business October 25, 2019. Quick’s Glass Service had been in business for … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Clint Harless, new acquisition, Quick's Glass, Quick's Glass Serivice, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Campfield Files a Summary Judgement Motion in Safelite Lawsuit
Richard Campfield, Ultra Bond owner and president, filed a motion in Ohio’s federal court seeking a summary judgement in certain aspects of Ultra Bond’s Lanham Act claim and Safelite’s counter claim in its lawsuit against Safelite Group, Inc., Safelite Solutions … Continue reading
New Safelite Commercial Highlights Calibration Services
Safelite recently released a new commercial that highlights two concepts to its customers. Both show a customer going into a brick-and-mortar Safelite location, and one highlights vehicle camera calibration as a necessary service. The commercial, which can be seen on … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged brick and mortar, camera calibration, new commercial, Safelite
6 Comments
Safelite CEO Talks about Latest Acquisition and More
Safelite CEO and president, Tom Feeney, spoke with AGRR/glassBYTEs.com’s Deb Levy late last week about a variety of topics including the company’s recent TruRoad acquisition. Feeney also said there was absolutely no truth to the rumors of a possible acquisition … Continue reading
Analysis: Sizing up a Shifting Market with Safelite’s Latest Acquisition
The U.S. auto glass repair and replacement market is increasingly concentrated in some respects but highly fragmented outside of a few major players. Those major players have, in recent years, overtaken large shares of the market through mergers and acquisitions. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass repair, market share, Safelite, Safelite Group, TruRoad
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Acquisition Announcement Generates Industry Reactions
Yesterday Safelite announced its acquisition of TruRoad and its combined businesses, and since then various news outlets and social media sites have responded to the news, creating a bit of a buzz both nationally and internationally in the auto glass … Continue reading
Safelite Acquires TruRoad—owner of J.N. Phillips, TechnaGlass, Harmon and Strategic Claims
Safelite Group (Safelite), owner of Safelite AutoGlass, has acquired the combined businesses of TruRoad. TruRoad owns several businesses that include: JN Phillips Auto Glass, TechnaGlass, Windshield Centers, Carolina Windshield Centers, and Harmon AutoGlass service brands and StrategicClaim software and services … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Gary Lubner, Safelite, Tom Feeney, TruRoad, TruRoad Holdings Inc.
16 Comments
Wilson vs. Safelite Lawsuit Comes to an End Through Court of Appeals
The United States’ Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals three judge panel ruled to dismiss Dan Wilson’s lawsuit which highlighted employee benefit plan issues at Safelite Group, Inc. (Safelite) last week. “This dispute centers on what constitutes an employee pension benefit … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Dan Wilson, ERISA, retirement lawsuit, Safelite, Safelite Plan, TIP
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Safelite Worker Has Fatal Accident at Distribution Center
A Safelite employee died while working at the company’s Braselton, Ga., distribution center late last month. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Atlanta East division’s supervisor, a report of the incident was filed in a timely manner … Continue reading
Several Support Calibration During Rhode Island Hearing
Representatives from Allstate Insurance and Safelite spoke at the Rhode Island Committee on Corporations hearing last week to voice concerns over vague language in proposed legislation regarding calibration. The two pieces of legislation referenced throughout the hearing were House Bill … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged ADAS, Allstate, auto glass, Calibration, committee on corporations hearing, HB 6104, House Bill, Rhode Island, s850, Safelite, SB 850, Scot Zajic, senate bill, Tim Knapp
2 Comments
Safelite to Pay $8.2 Million Settlement
Earlier this week a California Federal Court judge granted a preliminary settlement in the Yadir A. Ontiveros v. Safelite lawsuit. Safelite agreed to pay roughly $8.2 million to settle its labor violation suit, which claimed the company “shortchanged” California workers … Continue reading
Doug Clarke Gets New Position At Safelite
Safelite hired Doug Clarke, former owner of Pit Stop Automotive Center, in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Clarke owned and operated Pit Stop, a recalibration company, before selling his businesses to Safelite in April 2018. “I think there’s confusion about Doug Clarke … Continue reading
Some Find Issues With Fees In Safelite Case
The messy dispute between the Minnesota Insurance Commissioner, Mike Rothman and Safelite have resulted in some hefty fees for Safelite’s attorneys. Last week the Eighth Circuit Court ruled the legal team for the auto glass repair company deserved close to … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 14th amendment, AAA, commissioner of commerce, first amendment, lawsuit, Minnesota, Safelite
1 Comment
Safelite to Provide Claims Administration Services for Travelers Insurance
Safelite Solutions, Safelite’s claims administration company, has taken over administration of Travelers Insurance claims as of today. Claims were formerly administered by eGlassClaim, which is owned by Mitchell International, parent of NAGS, and done through the online resource. Travelers Insurance … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged eGlassClaim, NAGS, Safelite, Safelite Solutions, Travelers Insurance
3 Comments
Safelite AutoGlass Buys Glasspro
Safelite has purchased another regional powerhouse; Glasspro of North Charleston SC, an 11 – location AGRR company owned by Paul Heinauer. The transaction was completed at the close of business January 4, 2019, according to the company. “I’ve always been … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGSC, Glasspro, Paul Heinauer, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Feeney: Reports on My Demise are False
Tom Feeney thinks he and Mark Twain have something in common. The Safelite CEO echoes one of the Midwest’s most prolific writers, saying that reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. In a wide-ranging interview with glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine on … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Feeney Demise, Nigel Doggett, Ralph Hosker, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Safelite Teams Up with Ingo Money to Introduce Instant Payment of Auto Claims
Safelite Solutions is teaming up with Ingo Money to provide a new service for their customers – making processing minor auto damage claims easy and convenient. With Ingo Money, Safelite Solutions can deliver an instant payment to the vehicle owner. … Continue reading
Latest Schedule Proposed In Campfield vs. Safelite Suit
The plaintiff attorneys in the Richard Campfield vs. Safelite lawsuit submitted a revised schedule for U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson to consider earlier this month. Defense attorneys representing Safelite, agree with the proposed revision. Campfield, founder of Ultra … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Richardson Auto Glass
Columbus, Ohio based Safelite® Group has reached an agreement to acquire the assets of Richardson Auto Glass. The transaction was completed on June 4. Richardson Auto Glass was founded in 1992 and now serves Dallas, Texas, surrounding communities, and east into Louisiana. “This acquisition … Continue reading
Belron Reports Increased Sales in First Quarter Trading Update
Belron’s sales rose 4.1 percent in 2018’s first-quarter trading update, the company reported this week. That figure represents a 9.6 percent organic increase. The company said its consumer base also grew to 4.2 million served. That’s an increase of 7.2 … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass, Belron, Belron First Quarter 2018, car glass, Safelite
1 Comment
Auto Glass Shop Assists in Hit-and-Run Investigation
A windshield-replacement job brought the unusual resolution to a hit-and-run investigation in New Hampshire last month. Police in Dover, N.H., arrested Bruce Bernier, 61, of Newmarket, in connection with a hit-and-run incident April 2. According to police reports, a black … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass, hit and run, Safelite, windshield replacement
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Belron Says 2017 Was Extraordinary in Annual Report
Belron released its 2017 annual report and Gary Lubner, CEO, reported several achievements. Among them was the fact that the company extended its services into home repair, added a new shareholder and expanded the company’s Safelite Solutions program. The report … Continue reading
Schedule Adjusted in Campfield vs. Safelite Suit
The judge in a lawsuit filed by Richard Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., against Safelite has approved a change of schedule in the suit, at the request of both parties. Campfield is suing the company for … Continue reading
Ultra Bond Urges Judge Not to Dismiss Case Against Safelite
The attorneys for Richard Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., urged an Ohio judge not to dismiss his amended complaint against Safelite, according to a recently filed court document. Campfield is suing the company for allegedly utilizing … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass repair, dollar-bill rule, ROLAGS, Safelite, Ultra Bond, windshield
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Several Former Technicians Join Lawsuit Against Safelite
Three additional former Safelite technicians have joined the July 2017 lawsuit against the company for alleged unpaid wages due to the company’s purported “Forty-Hour Plan.” The plaintiffs are seeking $500,000 total under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Continue reading
Erie Insurance Highlights Safelite in Customer Magazine
In the Fall issue of Eriesense, Erie Insurance highlights its partnership with Safelite Solutions for windshield repairs. Eriesense is the quarterly magazine for policyholders. Continue reading
Belron Net Debt Up, 2018 Outlook
In D’Ieteren’s annual report issued February 28, Belron, parent company to Safelite AutoGlass, reported that its net financial debt increased in 2017 to $1 billion (EUR 1,271.9 million), a 54-percent increase on a year-over-year basis. Belron’s refinancing was complete in … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, D'Ieteren Group, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Experienced Strong Sales Growth, Despite a Slow Start for Safelite
Belron’s revenue increased by 5.5 percent in comparison to 2016, despite a mild winter in the United States, which negatively impacted Safelite’s sales in the first quarter, according to D’Ieteren’s 2017 financial report. D’Ieteren, a Belgium-based company, owns Belron, which … Continue reading
Insurance Claims Management Announces New Majority Owners
Dan Wilson, former CEO of Safelite Group, and Paul Gross, former CEO of Insurance Claims Management (ICM), the privately held parent company of HSG and the ProGlass Alliance Network, are now the majority owners of ICM as an investor group. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged HSG, ICM, Insurance Claims Management, ProGlass Alliance Network, Safelite, Safelite Group, TPA
3 Comments
Arizona Senate Bill Clears First Hurdle
After much discussion, Arizona SB 1155, a bill aimed at strengthening the state’s current anti-steering laws and requiring timely inspections of glass claims, cleared the state’s Senate Committee on Government. “I come here before you today as someone who’s been … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged "zero deductible", auto glass repair, auto insurance, LYNX, Safelite, State Farm, TPA, windshield
1 Comment
Campfield Files Amended Complaint While Safelite Files Motion to Dismiss
Is the case of Campfield vs. Safelite close to a resolution? Not quite. On February 7, Richard Campfield filed a 60-page amended complaint, including a jury demand, to his original lawsuit filed in August 2015. The next day Safelite filed … Continue reading
Judge Rules in Favor of Geico in VIP Auto Glass Lawsuit
The legal battle between VIP Auto Glass and Geico General Insurance Company has come to an end. Judge Mary S. Scriven dismissed the October 2016 case against the insurer, which claimed the company violated Florida law by underpaying auto glass … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AOB, Geico, Safelite, Safelite Network, VIP Auto Glass
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Happy New Year: A Look at the Top Stories of 2017
Before we head into the New Year, let’s have a look at the stories that generated the most traffic on glassBYTEs.com™ throughout 2017. Customer Allegedly Finds Safelite Technician in Compromising Situation This year’s most read story involved a Florida resident … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Auto Glass Week, Mercedes-Benz, recalibration, Safelite
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Belron Enters an Agreement to Acquire the Assets and Operations of Laser Group in Australia and New Zealand
In alignment with its service extension strategy, Belron, parent company to Safelite AutoGlass, has entered into an agreement to acquire Laser Plumbing and Electrical Group ANZ (Laser Group). The company is a provider of plumbing and electrical services to both … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Laser Group, Safelite
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Belron Continues Start-up Accelerator Program
Belron, parent company of Safelite, in partnership with L Marks, announced recently that it plans to run its “Drive with Belron” startup accelerator program for a third year. The program, which accepts applicants from six continents including North America, is … Continue reading
Insurer Inspections Costing One Auto Glass Repair Company More than $35 K
Less than a year after its inception, Houston-based Safe Tech Auto Glass implemented a proprietary software system that streamlined every aspect of the business, allowing its technicians to service more vehicles in a day. The company’s six locations, all in … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto glass repair, Geico, inspections, Progressive, Safe Tech Auto Glass, Safelite
7 Comments
Geico Motions for Entry Default Judgement against VIP Auto Glass
Geico General Insurance Company has asked the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division to enter default judgment in its favor in the October 2016 lawsuit filed by VIP Auto Glass (VIP). The auto glass shop was seeking … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto insurance, Geico, Safelite, VIP Auto Glass
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Former Safelite Technician Joins Alleged “Forty Hour Plan” Lawsuit
Another former Safelite technician has joined two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the company for alleged unpaid wages due to the company’s purported “Forty Hour Plan.” The plaintiffs are seeking $500,000. Quincy Williams has joined plaintiffs Lamar Mackall and … Continue reading
SNL Parodies Safelite Ads, Safelite Fires Back
Saturday Night Live (SNL) made national headlines this weekend, but not for its political satire. The late-night comedy show spoofed Safelite’s “Safelite Repair, Safelite Replace” television ads. The sketch closely followed Safelite’s existing ads by featuring a technician who replaced … Continue reading
Attorneys for VIP Auto Glass Withdrawal Representation in Geico Lawsuit
The four attorneys representing VIP Auto Glass (VIP) in the case against Geico General Insurance Company for underpaying auto glass shops withdrew their representation of the plaintiff, claiming “irreconcilable differences” and “serious ethical concerns” as reasoning behind the action. VIP … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Safelite, Safelite Network, VIP Auto Glass
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Customer Allegedly Finds Safelite Technician in Compromising Situation
A YouTube video purports to show a Florida Safelite technician getting caught by a customer in an allegedly compromising situation while on a mobile repair job. Earlier this year, Megan Lundrigan called the company to have one of the windows … Continue reading
Safelite Granted More Time to Respond to Alleged “Forty-Hour Plan”
A Maryland judge has granted Safelite Group a time extension to respond to allegations accusing the company of illegally altering employee time cards to bypass paying overtime wages. Plaintiffs Lamar Mackall and Ryan Hunter allege the company implemented the policy … Continue reading
Judge Cuts Safelite’s Nearly $2 Million Legal Bill in Half
A Minnesota U.S. District Court judge has ordered the state’s Department of Commerce (DOC) to pay Safelite Group’s attorney’s fees and costs for a lawsuit brought forth by the company following allegations made by the DOC’s commissioner Michael Rothman. Rothman … Continue reading
Former Technicians Sue Safelite Due to “Forty Hour Plan”
Two former Maryland Safelite technicians are suing the company for alleged unpaid wages, according to a July 31 lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Maryland Northern Division. Plaintiffs Lamar Mackall and Ryan Hunter claim the company illegally altered … Continue reading
Reliable Insurance Sends Email Recommending Glass Shop
Reliable Insurance Network, an independent agency servicing Minnesota, Wisconsin and Arizona, recently sent an email to its insureds recommending Safelite for all auto glass repair or replacement needs, specifically if the car is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). … Continue reading
Judge Grants Timeline Extension for Campfield vs. Safelite Case
An Ohio judge has granted an extension in the timeline for the discovery phase of the lawsuit filed against Safelite Group, Inc. by Richard Campfield and Ultra Bond. Judge Michael Watson of the Eastern Division of the Southern District of … Continue reading
Wilson Responds to Safelite’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment
Former Safelite president and CEO Dan Wilson has responded to a request his former employer made for partial summary judgment in a suit he filed last year. The suit alleges that Safelite’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan (known as the Safelite … Continue reading
Safelite Solutions to be the Glass Program Manager for Amica
Amica Insurance has begun notifying agents that it will begin using Safelite Solutions as a claims administrator next week. Julie Simpson, a communications and public relations manager for Amica Insurance, the largest auto insurer in the country, would neither confirm … Continue reading
Safelite and Former Employee Reach Settlement
Mauro Castillo Vidal and Safelite Fulfillment Inc. have reached a settlement in the case accusing the auto glass installation company of discrimination, which was brought forth after Vidal’s termination in 2010. Vidal worked as a warehouse driver for the company … Continue reading
Auto Glass Shops Seek Class Certification Against Geico
VIP Auto Glass Inc. (VIP) and Class members are seeking class certification in a Florida lawsuit against Geico General Insurance Company for allegedly violating the state’s law by underpaying auto glass shops not affiliated with Safelite Retail facilities or participants … Continue reading
Safelite Responds to Campfield’s Complaint
Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment LLC have responded to complaints made by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond, in his 2015 lawsuit against the company alleging it utilizes misleading advertising, damaging his business and depriving consumers of the … Continue reading
Court Partially Grants Summary Judgment in Safelite Labor Lawsuit
The U.S. District Court of California’s Central District has granted in part and denied in part Safelite’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit where the company stood accused of nine violations of California’s Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA.) In … Continue reading
Court Rules in Favor of Safelite in Discrimination Lawsuit
For what it said are reasons of inconsistency and lack of substantial evidence, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has granted Safelite’s motion for summary judgment against terminated employee, Mauro Castillo Vidal. Vidal had filed a … Continue reading
Horace Mann Insurance Updates Fast Glass Service Message
The Illinois-based insurance provider, who has been providing insurance to teachers since 1945, has added a new disclaimer to its Fast Glass Service hotline within the last year.When a caller is waiting to be connected to an agent, they will … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged auto insurance, Horace Mann, Safelite, Tiny & Sons Glass
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Long-Time Safelite Group EVP & CFO Doug Herron Set to Retire
After 25 years of serving Safelite Group, Doug Herron, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2017. Tim Spencer, who joined Safelite Group last year, has been named the company’s … Continue reading
New Mexico Governor Celebrates Safelite Jobs
New Mexico Governor Celebrates Safelite Jobs
Minnesota Bill That Would Change Definition of Insurance Adjuster is Dead
A Minnesota house and senate bill that would widen the scope of those included in the definition of an insurance adjuster has been killed. The bill would have allowed those who report claims to practice as adjusters without a license, … Continue reading
Safelite Responds to Discriminatory Allegations in Lawsuit
Safelite has responded to allegations of multiple discrimination claims in terminated employee Mauro Castillo Vidal’s opposition for summary judgment, Vidal says management began treating him differently after his wife Christina filed a separate lawsuit against the company. Mauro Vidal worked … Continue reading
Glass Shops Rally Against New York Anti-Steering Legislation
The Assembly Insurance Committee in New York State passed a bill in January 2017 that set to amend the state’s insurance law. The law requires insurance companies to disclose to consumers that they have the right to choose which shop conducts … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Anti-Steering Legislation, New York, Safelite
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New York Anti-Steering Legislation Would Exempt Auto Glass Companies
A bill introduced in January 2017 to tighten anti-steering disclosure has passed the Assembly Insurance Committee in New York State. The bill by Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli proposes to amend the state’s insurance law to require disclosing that consumers have … Continue reading
Terminated Employee Files Declaration against Safelite
Mauro Castillo Vidal, an ex-Safelite employee who initiated a lawsuit against his former company alleging multiple instances of discrimination, has filed a response to the Safelite’s motion for summary judgement. Vidal worked as a warehouse driver since being hired by … Continue reading
Safelite to Sponsor Rhodes
ThorSport Racing announced that Safelite AutoGlass is supporting the No. 27 Toyota Tundra driven by Louisville, Ky., native, Ben Rhodes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). “This is an amazing opportunity to be partnered with Safelite AutoGlass, Toyota … Continue reading
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Tagged NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Safelite
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Safelite Motions for Partial Summary Judgment in Dan Wilson Suit
Safelite has requested that the court make a partial summary judgment in a case filed by former company president and CEO Dan Wilson. In the suit, filed last September, Wilson alleged that the company’s nonqualified deferred compensation plan (known as … Continue reading
Safelite Launches Baseball-Themed Social Media Program
Last February, a fan’s windshield was hit by a spring training home run. After sharing photos and social buzz on Twitter, Safelite AutoGlass® stepped up to replace the fan’s windshield at no charge. Taking it one step further this year … Continue reading
Safelite Opens Call Center
Safelite AutoGlass has opened its fifth contact center. The facility, located in Rio Rancho, N.M., has seats for up to 1,000 customer service representatives—more than 500 of the people who will fill those seats have been hired. The June 2016 … Continue reading
Arizona Legislator Draws Fire for Proposed Zero Deductible Repeal
The sponsor of a bill that would effectively repeal Arizona’s “zero-deductible law” spoke publicly about the bill’s provisions January 25 on a Phoenix radio station, and her comments drew swift reactions from some in the auto glass industry. Continue reading
Minn. Court Rules in Favor of Safelite in Balance-Billing Lawsuit
Safelite is entitled to use scripts telling customer they “may” be balance-billed under the First Amendment, a Minnesota federal court has ruled. Continue reading
More Time Needed in Safelite Federal Labor Law Suit
A California judge has vacated a filing deadline in a class-action case in which a former Safelite technician claims the auto glass company violated federal labor law. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Reaches Windshield Recycling Milestone
Safelite AutoGlass® recycled 1.76 million windshields in 2016, according to a company press release. Continue reading
A Look at 2016’s Top Stories
From lawsuits to changes in the automotive glass industry, 2016 proved to be an unpredictable one. Continue reading
Schedule Set in Campfield v. Safelite Case
A judge has established the timeline for the discovery phase of the suit filed against Safelite Group, Inc. by Richard Campfield and Ultrabond. Continue reading
Judge Orders Forward Case Against Safelite
A U.S. District Court judge ruled September 30 on a motion made by Safelite Group, Inc., to dismiss a case brought against the company by Ultra Bond, Inc., giving partial victories to each side and a case that will move forward in part. Continue reading
D’Ieteren to Acquire 41 Percent Stake in Moleskine, Plans Public Takeover Offer
Belgium-based D’Ieteren is acquiring a 41 percent stake in Milan-based Moleskine—a developer and seller of specialized notebooks, as well as writing, travel and reading accessories—and plans to launch a public takeover offer for the remaining shares. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Autoglass, Belron, D’Ieteren, Moleskine, Safelite
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Minnesota Refutes Safelite’s Motion for Summary Judgment
What a difference a word makes. The Minnesota Department of Commerce says Safelite Group and Safelite Solutions went beyond telling policyholders in the state that they “may” be balance billed by out-of-network glass companies, and says the company told policyholders they “will” or “would” be charged for the difference between what the shop charges and what the insurer pays. So says the Department of Commerce’s court filing in response to Safelite’s motion for summary judgement. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AAA, AGRR, Balance Billed, glassBYTEs.com, Minnesota, Safelite
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Safelite AutoGlass to Hire 900 at New Mexico Center
Safelite Group will create 900 new insurance claims processing and support jobs in Rio Rancho, N.M., over the next four years as it opens a new center, according to Gov. Susana Martinez. Continue reading
Belron Attributes Same-Store Growth Largely to U.S.
Belron’s organic sales from continuing operations grew 6 percent in the first quarter thanks in large part to continued market gains in the United States, according to D’Ieteren’s first quarter update. Belgium-based D’Ieteren owns Belron, which in turn owns Safelite … Continue reading
Parties Ask Court to Reschedule Expert Disclosures in Campfield-Safelite Case
The parties in the Campfield-Safelite suit have asked the court to reschedule the initial expert disclosures since the court has not yet ruled on a motion to dismiss. Plaintiff Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., filed a lawsuit in August 2015 alleging misleading advertising by Safelite in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Continue reading
Belgium Terrorist Attacks Occur in D’Ieteren’s Backyard
More than 30 people have died and dozens more injured in terrorists attacks carried out at an airport and metro station in Brussels, Belgium, today. This news hits home for the AGRR industry because the city is headquarters to D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron, which in turn owns Safelite AutoGlass in the United States. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belgium, Belron, Brussels, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Terror Attack, Terrorist
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Arizona Glass Bill Moves Forward through Stakeholders Meeting
A stakeholders’ meeting was held Monday for Arizona House of Representatives Bill 2500, “Unlawful Practices: Auto Glass Repair.” The bill passed the state House and the discussion now revolves around its approval in the Arizona Senate. A glass shop owner … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Arizona, Criminal Penalty, Dennis Hall, Forward, Frank Thomas, glassBYTEs.com, HB 2500, language, legislation, Rex Altree, Safelite, vote
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Court: Safelite-Minnesota Case Must Be Ready for Summer Trial
The U.S. Federal District Court for Minnesota has issued a scheduling order in the Safelite-Minnesota case saying all parties must be ready for a bench trial by August 29, 2016. Safelite Group and Safelite Solutions filed the lawsuit in U.S. Federal District Court in April 2015 to enjoin and declare invalid enforcement of a Minnesota statute which excludes the company “from doing business in Minnesota without the opportunity for a hearing.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AAA, AGRR, Auto Club Group, glassBYTEs.com, Minnesota, Safelite, Scheduling Order
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Safelite Files Motion in Support of Dismissal of Campfield’s Complaint
Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment (Safelite) have filed a reply to Rich Campfield’s opposition to their motion to dismiss in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Eastern division. Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., filed a complaint against Safelite in mid-August 2015, alleging that the company engages in misleading advertising that favors replacement of windshields rather than repairs of long cracks, which he alleges has “wiped out a large portion (if not most) of the market for Ultra Bond’s products and services.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Lanham Act, Rich Campfield, Safelite
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Married Couple Files Separate Discrimination Lawsuits
Former Safelite employees, Mauro and Christina Castillo, have filed two separate complaints alleging discrimination against the company in the U.S. District Court, in the Northern District of California. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Castillo, Christina, glassBYTEs.com, Mauro, Safelite
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What Were the Top Stories of 2015?
From driverless vehicles to criminal charges, acquisitions and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, 2015 was a big year for the AGRR industry. News from the big technology show in Las Vegas—CES—Safelite, C.R. Laurence, Belron, Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) and … Continue reading
Campfield Responds to Safelite’s Motion to Dismiss
Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., has filed a response to Safelite’s recent motion to dismiss the case he filed in mid-August against Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment. The case alleges that the company … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged long crack repair, Rich Campfield, Safelite, Ultra Bond, windshield repair
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Lubner: The U.S. Is Belron’s Success Story
“Will glass breakage stop and go to zero? Absolutely not. But we have seen breakage decline and we’ve seen it over a number of years. We’re not seeing it change,” said Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron during an investor day conference for D’Ieteren held last week in London. As demand for AGRR services declined worldwide, what has helped drive the company’s growth from 5.3 million AGRR jobs in 2005 to 11 million in 2014? The answer: United States-based Safelite, according to the CEO. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Investor Conference, Safelite
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Lubner: We Are Equipped Worldwide to Deliver ADAS Calibration
“All cars now are going to have these Advanced Driver Assistance Systems [ADAS] and if you don’t get the calibration right, it has pretty serious consequences and so we are obviously speaking to insurance companies around the world. We are now equipped worldwide to be able to deliver ADAS calibration,” said Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron during an investor day conference for D’Ieteren held last week in London. D’Ieteren is parent company to Belron and United States-based Safelite. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged ADAS, advanced driver assistance systems, AGRR, Autoglass, Calibration, Carglass, D’Ieteren, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Former Safelite AutoGlass Tech Files Amended Complaint over Pay Plan
Former technician Yadir Ontiveros has filed an amended state class action lawsuit against Safelite Fulfillment, Safelite Group and Safelite Glass Corp. in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, saying the company violated Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). “At all times while employed as a technician, plaintiff has been paid on a piece-rate basis,” his attorney says. Safelite denies the allegations. Continue reading
Safelite Asks Judge to Dismiss Case Alleging Misleading Advertising
Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment have asked the judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo., which alleges misleading advertising that favors replacement of windshields rather than repairs of long cracks, which have “wiped out a large portion (if not most) of the market for Ultra Bond’s products and services.” Continue reading
Former Safelite AutoGlass Tech Files Class Action Over Pay-Per-Piece Compensation
Former technician Yadir Ontiveros has filed a state class action lawsuit against Safelite Fulfillment, Safelite Group and Safelite Glass Corp. in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, alleging Fair Labor Standards (FLSA) violations stemming from Safelite’s pay-per-piece program. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, California, Class Action, Fair Labor Standards Act, FLSA, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Yadir Ontiveros
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Safelite Requests Extension in Campfield Case
Safelite needs a little more time to respond to legal complaints brought against them by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond. The suit alleges that Safelite has misleading advertising that favors replacement of windshields rather than repairs of long cracks, which … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Rich Campfield, Safelite, Ultra Bond
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Safelite Helps to Bolster Belron’s Half-Year Sales
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported six-month consolidated results before taxes for its automotive repair and replacement business reached $90.3 million USD (80.4 million EUR), up 60.2 percent over the prior year, mostly due to increased sales in the United States, tight cost control and the impact of restructuring in Europe, according to the company’s report. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Updated: Rich Campfield Sues Safelite
A lawsuit against Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment LLC alleging misleading advertising has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo. He claims Safelite’s misleading advertising favors replacement of windshields rather than repairs of long cracks, which have “wiped out a large portion (if not most) of the market for Ultra Bond’s products and services.” Campfield’s company has offered long-crack repair products and services since 1989. Continue reading
Rich Campfield Sues Safelite
A lawsuit against Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions and Safelite Fulfillment LLC alleging misleading advertising has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio by Rich Campfield, founder of Ultra Bond in Grand Junction, Colo. According to court documents “The heart of this case is Safelite’s long-running and egregiously misleading advertising and promotional scheme in which it falsely tells consumers that cracks longer than six inches cannot be repaired.” Continue reading
Safelite Group and Former Tech Reach Settlement
Safelite Group and Mathew Howcroft, a former technician trainee with Safelite AutoGlass in Charlotte, N.C., have reached a settlement in a case in which the former employee alleged wrongful termination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Howcroft had filed a … Continue reading
Service AutoGlass Offers Online Resource Center for Customers
Service AutoGlass has launched an online Resource Center for its wholesale customers. The site is designed to offer customers information on marketing, bookkeeping and other best practices for managing business. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Service AutoGlass
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Safelite Calls Minnesota Commerce Commissioner’s Response a “Red Herring”
Safelite Group and Safelite Solutions attorneys says the Minnesota Commerce Commissioner is attempting “to distract attention from the unconstitutional speech restrictions by asserting that Safelite is ‘engaged in the unlicensed adjusting of insurance claims.’” The attorneys call this a “red herring” and say the crux of the case is about the company’s right to free speech, not licensed claims adjustment. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AAA, AGRR, Auto Club Group, glassBYTEs.com, Minnesota Commerce Commissioner, Safelite
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D’Ieteren Releases 2014 Annual Report
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, has released its 2014 annual report with a Belron chapter titled “Responding to Market Challenges.” A portion of the 166-page report, including a Q&A section with Gary Lubner, Belron’s CEO, is devoted to the business trends for the company’s automotive glass repair and replacement business, which includes Safelite AutoGlass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Belron, D’Ieteren, Gary Lubner, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Safelite Files U.S. District Court Complaint Over Minnesota’s Settlement with Auto Club Group
Safelite Group is asking the U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, to enjoin and declare invalid enforcement of a Minnesota statute which excludes “Safelite from doing business in Minnesota without the opportunity for a hearing.” Continue reading
D’Ieteren Releases Financial Results
D’Ieteren released its financial reports for full-year 2014 today. The company’s full-year sales for the automotive glass repair and replacement division are up 1.3 percent. D’Ieteren is the parent company of Belron, which owns Safelite. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Johnson, Safelite and Archer Western Contractors Agree to Settlement Conference
Jerri Joann Johnson, who filed a complaint against Safelite alleging one of its technicians caused damage to her vehicle which the company “refuses to fix,” has agreed to a settlement conference with Safelite Group and Archer Western Contractors. Continue reading
Hanover Waives Glass Deductible for Platinum Customers Who Go In-Network for Work
Hanover Insurance waives the glass deductible for its platinum insurance customers who use the company’s preferred glass provider or network-affiliated automotive glass shops, according to Emily Trevallion, a Hanover spokesperson. Continue reading
D’Ieteren Announces Repurchase of Shares
D’Ieteren, parent company to Safelite and Belron, has purchased 17,313 treasury shares at an average price of €28.14 in Euros per share on Euronext Brussels from October 14-22, 2014. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Safelite, Connecticut Attorney General in Negotiations to Settle Anti-Steering Law Dispute
Safelite Group and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and Thomas Leonardi, state insurance commissioner, are “discussing whether a consensual resolution of all the issues raised in Safelite’s complaint” is possible. Continue reading
Maryland Woman Sues Safelite Alleging It Refused to Fix Damage Its Technician Caused to Her Vehicle
Jerri Joan Johnson of Laurel, Md., has brought a complaint against Chicago-based Archer Western Contractors and Safelite Group in the U.S. District Court of Maryland. She alleges that a stone from a construction company truck hit and damaged the backlite of her 2004 Hummer H2. The company took responsibility and sent a Safelite AutoGlass technician out to replace the backlite, she claims; however, she alleges Safelite caused damage to her vehicle which it “refuses to fix.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Archer Western Contractors, glassBYTEs.com, Jerri Joan Johnson, Safelite
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Judge Allows Safelite to Amend Connecticut Lawsuit to Seek Attorneys’ Fees
Judge Joan Margolis has granted Safelite Group’s request to amend its Connecticut complaint over an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) to seek reimbursement of attorneys’ fees. She has also set a schedule for the dispute to play out in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, Connecticut, glassBYTEs.com, Judge Joan Margolis, Safelite
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Former Michigan Employee, Safelite Reach Settlement
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, has dismissed a case between former Michigan employee Ernest Bishop and Safelite Group. The two parties involved in the case, which alleged violations to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reached an undisclosed settlement, according to the court. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged ADA, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Ernest Bishop, FMLA, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Safelite Opposes LYNX’s Motion to Quash Subpoena
Though the Second Circuit Court has ordered a preliminary injunction temporarily halting enforcement of Public Act 13-67—An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work—the dispute over the subpoenas sent by Safelite continues to play out as the Connecticut Attorney General could decide to appeal the Circuit Court’s decision to the State Supreme Court. LYNX Services was served by Safelite and responded by asking the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania to quash the subpoena. Safelite has responded in opposition. Continue reading
CT Glass Companies and Attorney General Take Stock After Preliminary Injunction Decision
The Connecticut Attorney General and automotive glass companies who supported the state’s Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) are now analyzing what their next step will be after the Second Circuit Court handed down a decision to temporarily halt enforcement of the statute. Continue reading
HOT NEWS: Circuit Court Orders a Preliminary Injunction Against Connecticut Anti-Steering Law
The Second Circuit Court ordered a preliminary injunction on First Amendment grounds that temporary halts enforcement of Public Act 13-67—An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work. Continue reading
Belron’s Six-Month Sales Down 0.5 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reports that six-month sales for the automotive glass repair and replacement division are down 0.5 percent. The “extreme winter weather in the U.S. and market share gains in a majority of countries,” bolstered results. However, an “exceptionally mild winter weather in Northern Europe” had a negative impact. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Six-Month Sales, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Four AGRR Companies File Motions to Quash Safelite Subpoenas
Binswanger Glass, Action Auto Glass, Auto Glass of New England and Goulet Glass, doing business as Sullivan Glass, have all filed motions to quash document and witness subpoenas from Columbus, Ohio-based Safelite over Connecticut’s anti-steering law. Continue reading
Safelite Amends Connecticut Complaint to Seek Attorney Costs
Safelite Group Inc. and Safelite Solutions LLC have moved for leave to file a first-amended complaint over Connecticut’s anti-steering law in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. The changes in the amended complaint include switching much of the phrasing to past tense since the law, Public Act 13-67 (a Connecticut Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), has gone into effect. However, Safelite is also now seeking reimbursement of attorneys’ fees. Continue reading
IGA Latest Served with Safelite Subpoena, Responds with Objection
Safelite and Safelite Solutions served a subpoena on the Independent Glass Association (IGA) requesting all documents relating to Public Act 13-67 (a Connecticut Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), all documents relating to plaintiffs’ communications with policyholders and how they refer policyholders to automotive glass repair shops and all documents concerning any automotive glass claims administrator. The IGA responded by sending Safelite a letter objecting to the subpoena, writing “The IGA presently has no members in the State of Connecticut and has had none for the entire time period identified in the document demand accompanying the subpoena.” Continue reading
Connecticut Responds to Safelite’s Letter to the Appellate Court
An attorney representing Connecticut’s Attorney General and state insurance commissioner has sent a letter to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals notifying the court that a recent decision Safelite’s attorneys have cited as relative to their pending appeal to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law can also be sourced in support the state’s case. Continue reading
Lynx Services Files Amended Motion to Quash Safelite Subpoena
At the judge’s request, Lynx Services has filed an amended motion to quash Safelite and Safelite Solutions’ subpoena in the Western U.S. District Court of Pennsylvania, explaining why this court is the “proper jurisdiction” and why attorneys feel the Columbus, Ohio-based company’s subpoena is “unduly burdensome” and seeks proprietary information. The subpoenas are related to the Connecticut lawsuit over the state’s new anti-steering law. Continue reading
Updated: Attorney Representing a Connecticut AGRR Company Responds to Safelite Subpoena
Attorney Stephen Wright of Goldman Gruder & Woods is representing three AGRR companies in Connecticut that have been subpoenaed for records and communications by Columbus, Ohio-based Safelite over the state’s anti-steering law. “It’s my belief that Safelite subpoened every glass shop that supported the legislation [Public Act 13-67—an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work],” says Andre Santamaria, owner of Auto Glass of New England, whose Hamden, Conn., location was served. Continue reading
Lynx Services Files Motion to Quash Subpoena from Safelite in Connecticut Anti-Steering Case
Lynx Services has filed a motion in the U.S. Western District Court of Pennsylvania to quash a subpoena served on the company by Safelite Group and Safelite Solutions involving the Connecticut lawsuit over the state’s new anti-steering law. “The subpoena demands the production of documents that go to the very heart of Lynx’s business operations,” according to court documents filed by Lynx. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, glassBYTEs.com, LYNX Services, Safelite
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Website Publishes Report that Questions Consumers about Safelite Experience
A website that bills itself as “Consumereagle.com” has published an interesting scenario that teases of potential legal action against Safelite. The website appears to be connected with the legal industry although glassBYTEs.com™ editors were unable to confirm its actual ownership. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Consumereagle.com, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Sergei Lemberg
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Safelite’s Attorneys File Letter with Appellate Court in Support of Halting Enforcement of Anti-Steering Law
Attorneys representing Safelite have sent a letter to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals notifying that court of “a recent decision relevant to [their] pending appeal” to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law. “In American Meat Institute versus U.S. Department of Agriculture, the D.C. Circuit held that the test articulated in Zauderer versus Office of Disciplinary Counsel, applies to compelled commercial disclosures that serve government interests besides preventing consumer deception. In doing so, the court adopted the approach already followed in this Circuit. Yet, the court also addressed issues related to Zauderer’s scope that are relevant to this appeal,” the company’s attorneys claim. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Connecticut, Connecticut Anti Steering Law, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Marshals Serve Subpoenas on Connecticut Automotive Glass Companies over Anti-Steering Law Dispute
U.S. marshals served subpoenas from Safelite on many automotive glass company owners in Connecticut this week for information related to its legal effort to halt enforcement of PA 13-67 (An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), according to the Connecticut Attorney General’s office and glassBYTEs.com™ reader reports. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, Connecticut, CT, glassBYTEs.com, Jaclyn Falkowski, Jim Amann, Safelite, Subpoenas
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AGRR Company Owners Call NBC Connecticut Report Fair, Alleging Safelite Steers
“They [Safelite] still try to take the job and steal the work,” says East Coast Auto Glass owner Paul Huot, though a new law anti-steering law has passed in the state. Continue reading
Charity Q & A: Safelite Exec Chat Rescheduled for July 31
Safelite CEO Tom Feeney’s fundraiser video question-and-answer program for the Ronald McDonald House charities has been rescheduled for July 31 at 8 p.m. The cost to participate is $5 per ticket. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Ronald McDonald House charities, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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AGRR Industry Reacts to NBC Connecticut’s Investigative Report on Anti-Steering Law
An investigative report aired late last night that covers the state’s new anti-steering law for automotive glass claims on NBC Connecticut. The report centered on a Connecticut resident who alleges he was steered to Safelite AutoGlass by Safelite Solutions (a third-party automotive glass claims administrator) and AGRR company owners in the state allege this situation is not new. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, CT, George Colli, glassBYTEs.com, NBC Connecticut, Safelite
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NBC 30 Connecticut to Air Report on State’s Anti-Steering Law
“We will be doing an investigate report tonight focusing on the ‘anti-steering’ law in Connecticut,” says George Colli, an investigative reporter at NBC Connecticut WVIT-TV. The report will air at about 10 minutes into the 11 p.m. broadcast. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti Steering Report, George Colli, NBC Connecticut, Safelite
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Charity Q & A: Safelite Exec Chat to Be Rescheduled
Safelite CEO Tom Feeney’s fundraiser video chat for the Ronald McDonald House charities slated for this evening will be rescheduled due his flight to Florida being delayed. “We will find another date to reschedule it,” says Melina Metzger, public relations manager. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Safelite Charity Chat Rescheduled
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Charity Q & A: Safelite Exec Raises Money for Ronald McDonald House
Tom Feeney, CEO of Safelite, is fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House charities in a unique way. Feeney will be participating in a video question-and-answer program on July 2 at 8 p.m. in which ticket purchasers will be able to ask Feeney questions and chat with him about anything. The cost to participate is $5 per ticket and Feeney invites all ticket holders to ask him “anything.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Ronald McDonald House, Safelite, Tom Feeney
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Safelite Moves for Summary Judgment While Former Tech Asks for Partial Summary Judgment in FMLA Lawsuit
Safelite’s attorneys have asked the judge for a summary judgment, claiming, “There are no genuine issues of material fact as to any essential element of plaintiff’s claims” in the case brought by a former technician alleging violations to the Family Medical Leave (Act) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The former technician’s attorney has, in turn, requested a partial summary judgment, claiming Safelite “violated the Michigan Bullard-Plawecki Act” by refusing to turn over the plaintiff’s employment file after two requests until first interrogatories. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Ernest Bishop, Family Medical Leave Act, FMLA, FMLA Lawsuit, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Test of Connecticut Anti-Steering Law Heard by Court of Appeals
A three-judge panel, including Judges Ralph K. Winter, John M. Walker Jr. and José A. Cabranes, met in New Haven, Conn., at the U.S. District Court to hear a number of cases, including Safelite versus Jepsen. Safelite is seeking to enjoin the enforcement of the Connecticut law requiring third-party administrators (TPAs) who own glass shops to list a second glass shop when recommending repair at their own shop. The questioning lasted less than 30 minutes. Continue reading
Hearing Held in Appellate Court Today over Connecticut Anti-Steering Law
Safelite’s attorneys told the panel of three judges for the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Court that the company is following the new Connecticut law, PA 13-67, and that it hasn’t changed the amount of referrals. Continue reading
Belron’s First-Quarter Sales Up 1 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported that first quarter automotive glass repair and replacement sales were one percent higher over the same period of 2013 largely due to a 3.1 percent organic increase and 2.2 percent growth from acquisitions. Sales were negatively impacted by “unexpected unfavorable weather conditions in Northern Europe, which resulted in temporary overcapacity in those geographies,” officials wrote in the company’s report. Continue reading
Connecticut Officials File Brief in Support of Anti-Steering Law in Appellate Court
Connecticut officials have responded in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the state’s anti-steering law, claiming, “Safelite Solutions has been extraordinarily effective at steering consumers to Safelite AutoGlass.” Safelite appealed a lower court’s decision to the Appellate Court, seeking to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law—PA 13-67. Continue reading
Safelite Files New Brief Over CT Anti-Steering Law, Arguing for Appeal, Injunction
Safelite’s attorneys have filed a brief in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, claiming that the U.S. District Court “erred in denying the motion for a preliminary injunction” and asked that the lower court’s order to be reversed. The company wants the Appellate Court to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law—PA 13-67. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Launches Robocom’s Voice Module at Distribution Centers
Robocom Systems International announced that Safelite AutoGlass has launched its Voice Module (R-Voice) at its distribution center picking operations. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Mike Bradsher, Robocom, Robocom International, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Belron Says Full-Year AGRR Jobs Grew
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported today that full-year 2013 automotive glass repair and replacement jobs are up by 4.6 percent to 10.8 million. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Annual Results, D-Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite
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Safelite Creates New Position: Vice President, Customer and Brand Strategy
Safelite Group has named Renee Cacchillo to the newly created position of vice president, customer and brand strategy. Cacchillo was formerly vice president of service delivery. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite, Safelite Group, Tom Feeney
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Connecticut Judge Sets Schedule for Anti-Steering Case
A judge for U.S. District Court of Connecticut has approved a timetable for the anti-steering lawsuit being waged after Safelite sued state Attorney General George Jepsen and Thomas Leonardi, insurance commissioner, to halt Public Act 13-67 (an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), which went into effect January 1. Safelite’s appeal to the Second Circuit Court is pending over the lower court’s denial of a preliminary injunction. Continue reading
Third Shift Cut at Safelite Glass Corp.’s N.C. Manufacturing Plant
Safelite Glass Corp. has shut down third-shift operations at its Enfield, N.C., windshield manufacturing plant, affecting approximately 61 of the company’s 277 employees at the plant. Continue reading
Glass Medic to Serve Belron and Safelite Exclusively
Belron is closing Glass Medic’s Columbus, Ohio, distribution center. The company will now serve Belron’s business units exclusively, including Safelite, according to Melina Metzger, public relations manager for Safelite.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged Belron, Belron Technical, Glass Medic, Melina Metzger, Safelite
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Former Safelite Tech Wins Appeal to Argue for Class Certification in Overtime Case
A panel of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ judges has vacated a ruling by the lower court that denied class certification status for a former Safelite technician who sued Safelite alleging he had been denied overtime wages.
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Safelite AutoGlass Foundation Awards $300,000 to Columbus Area Nonprofits
Safelite AutoGlass Foundation has awarded $300,000 in Impact Grants to 12 separate Columbus, Ohio-area, nonprofit groups. Each received $25,000. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass Foundation, windshields
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Beckers Appointed Independent Director to D’Ieteren Board
The D’Ieteren Board of Directors has appointed Pierre-Olivier Beckers by co-optation as an independent director. The ratification of this appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ordinary general meeting on June 5, 2014. D’Ieteren is the parent company for Belron and Safelite. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Belron, Cobepa, Delhaize Group, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, Roland D’Ieteren, Safelite
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Safelite Files Memorandum in Second Circuit Court in Continued Effort for Emergency Injunction
Safelite’s attorneys have filed a memorandum in the Second Circuit Court further arguing in favor of their motion for an emergency injunction halting enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law pending appeal, claiming, “the state relies on imagined procedural errors” in its argument against a preliminary injunction. The law, Public Act 13-67, went into effect January 1. Circuit Court Judge Susan Carney had denied Safelite’s request for an emergency stay, referring the matter to a three-judge motions’ panel. Continue reading
Vermont-Based Safelite Burns Down
The Rutland, Vt.-based Safelite location has been declared “a total loss” after a fire destroyed the building Tuesday night, according to Melina Metzger, company spokesperson. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Rutland, Safelite, Safelite fire, Vermont Safelite, Vt.
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Second Circuit Judge Denies Stay in CT Anti-Steering Case **Updated
Second Circuit Judge Susan Carney has denied Safelite’s request for an emergency stay to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law pending appeal. The law, PA 13-67, went into effect January 1. The judge also ordered that Safelite’s motions for an … Continue reading
What Were the Top Stories of 2013?
Big companies grabbed big attention in 2013. From Guardian to Safelite to Boyd Group Income Fund, news from these industry giants dominated the top ten list of most clicked on glassBYTEs.com™ articles for the year. Whether shedding assets, being sued or acquiring other companies, the industry wanted to know what these AGRR companies were doing. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Boyd Group, Giant, Glass America, glassBYTEs, Guardian, John Groenhof, Safelite, Top glassBYTEs Articles of 2013
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AGRR Industry Supports Connecticut Judge’s Decision in Anti-Steering Case
Several automotive glass repair and replacement company owners are calling the judge’s decision to deny Safelite’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the Connecticut anti-steering case a “victory.” Safelite had asked the Connecticut U.S. District Court to put enforcement of PA 13-67 on hold while it challenges the new anti-steering law in the courts. Continue reading
Connecticut Judge Denies Safelite’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Anti-Steering Case
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton issued a ruling denying Safelite’s motion for a preliminary injunction, writing in her ruling, “because the court concludes that PA 13-67(c)(2) is rationally related to the state’s goal of protecting consumer choice and preventing steering, plaintiffs have not demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their First Amendment claim.”
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Additional Arguments Heard in CT Anti-Steering Case; Decision Imminent
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton heard additional oral arguments in Safelite versus Jepsen on Monday from Safelite’s Attorney Jay Lefkowitz of Kirkland & Ellis and the State of Connecticut’s Assistant Attorney General Joseph Chambers. At issue in the case is the law requiring third-party administrators (TPAs) that own their own glass shops to provide a name of a non-affiliated glass repair shop in the same area to consumers. Continue reading
Industry Responds to Guardian Auto Glass Selling Retail Assets to Safelite
“I look at Safelite like the New York Yankees,” says Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor, describing Safelite’s recent purchase of Guardian’s retail assets. “Who they can buy, they will. Simple as that.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Menders, glassBYTEs, Guardian, HSG/CodeBlue, Neil Duffy, Paul Gross, Safelite
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Safelite AutoGlass Opens New Shop in Gorham, N.H.
Safelite AutoGlass has opened a new store located at 299 Main Street, #3 in Gorham, N.H. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged #3 in Gorham, 299 Main Street, AGRR, auto glass, glassBYTEs, N.H., Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass
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Connecticut Officials Respond to Safelite’s Allegations in Anti-Steering Case
Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and Thomas Leonardi, commissioner of the state insurance department, deny that Public Act 13-67 (an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work) “unconstitutionally prohibits plaintiffs’ [Safelite’s] commercial speech or otherwise violates the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights” in court documents filed in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. Judge Janet Bond Arterton also scheduled oral arguments for the case to take place on December 2, 2013 at 3 p.m. in Courtroom Two of Connecticut U.S. District Court. Continue reading
Safelite Group Announces Gerry Tann’s Retirement
Safelite® Group announces the retirement of Gerry Tann, vice president of field sales, as of September 26, 2013. Tann joined Safelite 23 years ago and has served in many roles, including assistant vice president of Service AutoGlass® and commercial and … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged Belron, Cindy Rowe, Elite Auto Glass, Gerry Tann, Giant Glass, Klein-Dickert, Royal Glass, Safelite, Windshield World
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Safelite AutoGlass Opens New Shop in Alexandria
Safelite AutoGlass recently opened a new store located at 2080 N. MacArthur Drive, in Alexandria, La. The company first entered the market with mobile service in 2001. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Safelite, Safelite Alexandria Shop, Safelite AutoGlass
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Court Schedules Conference Call in Lawsuit Over Connecticut Anti-Steering Bill
The judge has ordered that a conference call be held between Safelite, the defendants and their respective attorneys to discuss the status of the anti-steering case in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. Continue reading