Guardian Industries began as the Guardian Glass Company in 1932. Back then we made windshields for the automotive industry.
In 1970, we opened our first glass plant in Carleton, Michigan, and began manufacturing float glass, a product achieved by floating molten glass on a bath of liquid tin. At the time, we were the first company to enter the US primary glass industry in nearly 50 years. Since then, we have added 23 new float lines around the world and have built or acquired more than 21 glass fabrication plants.
While we were expanding our glass business globally, we also began to diversify. Beginning with the first in 1980, Guardian opened several fiberglass insulation plants. Then in 1998, we acquired Builder Marts of America (BMA) and in 2000, we purchased Cameron Ashley Building Products (now Guardian Building Products Distribution), moves that gave Guardian a strong and growing presence in the building materials distribution business throughout North America.
In the 90s, we also expanded our automotive capabilities. With the acquisition of Automotive Moulding Company of Warren, Michigan, and Lab.Radio, in Valencia, Spain, both automotive trim manufacturers, we became the first and only company to manufacturer and fabricate both glass and trim products for the automotive industry. Guardian remains a top 100 automotive supplier to the global automotive industry.
Our products and systems now grace vehicles and construction products all over the world. We have accomplished so much in such a short time. It’s exciting to ponder what’s coming next.