AGC Automotive Czech, one of Europe’s leading automotive glass manufacturers, has officially commenced the construction of a new production line for laminated wind-shields.
The milestone comes in a year of celebration, as the Chudeřice plant marks its 100th anniversary since the beginning of production in 1925. This investment will significantly enhance the plant’s production capacity and technological capabilities, while also creating 50 new jobs in the region. AGC Automotive Czech operates under the European automotive division of Japanese glass giant AGC Inc.
The new production line will feature a high degree of automation to deliver precision and efficiency. Once operational, the line will have the capacity to manufacture more than 1 million laminated windshields annually.
Zbyněk Slivoň, General Manager of AGC Automotive Czech, said, “The CD-L5 line is a strategic investment for our Chudeřice plant. It not only increases our production capacity but also enables us to meet growing technological demands from our key automotive clients. We are proud to launch this new era in the same year we celebrate a century of glassmaking tradition.”
The project is being rolled out in phases. Following the preparatory stage in late 2024, during which the previous production line was dismantled, the facility is now undergoing structural modifications. Installation of the new technology is scheduled for the second half of 2025, with trial production expected to begin at the end of Q1 2026. Construction is managed by Czech firms Pohl a.s. and Klement construction a.s., while AGC Japan is delivering the technology.
Sustainability also plays a key role in the company’s vision for the future. A portion of the new line’s energy consumption will be covered by AGC’s own photovoltaic power plant, which was commissioned last year, contributing to reduced environmental impact.
The official opening of the new production line was attended by representatives of AGC’s European Automotive Management, as well as Richard Brabec, Governor of the Ústí nad Labem Region, and Zuzana Schwarz Bařtipánová, Mayor of the City of Bílina.
To mark the centennial of glass production in Chudeřice, the company hosted a special Open Day for employees and their families on May 24, featuring a rich and engaging program of events.