PPG Industries Inc. and Apogee Enterprises Inc. have agreed to combine their US automotive replacement glass distribution businesses.
PPG, a Pittsburgh-based glass and coatings manufacturer, said it …
PPG Industries Inc. and Apogee Enterprises Inc. have agreed to combine their US automotive replacement glass distribution businesses. PPG, a Pittsburgh-based glass and coatings manufacturer, said it will hold a 66% interest in the combined business, to be named PPG Auto Glass. Apogee, a Minneapolis-based glass company, will hold a 34% stake. Subject to regulatory approval, PPG Auto Glass is expected to begin operating this summer. “Both of our firms produce auto glass parts that consumers buy at installation shops throughout the US,” Apogee chief executive Russell Huffer said. “The venture will increase geographic coverage, improve efficiency, and provide service benefits that will allow the new company to meet PPG“s and Apogee“s installer-customer needs more effectively.” PPG said it operates more than 110 wholesale distribution branches, while Apogee operates about 75. The new venture will not include PPG“s auto replacement glass production and truckload sales business, or Apogee“s manufacturing and retail installation operations. Apogee“s Harmon AutoGlass division, the company“s retail unit, owns about 325 installation shops. PPG has no US retail shops.