**Lima**: The AGP Group, founded by the Mannheim family, has evolved from its beginnings in Berlin to become a leading player in the global automotive glazing industry, despite recent setbacks, including the closure of its Mexican plant due to changes in contracts with Tesla.
The Mannheim family has a longstanding history in the glass industry, which began in Berlin in the 1930s, when they founded their first company in this sector. However, as economic circumstances shifted, the family migrated to South America, specifically Peru, where W. Mannheim established a business centred on producing laminated glass and mirrors.
The automotive market in Peru began to flourish by 1965, with the presence of multiple passenger vehicle assembly plants and a burgeoning construction sector needing high-quality materials. It was in this environment that José Mannheim identified a significant opportunity and founded Autoglass Peruana in Lima, marking the inception of what is now known as the AGP Group, a pioneering company in automotive glazing.
From its establishment, AGP aimed for international markets, exporting more than half of its production by 1969. The company made strides in innovation, obtaining its first patent for impact-resistant ballistic glass in 1981, which broadening their product offerings and facilitating their entry into the fortified glass market. In 1985, AGP further solidified its standing by acquiring certification in international standards for ballistic-resistant glass.
The company’s international expansion progressed in the following years, with the establishment of a subsidiary in Tennessee, USA, and another in Bogotá, Colombia, by 1989. In the 1990s, AGP expanded into Asia via a strategic alliance with the Japanese company North Glass, followed by a commercial unit set up in Germany in 2002.
In 2003, Tesla was founded by Elon Musk, who sought to equip his electric vehicles with innovative features, including expansive panoramic windshields. However, initial outreach to glass manufacturers in Europe yielded little support. It was not until 2010, when AGP introduced the AGP B.33, that the company found its footing in this niche, with its bulletproof glass being used in one in three armoured vehicles globally by 2014. This success led to partnerships with prominent brands, including Mercedes, BMW, and Porsche.
In 2015, AGP confronted the challenges of the Tesla project by launching Eglass, a large windshield equipped with sophisticated technologies, securing its position as a key supplier for Tesla. A notable achievement from this collaboration occurred in 2018 when the Tesla Roadster, fitted with an AGP windshield, was launched into space.
Currently, AGP is a recognized leader in high-tech glazing, catering to more than 500 clients across 50 countries. The company operates facilities in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and Belgium, with plans for a plant in Mexico. However, it was recently announced that AGP would close its factory in Nuevo León due to the loss of a crucial contract with Tesla for Cybertruck windshields, a decision influenced by uncertainty surrounding Tesla’s potential investments in the region and proposed tariffs by former President Donald Trump. The plant, part of its subsidiary AGP Glass, represented a $250 million investment within the Finsa Santa Catarina industrial park.
Despite these challenges, AGP retains a portfolio of esteemed automotive clients, including Lotus, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as providing armouring solutions for the U.S. Department of State and protecting key figures, including previous Popes.
In 2022, the company made a strategic move by relocating its headquarters from Lima to Ghent, Belgium, aimed at streamlining operations and bolstering its presence across Europe and North America. To support its innovation-driven approach, AGP employs 250 scientists of diverse nationalities globally.
Notably, AGP has also attracted minority investments from Goldman Sachs Private Capital and BDT Capital Partners, underscoring its growth trajectory and sustained relevance in the glass manufacturing industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
