1907-1909
Producing Japan-made flat glass
(Background) Tsurumi factory when Belgian hand-blown sheet glass manufacturing method was adopted
AGC’s 110-year history — our value through the decades and challenges for the future
Chapter 1
1907-1945
Manufacturing flat glass for modernizing Japan
In 1907, Toshiya Iwasaki decided to start domestic production of flat glass and established Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Despite numerous hardships, he grew the company into Asia’s largest flat glass manufacturer, and also expanded the business into production of soda ash and refractories, which were vital materials for flat glass manufacturing. With an indomitable spirit, he provided value to the country in various aspects.
(Background) Tsurumi factory when Belgian hand-blown sheet glass manufacturing method was adopted
1916
Contributing to the development of key Japanese industries
Launch of the refractory business
Refractories, an indispensable component in glass manufacturing, were mostly imported in those days. In order to ensure a stable supply of flat glass, AGC ventured into the refractories business. Its refractory business supported not only the development of AGC’s manufacturing activities but also the development of key Japanese industries such as steel and cement production.
AGC Ceramics Co., Ltd.1917
Self-sufficient production of chemicals used in everyday life
Becoming Japan’s first soda ash producer
Due to World War I, AGC faced difficulties in importing soda ash, a raw material of flat glass. In response to this emergency situation, AGC developed the manufacturing process of soda ash on its own, and started the production. In addition to soda ash, AGC also sold sodium bicarbonates — a by-product of soda ash― for beverages and forcing fertilizer, thereby supporting peoples' daily lives.
Chemicals Business Website1933
The origin of social contribution activities that continue for over 80 years
Establishing the Asahi Foundation for Chemical Industry Promotion
The Asahi Foundation for Chemical Industry Promotion (today known as the Asahi Glass Foundation) was established to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of AGC. Since then, AGC has subsidized and supported research expenses for the development of the Japanese chemical industry.
Public interest foundation corporation The Asahi Glass FoundationChapter 2
1946-1973
Post-war recovery and a period of high economic growth
During the high economic growth period after the end of World War II, AGC responded to the escalating demand for skyscrapers, automobiles and color televisions. At the same time, AGC also worked to solve pollution problems caused as the harmful side effects of high economic growth.
1950
From televisions to automobiles, supporting citizens' lives
Entry into new businesses
In the 1950s, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corp.) began broadcasting. People gathered on a street and watched professional wrestling matches featuring Rikidōzan, Japan’s most famous professional wrestler, on televisions in the windows of stores. Before the automobile boom and television boom, AGC launched new businesses including the production of glass for automobiles and glass for cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions. AGC’s glass made its appearance in everyday family gatherings, supporting lifestyles in the new era.
Products Products1956
Assisted in the development of the Indian economy
Establishing the first overseas production base after the war in India
In response to a request from the Indian government to help local companies, AGC established a production base in India earlier than any other Japanese companies, helping the development of the Indian economy.
Group Companies1964
Providing products to make lives easier such as water-repellent spray and green houses for agriculture
(Right) Fluoropolymer film "F Clean™" ("Aflex™")
Development of the fluorine chemical business
Beginning with the manufacture of chloromethane and fluorocarbon, AGC entered into the fluorine chemical business. AGC also created hit products such as water & oil-repellent agents AsahiGuard™ and fluoropolymer film F-CLEAN™.
Chemicals Business Website1966
Providing a sense of affluence in everyday places such as buildings, homes, automobiles and railway cars
(Background) Float glass annealing line at the Tsurumi factory
Introducing a new technology: the float process
Due to a rush of construction projects for commercial buildings and private housing, the demand for flat glass increased. AGC’s float process enabled the production of large flat glass over 3m wide and 10m tall. AGC responded to the diversification of architectural styles.
Architectural Glass Architectural GlassSupporting people’s lives on the move with the Toyota Corolla’s success
The industry’s first introduction of a gas furnace enabled mass production of tempered glass for automobiles
Toyota Corolla, one of the passenger cars symbolizing the opening of the economy car era. Only AGC’s Kawasaki plant, with Japan’s first gas furnace, could produce the high quality side glass required for its design.
Automotive GlassChapter 3
1974-1990
Toward a stronger business structure & diversification, globalization
During the first oil crisis, AGC pursued the streamlining of and efficiency in production responding to material shortages and higher fuel cost. AGC achieved further growth by responding to needs in automobile production, the electronics industry and fluorinated products in the 1980s when the Japanese economy was recovering.
1981
Taking over the glass manufacturing tradition from Belgium, and providing products to the Central and Eastern European markets
(Background) Glaverbel S.A.'s Musty plant (Belgium)
Acquisition of Glaverbel
AGC acquired Glaverbel, a long-established Belgian glass manufacturer and the master of glass manufacturing technology for AGC. Taking over a traditional management spirit to always keep an eye on the global market, AGC expanded its bases in Central, Eastern and Western Europe. AGC also promoted the growth of Glaverbel and invigorated the market.
Group Companies Group Companies1985
Corresponding with digitalization of information display devices
(From the bottom left) Glass substrate for TFT liquid crystal "AN 100," IC thick film printing product, glass delay line
Development of the electronics industry
In the 1980s, AGC formed a professional team to develop an innovative glass melting technology. The knowledge and experience gained from the initiative eventually lead to development of glass for today’s smartphones and high-definition displays.
Electronic Materials1986
Contributing to regional development
Development of the North American market
AGC established AP Techno-glass company in Bellefontaine, Ohio, as a joint venture with the largest flat glass manufacturer in the United States. It won an award from the mayor for the contribution to the regional development through the production of automotive glass.
1989
Protecting the ozone layer and the earth through new technology that amazed the world
Development of alternative to chlorofluorocarbons
In 1985, a huge ozone hole was found over the Antarctic Continent, leading to serious global environmental issues. In response, AGC developed an alternative to chlorofluorocarbon. ASAHIKLIN™ AK- 225 was highly evaluated in the world.
Chemicals Business WebsiteChapter 4
1991-2007
Growing into a truly global company
Amid the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy, AGC aimed to grow into a truly global company. Asahi Glass Foundation established an international prize for the global environment, the Blue Planet Prize, and AGC start production of alternatives to chlorofluorocarbon products to address environmental problems.
1991
Doing what we can do for the future of the earth
(Right) Trophy produced on the theme of "Water and Atmosphere" of the beautiful Earth
The Asahi Glass Foundation established the Blue Planet Prize
In 1992, an international prize for the global environment, the Blue Planet Prize was established to honor the works of individuals and organizations who contributed to solving global environmental problems. Over the years, Asahi Glass Foundation has continued to aid such endeavors.
Asahi Glass Foundation Blue Planet Award Asahi Glass Foundation Blue Planet Award1996
Delivering new excitement through televisions with new technology
Developed a large flat panel for CRT televisions
As the world entered the large-screen TV boom, AGC developed TLIPRED™, the world's first large flat panel for CRT televisions. It was used in Sony’s WEGA line of TVs, contributing to wonderful entertainment experiences for consumers.
2000
From proteins to environmental protection
(From the bottom left) "Ceramic filter for removing black smoke for stationary diesel engines," evaluation of bismuth-based erbium-doped optical fiber amplification characteristics, "Aspex" (yeast)
New business for the 21st century
AGC supplied material solutions in promising new fields such as optoelectronics, life science, environment and energy. AGC continued to supporting changing daily lives.
Chapter 5
2008-2017
Contributing to diversified lifestyles
AGC developed new products such as glass for digital devices for ever-changing lifestyles. In 2015, AGC established its management policy AGC plus, committed to providing additional value for various stakeholders. Since 2016, AGC has been pursuing its long-term strategy “Vision 2025” by reinforcing and expanding its core businesses and strategic businesses.
2011
Helping you protect your smartphone and devices from scratches and shocks
Released Dragontrail™ a specialty glass for chemical strengthening
AGC began sale of Dragontrail™ — thin, strong and light-weight specialty glass for chemical strengthening for electronic devices. AGC supports modern lifestyles through the cover glass of mobile devices and smartphones.
Dragontrail™Protecting drivers from UV rays
Release of UV Verre Premium Cool on™
Launched the world’s first 99% UV-blocking tempered glass for automobile doors. It protects the skin of drivers and passengers, ideal for those concerned about getting sunburn while driving.
99% UV cut glass 99% UV cut glass2013-2015
Making everything around you a display screen
Release of infoverre™ and Glascene™ glass signage
AGC developed infoverre™, a space-saving display attached directly on the glass, and Glascene™, a transparent glass screen. In various locations, glass plays a new role as an interface for transmitting information.
New business development2017
Comfort in using touch panels
Global release of high-performance fluorinated coating SURECO™
SURECO™ is a high-abrasion resistant & anti-fingerprint coating which makes it easy to wipe off fingerprints. Coating SURECO™ on cover glass for a touch panel, lens or mirror (including plastic and metal) prevents stains and will make people’s lives easier.
Chemicals Business WebsiteFOR THE FUTURE
FOR
THE FUTURE
AGC has created value by responding to the changing periods and peoples’ needs. Even now at this moment, AGC, with an indomitable spirit, is generating new benefits for the future.
Vision 2030
