About Us
freeglass is a pioneer in new, functional automotive glazing.
freeglass GmbH & Co. KG, an international partner of the automotive industry, has been developing and producing three-dimensional plastics components at its plant near Stuttgart (Schwaikheim) since 2001.
freeglass was established in 2001 as a joint venture between Saint-Gobain Sekurit and former Schefenacker AG, after the companies had previously already jointly developed the first plastic glazing components and produced them in 1998.
Nowadays, freeglass forms part of Saint-Gobain Group.
freeglass:
a site that keeps moving forward
We produce at the Schwaikheim site and are globally linked to our parent company Saint-Gobain Sekurit.
freeglass is supported by Saint-Gobain branches, plants, R+D centres and service centres the world over.
Corporate responsibility
As a part of Saint-Gobain Group, we are convinced that companies must put their values at the heart of their business model to use their influence in favour of responsible and sustainable developments.
We campaign for our activities, staff members and partners to contribute to and establish a more sustainable and integrative world.
For this reason, we are committed to putting our responsibility at the heart of what we do to actively shape the sustainable development of the mobility market.
Pillars of our commitment
- Ethical business methods
- Long-term collaborations
- Environmental aspects
- Responsible actions
- Solutions with a positive effect
- Health and safety
A history of innovations
freeglass has been introducing innovations for glazing applications since its first production run back in 1998 to offer design liberties and environmentally friendly, competitive solutions to keep up with trends in the automotive industry. Today, several million plastic glazing panels are on the road throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Market leader in plastics parts for the automotive industry
- More than 20 years of experience in plastic glazing
- Mass production of plastics parts
- First-in-market products
- Global presence thanks to Saint-Gobain Sekurit’s intercontinental organisation
Innovation milestones of freeglass GmbH & Co. KG
1998
From the beginning
Development and production of the first plastics glazing
2001
Joint Venture
freeglass GmbH & Co. KG established as joint venture of former Schefenacker AG and Saint-Gobain Sekurit
2003
New clients in europe
Development of first rear window made of plastics
Scratch-resistant B-column trim with protective paint coating
2004
Gewichtoptimierung
Weight saving as a result of complete vehicle glazing
Development of first roof made of plastics
2005
Design Award Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) Europe
Design products
Introduction of a new painting system (AS4700 painting system) with a rear window
2006
Integrations
Functional integration for safety and technology
2007
freeglass + Saint-Gobain Sekurit
freeglass becomes a 100% Saint-Gobain Sekurit subsidiary
2011
Shape and design development
Complex shape and design development
System integration of an aerodynamic trim into a side window
System integration of a lateral spoiler into a side window
2013
Worldwide connections
High-gloss column cover without coating
Approval of plastic panes in China
Approval of plastic panes in USA
2014
1 Million
In May freeglass reached the benchmark of 1 million produced parts
2015
Flush-Design
Flush design with coating incl. mounting and sealing concept
2016
Column covers
Coated column covers with laser welding technology and system development
2017
Design
Design through decoration technology in 3 colours
2018
Safety equipment
Partition wall panel with fulfilment standard DIN ISO 27956 Safety equipment of a van
2019
Covers
High gloss covers with coatings for roof applications
2020
Column covers
Column covers with integrated ADAS function
2023
Design lettering
Design lettering on high-gloss components incl. 2K adhesive technology
Until today
- Process-reliable applications for spray painting
- Design labelling of high-gloss components
- Full supplier for trim packages with high-gloss finish and two-component adhesive
- Column covers with integrated ADAS function
- Extensions to column covers with coating assembly and sealing concept
- Safety equipment for vans
- Design side windows with hot stamping technology developed in three colours
- High-gloss covers with labelling for roof applications
- Coated column covers involving laser welding technology and system development
2014
2014 In May freeglass reached the benchmark of 1 million produced parts
2013
Skoda – first high-gloss column cover without coating
PSA – homologation for plastic glazing in China
Fiat Chrysler – homologation for plastic glazing in the USA (largest plastic quarterlite worldwide since 2013)
2011
Porsche
Renault – complex shape and design development
Fiat – system integration of an aerodynamic trim into a side window
PSA – system integration of a lateral spoiler into a side window
2007
freeglass becomes a 100% Saint-Gobain Sekurit subsidiary
2006
Daimler – functional integration for safety and technology
2005
Seat – design products
Honda – introduction of a new painting system (AS4700 painting system) with a rear window ( https://www.automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com/light-and-plastic-industry/6530.article). Design Award Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) Europe
2004
Smart forfour – weight saving as a result of complete vehicle glazing (spoiler, roof, etc.)
Daimler – development of first roof made of plastics
2003
Porsche – development of first rear window made of plastics
Daimler – scratch-resistant B-column trim with protective paint coating
2001
freeglass GmbH & Co. KG established as joint venture of former Schefenacker AG and Saint-Gobain Sekurit
1998
Development and production of the first plastics glazing
What are we look forward to?
- Smart covers for ADAS sensors, e.g. LIDAR, RADAR, camera, etc.
- Interfaces for vehicle communication with light and design
- Evolving paint systems and coating processes
- Functional and decorative foil overmoulding