- Manufacturers
-
The largest glass manufacturer in the world is Beijing Glass Group, with a revenue of $80.44 billion.
-
As of 2026, the global glass manufacturing industry has a market size of $142.09 billion.
-
Annually, at least 20 million tons of glass is produced worldwide.
-
The global glass manufacturing industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% through 2032.
Glass is an integral part of our daily lives, found in the walls and windows of our buildings, in our vehicles, and even in devices we use regularly, such as smartphones and tablets. From household items like mirrors and glassware to specialized applications in technology and safety, glass plays a crucial role in both functionality and aesthetics. Many of us, however, may not be aware of the major players in the glass manufacturing sector and the extent of their contributions to the industry.
To clarify this, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten glass manufacturers globally, highlighting their prominence and influence in the market.
DETAILED LIST OF THE 10 LARGEST GLASS MANUFACTURERS IN THE WORLD
-
Beijing Glass Group
2021 Annual Revenue: $80.44 billion
Based in Beijing, the Beijing Glass Group has its roots in the Peking Glass company, founded in 1940. This manufacturer specializes in industrial and technical glass, as well as eyewear and quartz materials. They also produce photovoltaic cell components, essential for solar energy transformation. Revenue and employee numbers were not publicly available, placing them at the top of our list.
Glass manufacturers provide countless products that enhance our lives, often without us realizing it. So, the next time you look in the mirror, wash a dish, or roll down your car window, consider the vital role of glass manufacturers worldwide.
-
2022 Annual Revenue: $56.47 billion
The oldest company on our list, Saint Gobain was founded in 1665 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Initially a mirror manufacturer, they supplied the iconic mirrors for the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. Today, they produce a diverse range of glass products for construction, automotive applications, and more, generating around $56.47 billion annually.
-
2022 Annual Revenue: $17.652 billion
Established in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Pennsylvania, PPG Industries has grown to be a leader in American glass manufacturing. Known for its impressive architecture, PPG offers a wide range of products including paints, coatings, and fiberglass, alongside their glass production. They employ over 47,000 individuals and report an annual revenue of approximately $17.65 billion.
-
2021 Annual Revenue: $15.28 billion
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, AGC was founded in 1907 and was Japan’s first manufacturer of sheet glass. They specialize in automotive glass designed to minimize injury in accidents, and also produce electronic materials, fiber optics, and construction materials. AGC generates approximately $15.28 billion in revenue and employs over 51,000 people globally.
-
2022 Annual Revenue: $14.189 billion
Founded in 1851, Corning, Inc. is a pioneer in specialty glass, ceramics, and advanced optics. Known for developing Gorilla Glass for Apple, their products significantly influence consumer electronics. Headquartered in Corning, New York, they generate about $14.19 billion annually and employ around 52,000 people.
-
Nippon Sheet Glass Co.
2022 Annual Revenue: $5.230 billion
Founded in 1918 and based in Tokyo, Nippon Sheet Glass is a major player in building and automotive glass, which constitutes about 90% of their sales. They operate in 130 countries and employ nearly 27,000 people, generating approximately $5.23 billion in revenue.
-
Vitro
Annual Revenue: $2.1 billion
Based in San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, Mexico, Vitro has been in operation since 1909 and is considered the largest glass manufacturer in Mexico. They focus on flat glass production and serve a wide range of markets across Latin America, generating around $2.1 billion annually and employing about 15,000 people.
-
2021 Annual Revenue: $593.4 million
Pilkington, founded in 1826 and now a subsidiary of Nippon Sheet Glass, specializes in toughened automotive and building glass. Their combined revenue with NSG is around $9.5 billion, reflecting their significant market presence.
-
Cornwall Glass
2021 Annual Revenue: $37 million
Founded in 1978, Cornwall Glass is the smallest company on our list but remains significant due to its impressive revenue of around $37 million annually. This family-owned business produces a diverse range of glass products, including windows, mirrors, and decorative glass, employing just 128 individuals.
-
2022 Annual Revenue: N/A
Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Guardian Service Industries was founded in 1932 and specializes in float glass and fiberglass insulation. They are a major player in the construction and automotive sectors and pride themselves on energy-efficient glass solutions. They employ around 14,000 people and have a substantial global reach.
How We Created Our Ranking
Our ranking is based on revenue data sourced from Thomasnet.com and company websites, ordered from highest to lowest revenue in USD. Some companies, like Beijing Glass Group, have limited public data available, which is why they are noted separately.
This list provides insights into each company’s history, product offerings, and employment figures, showcasing their significance in the global glass manufacturing landscape.
Largest Glass Manufacturers in the World FAQ
-
Who is the largest glass manufacturer in the world?
Beijing Glass Group is the largest glass manufacturer in the world. Their annual revenue stands at $80.44 billion, followed by Saint Gobain at $56.47 billion and PPG Industries at $17.652 billion.
-
How big is the glass manufacturing industry?
The global glass manufacturing industry has a market size of $142.09 billion. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% through 2032.
- Manufacturers
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
