Compared with conventional glass or plastic, chemically strengthened specialty glass offers higher strength, improved scratch resistance, and a premium surface appearance.
Market Pressure and Lack of Profitability
In recent years, the economic situation of this AGC business segment has deteriorated significantly. According to AGC, the main reasons are declining market prices and only weak growth in order volumes. Against this backdrop, the company sees no realistic prospect of restoring the segment’s profitability in the future.
Following a comprehensive analysis of market conditions and long-term business prospects, AGC therefore decided to discontinue its chemically strengthened specialty glass business and to focus available resources more strongly on strategic core and growth areas.
Production to End in Q3/2026
Production of the specialty glass currently takes place at the Takasago plant in Japan. According to AGC, manufacturing is scheduled to be discontinued in the third quarter of 2026. The company has not yet provided any further details regarding possible transition arrangements or alternative product solutions.
With this withdrawal, AGC is responding to changing conditions in the specialty glass market and will in future place a stronger focus on business areas with more sustainable economic prospects.
