Does Pilkington make OEM windshields?
Pilkington, the automotive glass brand of the NSG Group, does manufacture original equipment (OEM) windshields for a wide range of automakers worldwide, as part of its automotive glass business. The company also provides aftermarket replacement glass, but its OEM windshields are designed to meet exacting automaker specifications.
This article examines Pilkington's role in the OEM windshields market, how OEM partnerships work, and what this means for automakers, suppliers, and drivers—touching on safety standards, global manufacturing reach, and the distinction between OEM and replacement glass.
What OEM windshields are and how Pilkington fits in
Original equipment windshields are installed during vehicle assembly and must conform to strict specifications for fit, safety, weight, tint, and sensor calibration. Pilkington Automotive, a brand under the NSG Group, develops and supplies glass that matches these OEM requirements for a broad spectrum of automakers. In addition to OEM windshields, Pilkington also serves the aftermarket with replacement glass that upholds the same performance standards.
NSG Group and the Pilkington Automotive division
The NSG Group operates the Pilkington Automotive business as its global automotive glass division. The Pilkington brand is widely used to market glass products—windshields, sidelites, and backlights—across both OEM production and aftermarket channels. The company emphasizes engineering collaboration, safety compliance, and regional manufacturing to support automakers worldwide.
Global footprint and production capabilities
Pilkington Automotive maintains manufacturing and processing facilities across multiple regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. This network enables regional supply for OEM programs, calibration of ADAS sensors, and timely delivery aligned with production schedules. The scale of NSG Group’s automotive glass operations helps ensure consistent supply for global vehicle platforms.
OEM partnerships and the development process
OEM windshields require close collaboration with automakers from early development through vehicle launches. Pilkington teams work on glass design, interlayers, coatings, tinting, acoustic performance, heating systems, and sensor/camera integration. The process includes extensive testing for safety, durability, and optical quality, as well as calibration procedures for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems when the windshield is installed.
OEM vs aftermarket: what customers experience
For automakers, the OEM windshield is the primary glass specified for production—engineered to exact tolerances and features. Aftermarket customers may obtain Pilkington replacement windshields that meet OEM performance standards, but these are installed outside the original vehicle assembly process and may involve different calibration or installation workflows.
Key attributes of Pilkington OEM windshields
Autmotive OEM windshields must meet strict safety and performance criteria. Here are the core attributes of Pilkington's OEM windshields:
- Laminate construction for safety and structural integrity
- Compatibility with ADAS sensors and calibration for cameras and radar systems
- Compliance with international safety standards (e.g., ECE, DOT) and vehicle manufacturer requirements
- Options for tinting, acoustic interlayers, UV protection, and heating
- Engineering collaboration with automakers to ensure precise fit and feature integration
These attributes reflect Pilkington’s emphasis on safety, sensor interoperability, and strict adherence to OEM specifications across global markets.
Conclusion and outlook
Yes, Pilkington manufactures OEM windshields as part of its automotive glass business within the NSG Group. The company emphasizes engineering collaboration, safety compliance, and a global manufacturing footprint to support automakers’ needs for new-vehicle production and ongoing fleet replacements. As vehicles incorporate more ADAS features and electrification progresses, Pilkington’s OEM windshields are likely to remain central to meeting OEM standards worldwide.
Summary
Pilkington, under the NSG Group, is a major supplier of OEM automotive glass, including windshields. It works directly with automakers to develop and supply laminated windshields that meet precise specifications and sensor integration requirements, while also serving the aftermarket with replacement glass. Its global manufacturing network and engineering collaboration underpin its continued role in the OEM windshields market.
