About 5 years ago I had my windshield replaced. I did the usual OCD stuff and chose a local independent shop and managed to get an "OEM" windshield (original mfg, but no brand logo).
This time around I noticed huge changes. The mom and pop shops have been taken over by state or national chains. The number of brick and mortar shops is down and there seems to be more mobile installers with internet/national ties.
The quoted prices from all companies were within $15 of each other. Safelight started out $40 more, but then emailed me aggressively, first $30 off, then $40 off.
Sadly, it seems that Chinese glass is getting much more prevalent. Even the big boys like Pilkington seem to out source some of their product. I admit to relaxing my OCD thing this time. I went with a small Michigan based chain and ended up with a "Fuyao Group Automobile Glass Co" windshield (China owned). They just opened a huge mfg. plant in Ohio: https://www.fuyaousa.com/about/ I'm not sure that mine is U.S. made or China made...trying to evaluate the DOT code soon.
Frustrating to see this occurring, but I probably shouldn't be surprised.
This time around I noticed huge changes. The mom and pop shops have been taken over by state or national chains. The number of brick and mortar shops is down and there seems to be more mobile installers with internet/national ties.
The quoted prices from all companies were within $15 of each other. Safelight started out $40 more, but then emailed me aggressively, first $30 off, then $40 off.
Sadly, it seems that Chinese glass is getting much more prevalent. Even the big boys like Pilkington seem to out source some of their product. I admit to relaxing my OCD thing this time. I went with a small Michigan based chain and ended up with a "Fuyao Group Automobile Glass Co" windshield (China owned). They just opened a huge mfg. plant in Ohio: https://www.fuyaousa.com/about/ I'm not sure that mine is U.S. made or China made...trying to evaluate the DOT code soon.
Frustrating to see this occurring, but I probably shouldn't be surprised.