Binswanger Glass was founded in 1872 when Samuel Binswanger opened a small glass store in Richmond, Virginia. The new business thrived in the reconstruction era that followed the Civil War. 

Soon Samuel’s four sons joined him in business and the company began serving clients throughout the South.

The early 1900s were a time of growth. By 1903, the Richmond office could no longer handle all the business and a branch was opened in Memphis. In 1923, a second branch was opened in Houston.

The 1930s were a time of hardship. The financial crash of 1929 hit the nation hard. Everywhere men were selling apples on street corners, and “brother, can you spare a dime?” was the song of the day. Fortunately, Binswanger Glass was financially strong with the resources to withstand an economic disaster. The company was also committed to taking care of its employees and serving its customers. Although hundreds of thousands of dollars could have been saved by cutting wages, working shorter hours, and laying off employees, Binswanger chose to suffer years of losses rather than sacrifice its employees or lower its customer service standards.

Binswanger Mirror was founded in 1947. The company’s investment in people and customer service paid off. After the Depression, the company began to grow again, and in 1947 Binswanger Mirror was established to meet the increasing demands of a post-war customer base and take advantage of the building boom that followed World War II. In the 1940s, Binswanger Glass sold a full line of glass and mirror products as well as garage doors, mantels, kitchen cabinets, breakfast nooks, and exterior doors. Dealer cost for top quality folding attic stairs was $69! When Binswanger Glass celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1947, there were 13 branches in 15 southern and southwestern states.

The 1950s let the good times roll. By 1955, Binswanger had nearly 1,000 employees and 21 warehouses. The company installed what was thought to be the largest pane of glass ever installed in the Southwest. The glass measured 250 x 122 inches and was used in the expansion of the Titche-Goettinger store in Dallas. Even more astonishing, this amazing feat was accomplished in a cold, driving rain and severe wind storm. In 1958, dealer cost for a Bent E-Z Eye and Solex Safety Plate windshield for a Chevrolet car was $24.15!

Sales soar in the '60s and '70s. In 1974, Binswanger responded to a growing need in the furniture industry by founding Glasscraft, the first company to produce heavy glass tabletops. Manufacturing operations were set up in Memphis, and soon glass tabletops were seen in prestigious homes and offices all over America.

Today, Glasscraft is a separate division of VVP America and the largest fabricator of heavy glass tabletops in the world. Over the years, Glasscraft has solved hundreds of customer needs with creativity and ingenuity. This commitment to excellence is why Glasscraft was chosen to engrave the 57,000 names on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Acquisition by Vitro, S.A. In 1992, Binswanger was purchased by Vidrio Plano, the flat glass division of Vitro, S.A. a large North American manufacturer, distributor and retailer of glass and related products. The new company was named VVP America, Inc. and became one the largest glass retailers in North America.

ACI Distribution is another division that grew out of Binswanger Glass. This division was formerly the distribution and fabrication arm of the old Binswanger Glass Company. Today, ACI Distribution is a leader in the distribution of glass and glass-related products in the southern United States. ACI Distribution transports a wide variety of glass products for commercial, residential, and automotive use from 25 branches in 10 states.

Continued Growth as VVP acquires Harding Glass. In the year 2000, VVP America became the largest glass retailer in the U.S. with its acquisition of Harding Glass. Through the acquisition, Binswanger Glass has expanded its reach, adding over 100 branches and additional capabilities to the Binswanger group.

Still going strong after 130 years. Today, Binswanger Glass, the retail division of Vitro America, has over 150 locations in 22 states. Binswanger Glass is one of the biggest installers of glass and glass-related products for residential and commercial use and is a major installer of Auto Replacement Glass in the country. Binswanger Glass is also a leader in glass retailing, providing framed mirrors, shower enclosures and replacement glass to the general public.