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{{Short description|American manufacturer}}
{{db-spam}}
⚫
{{distinguish|text=[[Gentex (military contractor)]], a defense contractor}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Gentex Corporation
| logo = Gentex Corporation Logo.svg
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|GNTX}}<br>[[List of S&P 400 companies|S&P 400 Component]]
| founder = Fred Bauer<ref name="Metz"/>
| area_served =
| key_people = Steve Downing,<ref name="Owler"/> James Wallace<ref name="Metz"/>
| industry =
| products =
| revenue =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| num_employees = 5,000<ref name="Owler">{{cite web |title=Gentex's Competitors, Revenue, Number of Employees, Funding, Acquisitions & News - Owler Company Profile |url=https://www.owler.com/company/gentex |website=Owler |access-date=5 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
| divisions =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1974}}
| location = [[Zeeland, Michigan]]
| locations =
| slogan =
| homepage = {{url|https://gentex.com/}}
}}


'''Gentex Corporation''' is an American electronics and technology company that develops, designs, and manufactures automatic-dimming [[rear-view mirror]]s, camera-based driver assistance systems, and other equipment for the [[automotive industry]].<ref name="CNN2020">{{cite news |title=Gentex to Showcase New Tech at CES 2020 |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/newsfeeds/globenewswire/7785978.html |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=CNN |date=January 6, 2020}}</ref> They produce dimmable aircraft windows for the commercial, business and general aviation markets. In addition, the company produces photoelectric smoke detectors, signaling devices, and the [[HomeLink Wireless Control System]] for the North American fire protection market.<ref name="Hendershot"/>
⚫
{{distinguish2|[[Gentex Corporation]], a defense contractor}}

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation is based in [[Zeeland, Michigan]]. They created the first dual-sensor photoelectric smoke detector, and pioneered [[electrochromic]] automatic-dimming mirrors for the automotive industry and [[smart windows]] for the aviation industry. Gentex has more than 1,700 patents on various technologies and products.<ref name="Hendershot"/>

In analyses of the industry in 2001, Gentex had the highest market-to-book value of any automotive supplier.<ref name="Miel">{{cite web |last1=Miel |first1=Rhoda |title=Gentex tops Andersen's value analysis |url=https://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20010903/NEWS/309039977/gentex-tops-andersen-s-value-analysis |website=Plastics News |access-date=5 August 2022|date=September 3, 2001 |language=en}}</ref>
As of 2020, about 98 percent of the company's sales are derived from the automotive market.<ref name="Hendershot">{{cite news |last1=Hendershot |first1=Ingrid |title=Under The Spotlight: Gentex Corporation |url=https://talkmarkets.com/content/stocks--equities/under-the-spotlight-gentex-corporation?post=327863 |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Talkmarkets |date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> As of 2018, less than 1 percent of the company's business comes from aerospace applications of dimmable windows.<ref name="Wynbrandt"/>

== History ==
Gentex was founded in 1974 by Fred Bauer as a manufacturer of fire protection products. Bauer became CEO of the company in May 1986, and also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired in 2018, and was succeeded by Steve Downing as CEO and by James Wallace as Chairman of the Board.<ref name="Metz">{{cite news |last1=Metz |first1=Austin |title=Gentex founder, CEO retiring |url=https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/business/names-faces/2018/01/09/gentex-founder-ceo-retiring/16351985007/ |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=The Holland Sentinel |date=January 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB126645091849247467|title=Gentex CEO's $6.8 Million Sale|last=Gottfried|first=Miriam|website=www.barrons.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-06-16}}</ref>

== Fire protection ==
Gentex created the first dual-sensor photoelectric [[smoke detector]],<ref name="Hendershot"/><ref name="Kingston">{{cite news |last1=Kingston |first1=Lewis |title=PH Origins: Auto-dimming mirrors |url=https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-origins/ph-origins-auto-dimming-mirrors/38610 |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=www.pistonheads.com |date=20 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="Metz"/> considered to be less prone to [[false alarm]]s, while still quickly detecting smoldering fires. Gentex smoke detectors are used in hospitals, hotels, offices and other buildings worldwide.<ref name="Piersma">{{cite news |last1=Piersma |first1=Craig |title=The future looks bright for dim mirrors |url=https://www.just-auto.com/interview/the-future-looks-bright-for-dim-mirrors/ |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Just Auto |date=19 February 2020}}</ref>
In the early 1990s, Gentex introduced a smoke detector equipped with a [[strobe light]] which is designed to alert deaf and hard of hearing individuals.<ref name="Mahoney">{{cite news |last1=Mahoney |first1=Doug |title=The Best Basic Smoke Alarm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-basic-smoke-alarm/ |work=The New York Times |date=1 March 2021}}</ref> Gentex manufactures a wide range of photoelectric detectors for fire alarm systems, standalone, and interconnect systems.

== Automotive ==

=== Mirrors ===
Gentex first introduced a [[rear-view mirror]] that automatically adjusts to potentially dangerous [[glare (vision)|glare]] conditions in 1982.<ref name="Kingston"/><ref name="Hendershot"/><ref name="Arguello">{{cite news |last1=Arguello |first1=Javier |title=No Looking Back: A Bright Future For Mispriced Gentex (NASDAQ:GNTX) {{!}} Seeking Alpha |url=https://seekingalpha.com/article/3769676-no-looking-back-bright-future-for-mispriced-gentex |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=seekingalpha.com |date=December 21, 2015 |language=en}}</ref>


[[Image:Gentex Mirror.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A Gentex auto-dimming car mirror.]]
[[Image:Gentex Mirror.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A Gentex auto-dimming car mirror.]]
Gentex began selling an automatic dimming mirror based on [[electrochromism]] in 1987.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gentex History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones |url=https://www.zippia.com/gentex-careers-4910/history/ |website=www.zippia.com |access-date=5 August 2022 |date=27 August 2020}}</ref> An electrochromic gel is placed between two pieces of glass, which allows the mirror to dim in proportion to the glare level.<ref name="Kingston"/> The reduction of glare eliminates the temporary blind spot caused by the [[Troxler effect]] after the glare source leaves the field of view.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news |title=Mirror, signal, display ....... |url=https://www.just-auto.com/analysis/mirror-signal-display/ |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Just Auto |date=29 November 2002}}</ref> These mirrors have forward- and rearward-facing sensors to measure the ambient light level and glare of approaching vehicles, respectively.<ref name="Bamfield">{{cite book |last1=Bamfield |first1=Peter |last2=Hutchings |first2=Michael |title=Chromic Phenomena 3rd Edition: Technological Applications of Colour Chemistry |date=24 August 2018 |publisher=Royal Society of Chemistry |isbn=978-1-78262-815-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4AJrDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA133 |access-date=5 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
'''Gentex''' ({{NASDAQ|GNTX}}) is a company specializing in fire protection and automotive products based in [[Zeeland, Michigan]].

In 1991, exterior electrochromic mirrors were added to the Gentex product line. These mirrors operate on the same principle as the interior mirrors.<ref name="Kingston"/> In 1997 the geometry of the mirror's surface was adapted to create spherically curved glass with the goals of eliminating blind spots and offering an expanded field of view.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gentex ships mirrors to Mercedes {{!}} GlassOnline.com - The World's Leading Glass Industry Website |url=https://www.glassonline.com/gentex-ships-mirrors-to-mercedes/ |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Glass Online |date=3 July 1997}}</ref>

{{As of|2016}} Gentex introduced the Gentex Full Display Mirror, which provides a video display with a panoramic view of what is behind the vehicle.<ref name="Lienert">{{cite news |last1=Lienert |first1=Paul |title=Gentex transforms rear-view mirror into high-tech vision system |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/ctech-us-gentex-autos-vision-idCAKCN0RI24Z20150918 |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Reuters |date=18 September 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Air quality and smoke detection ===
{{As of |2020}} Gentex is expanding its smoke detection capabilities, developing sensing units for use in cars and other vehicles, to continuously sample air quality for smoke, vaping, and other airborne contaminants. Sensors in publicly used vehicles could have both sanitation and security applications.<ref name="Plumb">{{cite news |last1=Plumb |first1=Steve |title=Gentex Brings Smoke Detector Expertise to Cars |url=https://www.gardnerweb.com/news/gentex-brings-smoke-detector-expertise-to-cars |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=www.gardnerweb.com |date=January 16, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Additional features ===
* Compass/Temperature display
* Map light
* [[OnStar]]
* [[HomeLink Wireless Control System]]
* Tire pressure indicator
* SmartBeam, the company's [[automatic headlight dimmer]]
* Automotive grade microphones
* Rear camera display (RCD) - a realtime panoramic view of the rear of the vehicle only when in reverse gear
* Exterior mirror [[Automotive lighting#Side turn signals|turn signal repeaters]]
* Complex exterior mirror geometries

== Aerospace ==
Gentex and [[PPG Industries|PPG]] Aerospace have delivered [[electrochromic]] [[smart windows]] for the [[Boeing]] [[787 Dreamliner]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Gentex Corporation |title=Gentex Ships First Dimmable Aircraft Window Shades to PPG Aerospace for New Boeing 787 Dreamliner |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/fr/news-release/2007/10/03/930845/0/en/Gentex-Ships-First-Dimmable-Aircraft-Window-Shades-to-PPG-Aerospace-for-New-Boeing-787-Dreamliner.html |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=GlobeNewswire News Room |date=3 October 2007 |language=en}}</ref> These windows use [[viologens]] and a [[redox]] agent to adjust the amount of light that is allowed through the window, a similar technology to Gentex' auto-dimming rearview mirrors.<ref name="Wang">{{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Yang |last2=Runnerstrom |first2=Evan L. |last3=Milliron |first3=Delia J. |title=Switchable Materials for Smart Windows |journal=Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |date=7 June 2016 |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=283–304 |doi=10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-080615-034647 |pmid=27023660 |s2cid=37119899 |url=https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-080615-034647 |access-date=5 August 2022 |language=en |issn=1947-5438|doi-access=free }}</ref> The aircraft windows are electronically controlled: an electrical signal affects the action of a conductive medium between layers of glass. The windows can be adjusted by the passenger or crew to control the amount of light that enters, with five levels from completely clear to completely darkened. The windows are 60 percent larger than standard aircraft windows.<ref name="Art"/>


The aircraft window was included in the exhibition ''Design Life Now: National Design Triennial'', which appeared at the Smithsonian's [[Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum]] in New York City at the [[Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston]] in 2007.<ref name="Art">{{cite news |author=Gentex Corporation |title=Gentex, PPG Dimmable Aircraft Window Shade on Display at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2007/11/05/930851/0/en/Gentex-PPG-Dimmable-Aircraft-Window-Shade-on-Display-at-Boston-s-Institute-of-Contemporary-Art.html |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=GlobeNewswire News Room |date=5 November 2007 |language=en}}</ref>
Gentex was founded in [[1974]] as a manufacturer of fire protection products. The company created the first dual-sensor photoelectric [[smoke detector]], considered to be less prone to [[false alarm]]s, while still quickly detecting smoldering fires.


Gentex is also developing electronically dimmable windows for aircraft that are capable of automatically responding to changes in sunlight, adapting for example when an aircraft turns. The windows can darken to complete black-out capability in under 30 seconds.<ref name="Wynbrandt"/>
Gentex also manufactures automatically-dimming [[rear-view mirror]]s, which account for 96% of the company's revenue,<ref name="Revenue">{{cite news
| title = Gentex Corporation Announces Webcast for First Quarter Earnings Call
| url = http://www.sys-con.com/read/365037.htm
| publisher = Marketwire
| date = [[April 23]], [[2007]]
| accessdate = 2007-04-29
| language = English
}}</ref> based on a technology called [[electrochromism|electrochromics]]. These mirrors dims to reduce [[Light_pollution#Glare|glare]] which could otherwise be blinding when present and produce a temporary blind spot on the retina when its source exits from view (this second effect is based on an after-image to remain on the retina; this phenomenon is called [[Troxler effect]]).


Gentex is AS9100 certified, an industry standard required by the majority of major aircraft manufacturers, and is capable of meeting production standards as an [[original equipment manufacturer|original equipment manufacturer (OEM)]] for aircraft.<ref name="Wynbrandt">{{cite news |last1=Wynbrandt |first1=James |title=Gentex Looks Ahead on Interior Dimming Options |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-15/gentex-looks-ahead-interior-dimming-options |access-date=5 August 2022 |work=Aviation International News |date=October 15, 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
In addition, Gentex manufactures SmartBeam, which consists of [[headlamp]]s that automatically change between high and low beams based on sensor input and can protrude outward of the body to illuminate areas adjacent to the automobile.


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.gentex.com/ Gentex official site]
* [http://www.gentex.com/ official Gentex website]
* [http://www.gentex.com/auto_why_nvs.html Gentex automatically-dimming mirrors]
* [http://www.secinfo.com/dsvR3.u13s.htm SEC Info], 2006
* [http://www.gentex.com/wn_smartbeam.html GenTex SmartBeam]


{{S&P 400 companies}}
{{US-manufacturing-company-stub}}
{{auto-company-stub}}


[[Category:Auto parts suppliers]]
[[Category:Auto parts suppliers of the United States]]
[[Category:Automotive companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Fire detection and alarm companies]]
[[Category:Fire detection and alarm]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Michigan]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1974]]
[[Category:Zeeland, Michigan]]
[[Category:Motor vehicle companies]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1974]]
[[Category:Companies based in Michigan]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1974]]
[[Category:1974 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:Companies in the S&P 400]]

Latest revision as of 19:27, 2 January 2025

Not to be confused with Gentex (military contractor), a defense contractor.
Gentex Corporation
Company typePublic
Nasdaq: GNTX
S&P 400 Component
Founded1974; 51 years ago (1974)
FounderFred Bauer[1]
HeadquartersZeeland, Michigan
Key people
Steve Downing,[2] James Wallace[1]
Number of employees
5,000[2]
Websitegentex.com

Gentex Corporation is an American electronics and technology company that develops, designs, and manufactures automatic-dimming rear-view mirrors, camera-based driver assistance systems, and other equipment for the automotive industry.[3] They produce dimmable aircraft windows for the commercial, business and general aviation markets. In addition, the company produces photoelectric smoke detectors, signaling devices, and the HomeLink Wireless Control System for the North American fire protection market.[4]

Founded in 1974, Gentex Corporation is based in Zeeland, Michigan. They created the first dual-sensor photoelectric smoke detector, and pioneered electrochromic automatic-dimming mirrors for the automotive industry and smart windows for the aviation industry. Gentex has more than 1,700 patents on various technologies and products.[4]

In analyses of the industry in 2001, Gentex had the highest market-to-book value of any automotive supplier.[5] As of 2020, about 98 percent of the company's sales are derived from the automotive market.[4] As of 2018, less than 1 percent of the company's business comes from aerospace applications of dimmable windows.[6]

History

[edit]

Gentex was founded in 1974 by Fred Bauer as a manufacturer of fire protection products. Bauer became CEO of the company in May 1986, and also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired in 2018, and was succeeded by Steve Downing as CEO and by James Wallace as Chairman of the Board.[1][7]

Fire protection

[edit]

Gentex created the first dual-sensor photoelectric smoke detector,[4][8][1] considered to be less prone to false alarms, while still quickly detecting smoldering fires. Gentex smoke detectors are used in hospitals, hotels, offices and other buildings worldwide.[9] In the early 1990s, Gentex introduced a smoke detector equipped with a strobe light which is designed to alert deaf and hard of hearing individuals.[10] Gentex manufactures a wide range of photoelectric detectors for fire alarm systems, standalone, and interconnect systems.

Automotive

[edit]

Mirrors

[edit]

Gentex first introduced a rear-view mirror that automatically adjusts to potentially dangerous glare conditions in 1982.[8][4][11]

A Gentex auto-dimming car mirror.

Gentex began selling an automatic dimming mirror based on electrochromism in 1987.[12] An electrochromic gel is placed between two pieces of glass, which allows the mirror to dim in proportion to the glare level.[8] The reduction of glare eliminates the temporary blind spot caused by the Troxler effect after the glare source leaves the field of view.[13] These mirrors have forward- and rearward-facing sensors to measure the ambient light level and glare of approaching vehicles, respectively.[14]

In 1991, exterior electrochromic mirrors were added to the Gentex product line. These mirrors operate on the same principle as the interior mirrors.[8] In 1997 the geometry of the mirror's surface was adapted to create spherically curved glass with the goals of eliminating blind spots and offering an expanded field of view.[15]

As of 2016 Gentex introduced the Gentex Full Display Mirror, which provides a video display with a panoramic view of what is behind the vehicle.[16]

Air quality and smoke detection

[edit]

As of 2020 Gentex is expanding its smoke detection capabilities, developing sensing units for use in cars and other vehicles, to continuously sample air quality for smoke, vaping, and other airborne contaminants. Sensors in publicly used vehicles could have both sanitation and security applications.[17]

Additional features

[edit]

Aerospace

[edit]

Gentex and PPG Aerospace have delivered electrochromic smart windows for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.[18] These windows use viologens and a redox agent to adjust the amount of light that is allowed through the window, a similar technology to Gentex' auto-dimming rearview mirrors.[19] The aircraft windows are electronically controlled: an electrical signal affects the action of a conductive medium between layers of glass. The windows can be adjusted by the passenger or crew to control the amount of light that enters, with five levels from completely clear to completely darkened. The windows are 60 percent larger than standard aircraft windows.[20]

The aircraft window was included in the exhibition Design Life Now: National Design Triennial, which appeared at the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston in 2007.[20]

Gentex is also developing electronically dimmable windows for aircraft that are capable of automatically responding to changes in sunlight, adapting for example when an aircraft turns. The windows can darken to complete black-out capability in under 30 seconds.[6]

Gentex is AS9100 certified, an industry standard required by the majority of major aircraft manufacturers, and is capable of meeting production standards as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for aircraft.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Metz, Austin (January 8, 2018). "Gentex founder, CEO retiring". The Holland Sentinel. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Gentex's Competitors, Revenue, Number of Employees, Funding, Acquisitions & News - Owler Company Profile". Owler. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Gentex to Showcase New Tech at CES 2020". CNN. January 6, 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e Hendershot, Ingrid (September 15, 2021). "Under The Spotlight: Gentex Corporation". Talkmarkets. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  5. ^ Miel, Rhoda (September 3, 2001). "Gentex tops Andersen's value analysis". Plastics News. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Wynbrandt, James (October 15, 2018). "Gentex Looks Ahead on Interior Dimming Options". Aviation International News. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  7. ^ Gottfried, Miriam. "Gentex CEO's $6.8 Million Sale". www.barrons.com. Retrieved 2016-06-16.
  8. ^ a b c d Kingston, Lewis (20 August 2018). "PH Origins: Auto-dimming mirrors". www.pistonheads.com. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  9. ^ Piersma, Craig (19 February 2020). "The future looks bright for dim mirrors". Just Auto. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  10. ^ Mahoney, Doug (1 March 2021). "The Best Basic Smoke Alarm". The New York Times.
  11. ^ Arguello, Javier (December 21, 2015). "No Looking Back: A Bright Future For Mispriced Gentex (NASDAQ:GNTX) | Seeking Alpha". seekingalpha.com. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Gentex History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones". www.zippia.com. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Mirror, signal, display ..." Just Auto. 29 November 2002. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  14. ^ Bamfield, Peter; Hutchings, Michael (24 August 2018). Chromic Phenomena 3rd Edition: Technological Applications of Colour Chemistry. Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN 978-1-78262-815-6. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  15. ^ "Gentex ships mirrors to Mercedes | GlassOnline.com - The World's Leading Glass Industry Website". Glass Online. 3 July 1997. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  16. ^ Lienert, Paul (18 September 2015). "Gentex transforms rear-view mirror into high-tech vision system". Reuters. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  17. ^ Plumb, Steve (January 16, 2020). "Gentex Brings Smoke Detector Expertise to Cars". www.gardnerweb.com. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  18. ^ Gentex Corporation (3 October 2007). "Gentex Ships First Dimmable Aircraft Window Shades to PPG Aerospace for New Boeing 787 Dreamliner". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  19. ^ Wang, Yang; Runnerstrom, Evan L.; Milliron, Delia J. (7 June 2016). "Switchable Materials for Smart Windows". Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 7 (1): 283–304. doi:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-080615-034647. ISSN 1947-5438. PMID 27023660. S2CID 37119899. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  20. ^ a b Gentex Corporation (5 November 2007). "Gentex, PPG Dimmable Aircraft Window Shade on Display at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
[edit]
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