Desa Autoglass

What Desa Autoglass does

DESA Autoglass (legal entity DESA AUTOGLASS AG) is Switzerland's largest vehicle glass specialist, founded in 1998 by Luciano Della Santa and Bernhard Rothacher following an earlier auto glass business established in Ticino. The company provides repair, replacement, ADAS calibration, tinting, polishing, and security coding services for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, operating 32+ branches nationwide with a fleet of 120+ mobile service vehicles that perform the majority of jobs on-site at customer locations. Core technology centers on UV-resin stone chip repair (repairs within ~1 hour, lifetime structural integrity), ADAS camera/radar/lidar calibration delivered through the exclusive CheckPoint center in partnership with Hella Gutmann, and proprietary processes including GLASS SHINE polishing and DESA BLACK GLASS tinting; DESA ACADEMY in Zofingen certifies technicians and underwrites consistent service quality across the network.

The business model is transaction-based fee-for-service, with revenue generated per repair, replacement, calibration, tinting, polishing, or coding event. The dominant customer funnel runs through direct referrals from all major Swiss insurance companies (Mobiliar, Zurich, Helvetia, AXA, Generali, Baloise, Vaudoise, Allianz), which coordinate appointments and handle billing so DESA delivers service against existing comprehensive (kasko) or partial coverage policies; DESA also administers claims paperwork on behalf of customers. Secondary channels include fleet management partnerships (ARVAL, Ayvens, CARNET, Carvolution) and large corporate fleets (Migros, Coop, fenaco, TCS), an ASTAG partnership covering the Swiss commercial road transport sector, and direct-to-consumer online booking via reservation.desa-autoglass.ch plus dedicated phone lines for passenger cars and trucks. The four primary customer segments are individual vehicle owners, truck and bus fleet operators, insurance companies, and over 2,000 partner garages that subcontract glass and ADAS calibration work to DESA through the CheckPoint "Werkstatt hilft Werkstatt" model. Distribution is exclusively domestic (Switzerland), with sustainability positioning (Swiss Climate Bronze label, EcoVadis Committed, ISO 14064-1) supporting environmental differentiation.

Name

Desa Autoglass

Legal name

DESA AUTOGLASS AG

Website

https://desa-autoglass.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

DESA Autoglass is Switzerland's largest vehicle glass specialist, operating 32+ branches and 120+ mobile service vehicles for repair, replacement, ADAS calibration, tinting, polishing, and security coding of passenger and commercial vehicle glass.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Auto Glass Repair and Replacement Services

NAICS

Automotive Glass Replacement Shops (811122), Automotive Body, Paint, Interior, and Glass Repair (81112)

SIC

Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500)

akta.pro primary industry

Auto Glass Repair & Replacement (TLAKAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Glass, Lighting & Visibility Systems Service (Windshields, Lamps, Mirrors) (TLAKABAL), Electrical, Diagnostics & ADAS Calibration (TLAKAAAF), Mobile Glass Repair/Replacement & Temporary Weatherproofing (TLAKAFAL)

Keywords

• Vehicle glass repair
• Windshield replacement
• ADAS sensor calibration
• Auto glass services
• Fleet glass management

Headquarters

HQ city

Muri Bei Bern

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Vehicle Glass Repair Services: Stone chip repairs using UV resin technology, completed within approximately 1 hour. Revenue generated per incident, typically billed through partial or full coverage insurance policies.
2. Vehicle Glass Replacement Services: Full windshield and vehicle glass replacement using OEM-quality components, completed within approximately 3 hours. Revenue per incident; costs typically covered by comprehensive insurance minus any deductible.
3. Camera and Sensor Calibration Services: Calibration of ADAS cameras, radar, and lidar systems after windshield replacement, performed per-vehicle per incident. Billed as part of replacement service or as standalone service for workshops.
4. Vehicle Glass Tinting (DESA BLACK GLASS): Window tinting service offering UV protection, privacy, and shatter protection. Revenue per vehicle per service.
5. Security Coding / Polishing Services: Vehicle identification coding for theft prevention and windshield polishing for improved visibility. Revenue per service per vehicle.
6. Insurance Claim Administration: DESA handles all insurance paperwork and claim administration on behalf of customers and insurers, streamlining the billing process through established insurance partner relationships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DESA Autoglass is a Swiss vehicle glass specialist that provides windshield and auto glass repair, full windshield replacement, ADAS camera/radar/lidar calibration, window tinting (DESA BLACK GLASS), anti-theft security coding, and windshield polishing (GLASS SHINE) for passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Services are delivered through 32+ physical branches and a fleet of 120+ mobile service vehicles, with more than 50% of jobs performed on-site at customer locations. The company also handles insurance claim administration on behalf of customers and offers a CheckPoint calibration center for external workshops in partnership with Hella Gutmann.

Product overview

DESA AUTOGLASS is a Swiss vehicle glass specialist offering repair and replacement services for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The core service portfolio centers on Windshield Repair and Windshield Replacement for both passenger vehicles and trucks/buses. The offering extends through Camera and Sensor Calibration as an essential add-on for modern vehicles with ADAS systems, supported by the CheckPoint Calibration Center. Additional services include Window Tinting (DESA BLACK GLASS), Security Coding for anti-theft protection, and Windshield Polishing (GLASS SHINE). The company operates over 30 branches throughout Switzerland with a fleet of over 120 service vehicles, with over 50% of jobs performed on-site at customer locations. Internal staff training is delivered through the DESA ACADEMY in Zofingen.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DESA ACADEMY: Internal training and certification program for automotive glass technicians, located in Zofingen.
• CheckPoint
• DESA BLACK GLASS
• GLASS SHINE

Products and services

• Windshield Repair (Personenwagen) Stone chip and crack repair for passenger car windshields using specialized UV-resin injection technology, completed within approximately 1 hour, with 3-year warranty and ecologically sustainable outcomes.
• Windshield Replacement (Personenwagen) Full vehicle glass replacement for passenger cars using OEM-quality components, completed within approximately 3 hours, with lifetime warranty against water infiltration and 3-year warranty on labor and materials. On-site service available.
• Camera and Sensor Calibration (ADAS) Professional calibration of ADAS cameras, radar, and lidar systems per manufacturer specifications, performed after windshield replacement to ensure correct functioning of driver assistance features such as lane keeping, emergency braking, and distance warning.
• Window Tinting (DESA BLACK GLASS) Professional window tinting providing up to 99% UV protection, privacy, and shatter protection, applied without bubbles or creases in compliance with legal regulations. Three tinting levels available.
• Security Coding / Vehicle Glass Etching Anti-theft service that etches a unique code combining the vehicle's VIN with a supplementary code onto all vehicle glasses, registered in police and customs databases to deter theft and aid recovery.
• Windshield Polishing (GLASS SHINE) Professional windshield polishing using the GLASS SHINE method to remove micro-scratches and restore optical clarity, improving visibility and driving safety.
• Truck & Bus Glass Services Specialized vehicle glass services for trucks, buses, construction vehicles, and special vehicles, including on-site mobile service, repair within 1 hour, Emotach-authorized conversions, and ADAS calibration, with 24/7 availability to minimize downtime and Heavy Vehicle Fee (LSVA) exposure.
• CheckPoint Calibration and Diagnostic Center Exclusive calibration and diagnostic center operated in partnership with Hella Gutmann, offering high-precision calibration of camera, radar, and lidar systems, component activation (headlights, tow hitches), and headlight testing for automotive workshops and body shops across Switzerland.

Quantifiable outcome

• 677x less CO2 emissions per repair vs replacement
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Die MobiliarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Swiss insurance company that refers policyholders to DESA for glass damage repair and replacement services. Mobiliar coordinates appointments and handles billing directly with DESA on behalf of insured customers.
• Zurich VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company partnering with DESA for glass damage claim processing and service referral for policyholders.
• Helvetia VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company referring policyholders to DESA for vehicle glass services.
• AXA VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company with glass damage partnership with DESA for policyholder referrals.
• Generali VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company partnered with DESA for vehicle glass claim handling.
• Baloise VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company referring policyholders to DESA for glass damage services.
• Vaudoise VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss insurance company partnered with DESA for glass damage claim processing.
• Allianz VersicherungcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal insurance group operating in Switzerland with glass damage service partnership with DESA.
• ARVALcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational fleet management company operating in Switzerland. DESA provides glass damage services for ARVAL's leased fleet vehicles, handling repairs and replacements across DESA's branch network.
• AyvenscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal fleet management provider. DESA handles glass services for Ayvens fleet vehicles in Switzerland with streamlined billing and priority service.
• CARNETcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFleet management company partnered with DESA for vehicle glass damage management across Switzerland.
• CarvolutioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFleet management provider with DESA partnership for glass damage services for their vehicle fleet.
• MIGROScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLarge Swiss retail corporation operating extensive vehicle fleets. DESA provides glass damage services for MIGROS fleet vehicles, handling damage claims and repairs across the network.
• COOPcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Swiss retail cooperative with large vehicle fleet. DESA provides glass services for COOP fleet vehicles across Switzerland.
• fenacocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss agricultural cooperative with significant vehicle fleet. DESA provides glass damage services for fenaco fleet vehicles.
• TCS (Touring Club Switzerland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwitzerland's largest mobility club with vehicle fleet. DESA provides glass services for TCS fleet vehicles.
• ASTAG (Schweizerischer Nutzfahrzeugverband)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Road Transport Association partnership. Under the motto 'Grandi vetri. Partner forte.' (Large glasses. Strong partner.), DESA collaborates with ASTAG on joint projects aligned with the needs of commercial vehicle operators throughout Switzerland.
• Hella GutmanncoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to operate the exclusive CheckPoint calibration and diagnostic center in Zofingen. Hella Gutmann provides diagnostic equipment and expertise for high-precision ADAS camera, radar, and lidar calibration. This is the first CheckPoint in Switzerland.
• Over 2000 Garages and Trade BusinessesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 2000 independent garages and trade businesses across Switzerland rely on DESA's glass services, either as subcontractors for their customers' glass needs or for their own vehicle fleets.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Hella Gutmann Solutions: Diagnostics, ADAS calibration equipment, and workshop solutions provider. DESA's CheckPoint partner in Zofingen; comparable technology ecosystem for ADAS calibration services.
• TCS (Touring Club Switzerland): Switzerland's largest mobility club with roadside assistance and a vehicle glass partner network. Adjacent to DESA in roadside/mobile service for vehicle owners, with overlapping customer base.
• Euro Repar Car Service (garage network): Multi-brand garage network in Switzerland that subcontracts or competes with DESA for vehicle glass work via partner workshops; a relevant ecosystem counterparty.
• ARVAL Switzerland: Major Swiss fleet management company and DESA partner. Comparable on fleet-glass operations and consolidated-billing model, though it is a customer/buyer of glass services rather than a glass services provider.

Broad incumbents

• Belron (parent of Carglass, Autoglass): Global vehicle glass repair and replacement leader operating brands such as Carglass and Autoglass. Sets the global benchmark for insurance-integrated glass service models that DESA operates in Switzerland.
• Safelite Group: Largest U.S. vehicle glass repair and replacement provider with mobile service model, insurance partnerships, and ADAS calibration capabilities — a structural analog to DESA's Swiss mobile + branch model.
• Novus Glass: International vehicle glass repair and replacement franchise network. Comparable in product offering, though operating in different geographies, making it a useful international benchmark.

Direct peers

• Carglass Switzerland (Belron): Swiss arm of Belron, the world's largest vehicle glass repair and replacement group. Directly competes with DESA on passenger and commercial vehicle glass repair, replacement, and ADAS calibration across Switzerland, with similar insurance-driven GTM.

Regional players

• Apogee Glass (European autoglass networks): European auto glass networks with similar mobile repair and replacement offerings. Comparable in service mix and insurance-channel approach, though concentrated in different European countries.
• A.W. Auto Glas (independent Swiss autoglass): Independent Swiss auto glass specialist. Comparable in core service offering (repair/replacement/calibration) but typically smaller in scale and geographic reach than DESA's national network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/desaautoglassch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Desa Autoglass