In a world that moves fast, staying ahead means staying connected. For Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, trade shows and industry conferences aren’t just calendar events—they’re essential opportunities to learn, share, and serve our customers better.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

From the latest advancements in security glazing and ballistic protection to innovations in laminated and specialty glass manufacturing, technology in our industry is always evolving. By attending major events like GlassBuild America, Security Industry Association expos, and regional architectural conferences, our team stays informed on new trends, codes, and technologies that directly impact our customers and partners.

Building Stronger Connections

These events also allow us to spend valuable time with the people who matter most—our customers, distributors, and industry collaborators. Face-to-face conversations help us better understand evolving project needs and challenges. We take that insight back to our product development and technical teams to ensure we’re delivering the right solutions for real-world applications.

Sharing Knowledge and Expertise

As an industry leader, we see education as part of our responsibility. By participating in presentations, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, we’re able to share insights on performance standards, testing methods, and new product capabilities—helping our customers make more informed decisions and specify with confidence.

Looking Ahead

Trade shows and conferences remind us that our industry is built on collaboration, innovation, and shared progress. Every event we attend strengthens our ability to provide customers with the latest technology, reliable performance, and trusted expertise.

Because at the end of the day, we don’t just attend these events to show our products—
we attend to show our commitment.

Innovation in architectural and security glazing is often measured by how well strength and design can coexist. With ARMORGARD™ Ultimate, Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing has redefined that balance—introducing a groundbreaking solution that delivers dual protection from both ballistic and forced-entry threats while maintaining the clarity, durability, and design flexibility architects and end users expect.

Engineered for Dual Threat Protection

ARMORGARD™ Ultimate combines NIJ Level IIIA bullet resistance with ASTM F1233-21 forced-entry protection, providing a single, seamless system that shields against both bullets and physical attack. This dual certification makes it ideal for environments where security failure simply isn’t an option—from government and law enforcement facilities to retail storefronts, transportation hubs, and high-profile commercial spaces.

Durability Meets Design

Traditional laminated systems often rely on exposed plastics that can scratch, haze, or degrade over time. ARMORGARD™ Ultimate eliminates that weakness with a fully glass-exposed surface, delivering exceptional chemical and abrasion resistance. The result is a cleaner, longer-lasting finish that performs beautifully even under demanding cleaning or environmental conditions.

Built for Real-World Use

Because its outer surface is glass—not plastic—ARMORGARD™ Ultimate is easier to handle, install, and maintain. It resists delamination, minimizes installation damage, and stands up to real-world wear without compromising optical quality.

Form and Function, Together

Security no longer has to come at the expense of style. ARMORGARD™ Ultimate offers design flexibility with options for tinted or low-iron glass, printed or reflective finishes, bird-friendly patterns, and even smart-glass compatibility for dynamic shading or privacy control—all while maintaining top-tier ballistic and forced-entry protection.

A Step Forward in Innovation

ARMORGARD™ Ultimate represents more than product evolution—it’s a leap toward a safer, smarter future in glass performance. By uniting protection, aesthetics, and adaptability, Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazingcontinues to push the limits of what security glazing can achieve.

While much has been said about uncertainty in the office market, new data from Building Design + Construction paints a more nuanced—and encouraging—picture for the glass and glazing industry. According to the latest CommercialCafe National Office Report, the first nine months of 2025 saw nearly as much office construction as all of 2024, a sign that developers and investors are slowly regaining confidence.

Mixed-Use Projects Lead the Way

The most promising trend driving this resurgence is the growth of mixed-use developments. Projects like the recently launched Van Zandt Building in Fort Worth—a $400 million, eight-story development combining office, residential, and retail space—reflect how designers are responding to shifting market needs.
Developers are prioritizing flexibility, amenity-rich environments, and smaller “jewel box” offices that promote collaboration and convenience. As noted in the report, the demand for highly amenitized, best-in-class spaces is keeping activity steady even in markets where vacancy rates remain high.

Regional Dynamics Show Select Strength

Markets such as Boston, Miami, and Dallas-Fort Worth continue to show positive indicators. Boston leads the nation in office construction underway, Miami’s vacancy rate has dropped by more than two percentage points, and DFW’s momentum is being driven by vibrant mixed-use projects. These patterns suggest that where new development occurs, it’s increasingly integrated, adaptable, and designed for the way people work today.

Why This Matters for Glass and Glazing

For companies like Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, these trends underscore the ongoing demand for high-performance architectural glass that can support flexibility, energy efficiency, and visual openness. Mixed-use and adaptive-reuse projects rely heavily on glazing solutions that provide both comfort and protection—qualities that define Isoclima’s advanced product lines.

As developers seek to attract tenants and residents with daylight, transparency, and modern aesthetics, glass becomes central to delivering those experiences. The fact that construction activity is rebounding around projects emphasizing design quality and occupant wellness is a positive signal for our industry and our customers alike.

Staying Ahead of Global Trends

At Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, we stay closely connected to the pulse of global construction and design movements. These recent insights from Building Design + Construction reinforce our commitment to innovation—ensuring our partners have access to the latest advancements in safety, performance, and architectural integration.

The message is clear: the future of the built environment is bright, adaptive, and filled with opportunity—and we’re proud to help build it, one pane at a time.

In today’s world, the demand for security glazing that combines strength, clarity, and architectural versatility has never been greater. At Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, our mission is to engineer glass solutions that not only protect people and property but also preserve the openness and design intent of modern architecture.

Advanced Glass Solutions for Security and Strength

Our range of attack and burglar-resistant glass products represents the latest in laminated and strengthened glass technology. The Secur-Tem® and Secur-Lite X® lines use either Chem-Tem® chemically strengthened glass or heat-strengthened glass paired with advanced interlayers such as PVB. This combination creates glazing systems capable of withstanding sustained physical assault — ideal for high-risk or institutional environments that require both resilience and reliability.

For retail applications facing “smash-and-grab” risks, Secur-Lite® meets UL 972 burglary-resistance standards, offering a dependable shield against quick, opportunistic attacks. For sites demanding higher levels of protection, ACCESSGARD® provides enhanced forced-entry resistance, ensuring critical assets and occupants remain secure even under aggressive break-in attempts.

Each product is developed under Isoclima’s Single Responsibility Program, guaranteeing end-to-end quality control and responsive customer support throughout every project.

Clear Protection with Purpose

Security should never come at the expense of design. That’s why every Isoclima product is engineered to perform under pressure while maintaining optical clarity and architectural appeal. Our glazing solutions not only defend against intrusion and impact but also mitigate threats such as UV exposure — all while contributing to the aesthetic and functional goals of the space.

Whether the need is for institutional durability, retail protection, or high-performance architectural glazing, Isoclima’s approach ensures that each product delivers uncompromising safety, tested strength, and visual excellence.

Innovation that Safeguards

From ACCESSGARD® to Secur-Tem® and Secur-Lite X®, Isoclima continues to push the boundaries of glass innovation. Each system is meticulously engineered to meet rigorous global testing standards, ensuring our customers can trust in both the performance and integrity of every installation.

For over four decades, Isoclima and Global Security Glazing have shared a simple commitment: protect what matters most — with clarity, integrity, and strength.

Each year, GlassBuild America brings together leaders from across the glass and glazing industry to share ideas, explore innovation, and anticipate the challenges and opportunities shaping the year ahead. One of the event’s most valuable programs — the Glazing Executives Forum — provides a focused, executive-level look at the trends that matter most to the commercial glazing community.

The 2025 Forum will once again feature two cornerstone sessions: a panel discussion on supply chain dynamics and the annual economic forecast. Both are must-attend conversations for those making strategic decisions about operations, materials, and long-term planning. The supply chain panel will explore how fabricators and suppliers are adapting to evolving market conditions, transportation shifts, and global sourcing realities. The economic forecast will provide a data-driven look at construction spending, inflation impacts, and what glaziers can expect from the coming year.

At Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, we recognize the importance of staying connected to these conversations — not just for our own operations, but for the customers and partners who rely on us. Our leadership team regularly participates in the Glazing Executives Forum to stay informed, engage with peers, and share meaningful insights with those who may not be able to attend in person.

As a company with decades of experience serving the architectural and security glazing markets, we understand that knowledge sharing strengthens the entire industry. Whether it’s new perspectives on economic outlooks, innovations in supply chain efficiency, or best practices in project planning, the takeaways from the Glazing Executives Forum directly inform how we continue to serve our customers with foresight and confidence.

A Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our participation in events like the Glazing Executives Forum reflects a simple truth: innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It comes from being part of a forward-thinking community that shares a passion for better buildings, safer environments, and smarter business.

We look forward to joining our industry colleagues in Orlando and returning with the insights, connections, and strategies that help our customers stay ahead in a changing marketplace.

A significant step forward for the glass and glazing industry was achieved this fall, as the National Glass Association (NGA), working in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), and Professor Juan Miró of the University of Texas at Austin, successfully advanced two key building code proposals promoting natural daylighting in schools, dormitories, and apartments.

These newly approved code changes—now slated for inclusion in the 2027 International Building Code (IBC)—will require classrooms and Group R occupancies such as dormitories and apartments to include access to natural daylight in addition to artificial lighting. The updates are designed to ensure that students, educators, and residents benefit from the physical and mental health benefits of daylight and outdoor views.

NGA Vice President of Advocacy & Technical Services, Urmilla Jokhu-Sowell, described the milestone as “a huge step forward for the built environment—and for every organization committed to occupant health, wellness, and better design.” This achievement reflects the glazing industry’s longstanding commitment to bringing light, comfort, and human connection to the spaces where we live and learn.

Where Daylight and Security Meet

At Isoclima Specialty Glass / Global Security Glazing, we believe that safety and wellness should coexist without compromise. Products like CHILDGARD® Security Glazing demonstrate how advanced protective glass can provide both — the strength to safeguard occupants and the clarity to deliver the natural light and visibility that modern building codes demand.

CHILDGARD® is designed for use in schools and public buildings where security is essential, yet daylight and openness remain central to design intent. By allowing abundant daylight transmission while resisting forced entry, CHILDGARD® supports environments that are not only secure, but also bright, inspiring, and compliant with the latest codes promoting daylight access.

Innovation with Purpose

As the glazing industry continues to champion healthier, more human-centered spaces, innovations in security glass will play a critical role. Daylight contributes to student focus, productivity, and emotional well-being — and with products like CHILDGARD®, architects and school administrators can achieve those outcomes without sacrificing peace of mind.

This convergence of safety and daylight is more than a design ideal — it’s the future of secure, nurturing learning environments.

For more than six decades, Isoclima Specialty Glass and its U.S. companies have been shaping the future of security glazing and architectural glass solutions. With deep roots in Pennsylvania and Alabama, the company’s history is woven into some of America’s most demanding projects, from correctional facilities and embassies to schools, hospitals, and armored vehicles.

From Craftsmanship to Cutting-Edge Security

The American story begins in 1947, when Charles F. Dlubak founded Dlubak Studios in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Originally a stained-glass workshop, the company evolved under the vision of his son, Frank Dlubak, who introduced bent and curved glass to the market in the 1970s. These innovations propelled the company into landmark projects such as the Statue of Liberty restoration, Times Square revitalization, and the American Express flagship building.

By the 1980s, Dlubak had phased out stained glass and transitioned fully into integrated glass solutions, becoming a recognized leader in bent, laminated, and specialty glass. His impact was so significant that in 1998, Frank Dlubak was inducted into the Glass and Metal Hall of Fame.

Expanding Security Glass Manufacturing in Alabama

Meanwhile, in Selma, Alabama, Global Security Glazing (GSG) was pioneering bullet-resistant, blast-resistant, and forced-entry resistant glass solutions. For more than 60 years, GSG has supplied laminated glass, glass-clad polycarbonates, and architectural glazing for correctional facilities, courthouses, embassies, and hospitals.

The company also built a reputation for testing and certification, ensuring every product—from bullet resistant glazing to hurricane glass—meets strict industry standards. Its Single Responsibility Program guarantees that every piece is manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, giving architects and contractors confidence in performance.

Isoclima Group Joins Forces with U.S. Leaders

Founded in 1977 in Este, Italy, Isoclima Group had already established itself as a pioneer in curved, bullet-resistant, and transparent armor glass by the 1980s. In 2021, Isoclima expanded into the U.S. market by acquiring both Global Security Glazing in Selma, AL, and Dlubak Specialty Glass in Blairsville, PA.

This move brought together decades of American craftsmanship and European innovation under one banner. Today, Isoclima Specialty Glass serves as a single source for security glass, architectural glass, and transportation glazing, delivering solutions for projects across education, government, healthcare, and defense.

Innovation That Meets Tomorrow’s Challenges

From laminated security glass for schools to ballistic and blast-resistant glazing for government buildings, Isoclima Specialty Glass continues to invest in U.S. manufacturing and research. By uniting the expertise of GSG and Dlubak with Isoclima’s global leadership, the company has secured its place as a trusted partner for architects, contractors, and facility owners seeking tested, certified, and proven security glazing solutions.

The legacy is clear: a history of innovation, a commitment to safety, and a vision for the future of glass in America.

Across the country, schools and public buildings are under pressure to strengthen their defenses. One solution that has gained attention in recent years is window film—a thin polyester layer applied to existing glass and marketed as a way to keep intruders out.

On the surface, it seems appealing. Films are relatively inexpensive compared to new security glazing, and in live demonstrations they can look surprisingly tough. A rock might bounce off, or a bat might fail to break through right away. But when those demonstrations give the impression of true ballistic or forced-entry protection, they’re painting an incomplete picture.

Window Films: The Reality Behind the Pitch

Independent investigations have shown that window films don’t perform when faced with real threats. Lawmakers in Utah, for example, witnessed film-coated glass shatter under gunfire in a live test. The largest film manufacturers openly state that their products are not bullet resistant and do not meet ballistic standards.

Still, school districts across the country have invested heavily in films—over $100 million in recent years. Some sales demonstrations rely on outdated or thicker glass than most schools actually use, creating results that don’t reflect real-world conditions. Industry experts have warned that this leaves administrators vulnerable to exaggerated claims and misplaced confidence.

The bottom line: window films are not designed to stop bullets. At best, they may slightly slow down an intruder, but they cannot provide the kind of verified protection parents and educators expect.

How CHILDGARD® Security Glass Stands Apart

CHILDGARD® laminated security glass was developed with one purpose: protecting schools and other vulnerable facilities from forced entry. Unlike films, which are applied after the fact, CHILDGARD® is engineered from the start as a protective glazing system.

  • Built with multiple interlayers bonded under heat and pressure.
  • Designed to withstand repeated physical attacks.
  • Independently tested to recognized forced-entry standards.
  • Backed by certifications and documented performance data.

This is not a quick fix. CHILDGARD® is a long-term security solution created to give teachers, students, and staff the precious time they need until help arrives.

Why Choosing the Right Solution Matters

When lives are on the line, the distinction between window film and true protective glass makes all the difference. Films may look attractive because of their lower price, but they were never created to meet the demands of an armed attack. CHILDGARD® provides proven protection that has been tested and certified to perform when it matters most.

In an era when schools face increasing pressure to safeguard their communities, real security requires more than appearances. It requires solutions that are engineered, tested, and trusted.

Looking Ahead

Window films might seem like an easy answer, but the evidence shows they fall short in real scenarios. CHILDGARD® laminated glass offers peace of mind because it’s built for one thing: keeping people safe when every second counts.

See the Wall Street Journal’s perspective on this topic.

Schools Squander Millions to ‘Bulletproof’ Windows. It Doesn’t Work.

Wall Street Journal

Learn more about CHILDGARD®

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