November 13, 2023
For more than a century General Glass International, or GGI, has been a pillar of the glass industry. The company is family-owned and operated (started in 1900 by Max Balik) and specializes in architectural and specialty glass products—from ceramic inks and textures to bird-friendly glass and more. The first company to bring the technology to the US in 2008, GGI remains at the forefront of digital direct to glass printing in North America. Stephen Balik, vice president of business development, represents the fifth generation of the family and leads a team focused on innovation through expansion of product offerings and solutions.
Glass contributes to more sustainable buildings in many ways—from daylight maximization to nature views and thermal comfort, Balik says. Glass in buildings allows natural light to penetrate deeper into interiors, reducing the need for artificial lighting and positively impacting the occupants’ well-being by providing a connection to the outside.
Properly designed glass facades can harness solar heat gain, reducing the need for heating during colder months and contributing to energy efficiency and climate control. Using glass to allow sunlight to passively heat the interior spaces can also lead to reduced energy consumption and a more comfortable indoor environment.