Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted High-Performance Glass Solutions
Thompson Ig, an ISO 9001:2015-certified fabricator, has been a leader in high-performance glass solutions since 1989. Our dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has transformed us from a regional glass provider into a trusted national name. We specialize in advanced glass technologies, including bullet-resistant, forced entry, school security, correctional facility, bird-friendly, hurricane, and acoustic glass, serving diverse industries with precision. Our state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous multi-step inspection procedures ensure every product meets the highest standards of clarity, durability, and security. As an active participant in the National Glass Association, we contribute to shaping industry standards and best practices.With over three decades of experience, we offer competitive pricing, fast lead times, and a comprehensive supply chain to deliver tailored solutions. Our commitment extends beyond productswe partner with clients, providing expert advice, onsite visits, and educational resources to ensure optimal outcomes. From concept to delivery, we prioritize trust, transparency, and technical excellence. Our leadership team brings decades of expertise in glass science, engineering, and business strategy, driving continuous improvement and innovation. By combining advanced manufacturing capabilities with a customer-centric approach, we empower architects, builders, and institutions to achieve security, sustainability, and design excellence.
Services
Bullet-Resistant Glass
Forced Entry Glass
School Security Glass
Hurricane-Resistant Glass
Bird-Friendly Glass
Laminated Glass
Insulated Glass Units
Acoustic Glass
Correctional Facility Glass
Custom Glass Fabrication
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer ISO-certified quality with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.
- Our team provides fast lead times without compromising precision or reliability.
- We deliver competitive pricing through optimized operations and zero downtime.
- Our strong supply chain ensures consistent material availability and responsiveness.
- We actively shape industry standards as members of the National Glass Association.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2015
What people say
ISO-certified quality
Fast lead times
Customizable options
Expert guidance
Durable solutions
Services
Bullet-Resistant Glass
Our bullet-resistant glass offers proven protection against firearms, utilizing laminated layers of glass and polycarbonate to absorb and disperse projectile energy. Designed for banks, schools, and government buildings, these solutions meet UL 752 standards and feature options for low-spall or no-spall performance. By combining ballistic resistance with energy efficiency and aesthetic flexibility, we deliver security without compromising design integrity or natural lighting.
Forced Entry Glass
Engineered to withstand physical attacks, our forced entry glass complies with ASTM F1233 standards, resisting tools like crowbars and hammers. Multi-layered construction with polycarbonate interlayers ensures durability while maintaining visibility. Ideal for schools, hospitals, and high-risk facilities, this glass provides critical delay against intrusions, enhancing occupant safety and meeting stringent security requirements without sacrificing architectural aesthetics.
Bird-Friendly Glass
Our bird-friendly glass integrates visual markers such as ceramic frits, UV coatings, and etched patterns to prevent avian collisions while adhering to American Bird Conservancy guidelines. Available in decorative and functional designs, these solutions reduce threat factors below 30 and support LEED credits. By balancing ecological responsibility with optical clarity, we help architects meet sustainability mandates without compromising transparency or energy efficiency.
Hurricane-Resistant Glass
Designed to endure hurricane-force winds and debris impact, this laminated glass features high-adhesion interlayers that retain shards upon breakage. Tested to ASTM standards, it protects building envelopes while offering sound dampening and thermal insulation. Commonly used in coastal regions, our hurricane-resistant glass maintains structural integrity during storms and doubles as a security barrier against forced entry attempts.
School Security Glass
Meeting ASTM F3561 and F1233 standards, our school security glass combines forced entry resistance with optional ballistic protection. Tested under simulated active shooter scenarios, these systems delay intrusions while preserving natural light and visibility. With customization options for tint, low-E coatings, and bird-friendly patterns, we help educational facilities achieve comprehensive safety compliance without sacrificing design goals or energy performance.
People
Dr. Harlan Byker
Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder
A scientist with over 40 years of research and leadership experience, Dr. Byker pioneered electrochromic mirror technology and holds 58 U.S. patents. His expertise in materials science drives innovation at Thompson Ig.
Tom Donovan
President
With 30+ years in international business and finance, Tom has led strategic growth initiatives across energy, manufacturing, and services sectors. His leadership ensures operational excellence and market expansion.
Michael Broekhuis
Chief Technology Officer
A mechanical engineer with 25+ years in glass innovation, Mike has advanced ballistic security and manufacturing techniques since joining Thompson in 2012, enhancing product design and production capacity.
Ed Wilson
General Manager
Co-founder with over 40 years in glass engineering, Ed has driven technological advancements and operational efficiency, establishing Thompson's reputation for quality and innovation in architectural glazing.
Scott Caron
Plant Manager
With over two decades at Thompson, Scott oversees production with expertise in fabrication processes, ensuring ISO 9001 compliance and timely delivery of high-quality security glass solutions.
Questions
What is bullet-resistant glass, and how does it work?
Bullet-resistant glass uses laminated layers of glass and polycarbonate to absorb projectile energy. It meets UL 752 standards and offers protection against various firearms while maintaining optical clarity.
Can bird-friendly glass meet energy efficiency requirements?
Yes, our bird-friendly glass integrates low-E coatings and insulated units, combining collision prevention with thermal performance for sustainable building design.
What standards apply to school security glass?
School security glass meets ASTM F3561 for forced entry after ballistic impact and ASTM F1233 for tool resistance, ensuring compliance with K-12 safety mandates.
How does hurricane-resistant glass enhance building safety?
Hurricane-resistant glass features laminated layers that withstand debris impact and pressure changes, preventing structural failure during storms while providing acoustic and security benefits.
What customization options exist for security glass?
Options include tinted, low-E, one-way mirror, and bird-friendly coatings, allowing tailored solutions for aesthetics, energy efficiency, and specific threat levels.
How does Thompson ensure product quality and consistency?
We maintain ISO 9001 certification through dedicated clean rooms, multi-step inspections, and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Jenison and Fenton, Michigan.
Reviews (2)
Armorboy Doe
Dec 21, 2020
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Worst place to do business with, I highly recommend you take your business elsewhere, management is a joke, if osha randomly went threw there they would be shut down in a heart beat, bad product, I have seen better management from a dollar tree.
Tyler Petty Vitalism
Mar 17, 2020
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Terrible management, quality and cleanliness and unwilling to pay employees for their dedication and work ethic. Here's why. Worked there for a year, and I was one of the most effeciant and best quality workers they had and they didn't give me a raise until I told them i was going to quit until i got what i was due. Quality standards were terrible until they got a new quality inspector from pleotint and would blame me for first shift problems.
They gave me a raise but managment was so terrible, I ended up leaving to pursue a future in trucking. Now i make more than the so called managers they have and I am in control of my own destiny. Finally I work and have a job/career where my professionalism is appreciated.
They gave me a raise but managment was so terrible, I ended up leaving to pursue a future in trucking. Now i make more than the so called managers they have and I am in control of my own destiny. Finally I work and have a job/career where my professionalism is appreciated.
