U.S. manufacturers like SAFTI FIRST are sitting in the catbird seat when it comes to our own current tariff upheaval. Supply chain disruptions may turn out to be the top risk in the construction industry. One insight is to look beyond familiar resources and seek domestic manufacturers now in anticipation of any tariff disruptions.
A Longstanding Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing
SAFTI FIRST has always focused on being a fully integrated domestic manufacturer by producing a complete product line for the customers we serve. SAFTI FIRST is proud to be a one stop shop and it’s been a core part of our identity.
In the early 1980s, we pioneered the development and patenting of an innovative, USA-made fire-rated glass and framing system. Today, SAFTI FIRST is the only manufacturer of fire resistive glass and framing systems in the U.S.A. Our competitors currently left in the sale of fire-rated glass and framing are still importing all of their glass and framing components from either Europe or Asia.
In 2000, we continued our commitment to vertical integration even further by making significant capital investments to expand into the bullet resistant, blast, hurricane and tornado glass, door and framing manufacture. We purchased a fully automated laminating line that can handle the most complex types of laminations, adding to our reputation of being the only fully vertically integrated manufacturer of fire-rated glass, framing, doors, walls and floors in America. This strategic move gained SAFTI FIRST more operational control over the manufacturing process so that we can offer customers higher quality, more reliability, and fewer surprises.
Maintaining a Strong and Reliable Supply Chain
A vast majority of construction teams have experienced serious disruptions due to lead time problems and inconsistent material availability due to foreign supply. For these team managers, this often means scrambling to revise specifications with the architect and owner, leading to monetary penalties and impacts to the schedule.
When materials are manufactured and sourced here in the U.S.A., as is our case, the chances of these delays are significantly reduced. There’s no reliance on overseas shipping routes or customs backlogs to worry about. Simply put, domestic purchasing leads to better reliance on availability and fulfillment.
Managing Costs in a Volatile Economy
When material costs are fluctuating rapidly, U.S. manufacturers typically have better control, which helps provide stable pricing. For GCs and architects, that means fewer budget surprises and less need for value engineering.
When collaboration starts early in the design phase, U.S. manufacturers can work closely with the project teams in finding cost-effective solutions that can meet their performance, code and aesthetic goals.
The Value of Collaboration
A construction team that involves trusted U.S.A. partners early in the process is likely to see better outcomes across the board – from budget and timeline to overall client satisfaction. At SAFTI FIRST, we’ve built our reputation on being more than just a vendor. We’re a dedicated partner. With decades of expertise in fire-rated glazing and framing, we help teams navigate code requirements, preserve design intent, and deliver the right solutions on time. To bring more control, predictability and confidence to your next project, we suggest specifying locally.
Give us a call today at 888.653.3333 to speak with our experts or send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to supporting you with your next project!
About the Author
William O'Keeffe
About the Author: William O’Keeffe is the President and CEO of SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions, a leading USA-manufacturer of advanced fire rated glass and framing systems. An industry veteran and innovator with over 45 years of experience in architectural glazing, he was first to introduce and manufacture clear, fire resistive glazing products in the US. He is also a safety advocate who exposed the dangers of traditional wired glass, which lead to code changes and fire rated glass products that are safe, affordable and clear alternatives to traditional wired glass. Today, William continues to develop building products that enable architects to create beautiful, safe and energy-efficient spaces with advanced glazing systems.