O’Brien leading the way with security solutions and emergency repair capabilities

As seen in Facilities Perspectives Volume 19, Number 3

BY ALEXANDRA CAIN

 

There are two aspects to producing really cutting-edge – no pun intended – glass solutions: superior safety technology and industry-leading security features. O’Brien is acknowledged as the best in the glass sector at both safety and security, routinely supplying glass products to high-stakes customers like childcare and aged care facilities, as well as the world’s top retail brands.

 

Smarter, stronger glass

When safety matters, O’Brien offers a range of glass solutions designed to help protect people and property. Options include glass that breaks into small pellets rather than dangerous shards, heat-strengthened glass and interlayers between panes to enhance the overall structural integrity.

‘We also work with suppliers who provide safety film on the outside of the glass, which further toughens it and makes it break in a safe way,’ says Benton Duthie, O’Brien’s Head of B2B Sales, who explains how glass is installed makes a big difference to how safe and secure it is.

‘For instance, with our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution, the combination of how the glass and frames are designed, engineered and constructed, how the glass is held in those frames and how they are installed makes it secure.’

 

Security that buys time – and peace of mind

The security aspects of O’Brien solutions focus on glass that slows down entry into a premises, making it harder for a potential intruder to gain access. This often results in the offender abandoning their attempt and moving on, while also helping to secure the contents inside. Slowing down entry can give security personnel valuable time to respond if they are alerted to a break-in

‘What we do is make sure it’s not easy for someone to break in, while the client can still display their product to their greatest potential. We recently worked with a major retail chain to address significant security and safety challenges. We designed an entrance solution that slows down the break-in process. This means that when an attempt is made and the glass is broken, the site remains safe, but also slows down entry and deters the thieves,’ says Duthie.

Additional features, such as brackets at the base of the frames that prevent doors from being lifted out, further enhance the safety and security of the system, making a big difference.

Transparent innovation

Other emerging glass technologies include a switchable glass film that allows the transparency of the glass to change at the flick of a switch – from fully transparent to opaque – offering both privacy and versatility within the office and commercial space.

‘Whether it’s for privacy, display or aesthetic purposes, this kind of technology shows how far the industry has come,’ says Duthie. ‘And we’re excited about what this kind of innovation makes possible.’

Duthie adds that while clients could choose solid barriers, they often opt for glass to showcase products or let in natural light. ‘We need to make that possible – safely and securely.’

 

Emergency repair capabilities

Products aside, the O’Brien superior emergency repair capabilities set it apart.

‘Our repair-and-replace business is the core of what we have been doing for decades,’ says Duthie. ‘We have branches in multiple locations across the country, and a network of trusted subcontractors to support our national footprint. We operate 24/7, so clients can call us any time for a “make safe” if there is broken glass. In a night-time emergency, that might mean securing the area with boards and returning in the morning to complete the repair. In other cases, we can provide a first-time fix, repairing the damage on the spot.’

 

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, O’Brien is focused on strengthening supply chains and ensuring its glass comes from sources that are replenishable and sustainable. ‘Being part of a global entity, we’re constantly looking at overseas trends, especially around the products that enhance security and strength,’ Duthie adds.

Glass may be inherently fragile, but the O’Brien mission is anything but. Duthie notes that the O’Brien team prides themselves on providing solutions that are safe and secure. ‘That’s not easy, because transparent products generally involve glass, and glass, by nature, can break. But our goal is to work with clients to minimise breakages, not just replace the glass over and over again. We support the entire installation process, from quality frames to specialist film that improves strength and safety.

‘Ultimately, it’s about moving the industry forward and giving our customers the confidence that they’re in safe hands,’ Duthie concludes.

 

When security and speed matter, we’re here to help!
Talk to our team about emergency repair or our security glazing solutions.
Business Solutions | O'Brien Glass®