As seen in INSIDE CONSTRUCTION August/September 2025

Written by Ashley Grogan

There is glass, and then there is O’Brien Glass. In a sector shaped by deadlines, design demands and strict codes, this century-old name moves with purpose and precision.

There is glass, and then there is O’Brien Glass. In a sector shaped by deadlines, design demands and strict codes, this century-old name moves with purpose and precision, evident on Castlereagh Street in Sydney.

Commercial glazing can introduce a building before anyone steps inside. It speaks to purpose, presence and precision – all in a single glance. Whether bold or understated, it cues the experience inside and anchors the architecture to its intent.

From multi-storey façades to shopfronts that double as statements, the work of O’Brien Glass’ dedicated Building & Fitout team spans the architectural and the everyday – often in the same week.

“The industry has become much more regulated over the past 10 years,” says Benton Duthie, head of B2B property at O’Brien. “There is greater competition and a stronger emphasis on formal tendering. While long-standing relationships still carry weight, pricing and compliance now play a bigger role.”

Rather than duck for cover, the business made a deliberate pivot. A dedicated team now focuses solely on commercial construction and retail fit-outs, with its own estimators,

national systems and in-house fabrication. The aim is to channel specialist attention and deeper expertise into an area that demands both.

Not just another pane

The results speak through projects like Castlereagh Street in Sydney. What could have been a routine café install turned into an 18-month journey of engineering and finesse. The brief? Seamless, curved glazing with built-in LED lighting, designed to span the interior and exterior of a high-profile site. The client wanted style, substance and zero surprises.

“The architects were heavily involved and had a clear vision for a seamless curved design, with all the glass panels aligning precisely,” says Raj Murugesu, national building and fitout manager at O’Brien. “The level of precision required was significant, and because it is located on a prominent street frontage, the end result needed to meet both aesthetic and functional expectations.”

Meeting the brief meant tackling uneven flooring, navigating complexities around lighting and solving design kinks in real time.

“Castlereagh Street was a challenging project, but that is where we add real value. We are not just about delivering what is on paper; we actively solve problems along the way,” says Duthie.

“When challenges arise, we focus on finding practical solutions in partnership with the client, rather than taking a fixed or transactional stance. Each project is treated with a high level of care and commitment. We are genuinely invested in every project we take on.”

But bespoke builds are only one half of the equation. At the other end sits anti-theft glazing for retail chains, high-volume door replacements and pragmatic shopfront upgrades. The same rigour applies.

“We are just as focused on more standard façade replacements and commercial fit-outs,” says Duthie. “It is about maintaining a strong balance between custom, high-spec work and the day-to-day glazing needs of our clients.”

Coast-to-coast capability

Operating nationally means no room for weak links. O’Brien has locations nationwide with a spread of regional hubs, each with fabrication capabilities and quality assurance processes baked in. This is not a central office operation relying on satellite support. O’Brien ensures quality and consistency through local delivery.

“It is always a challenge, but O’Brien Glass operates as a truly national business,” says Duthie. “We also maintain a strong subcontractor network that gives us flexibility in labour, allowing us to scale up or down depending on the needs of each project.”

The team behind this reach includes six full-time estimating and workflow specialists, led by Murugesu. Combined with a project-by-project logistics strategy, it is a model designed to cut delays, not corners. This structure also allows for the kind of centralised quality assurance that avoids costly missteps on site.

“All materials are delivered to our branches before going to site,” says Duthie. “That gives us an opportunity to check the product as it arrives and again before it is dispatched, verifying both quality and accuracy.”

Murugesu adds: “One of the key tools we use is an inspection test plan. This outlines a step-by-step process for checking materials – before they arrive, on delivery to site, during installation and afterwards.”

Made to measure

In-house fabrication gives O’Brien an edge. Instead of waiting for third-party lead times or overseas orders, the business can turn around customised solutions in shorter windows. Control stays close, quality stays high, and adjustments don’t rely on outside hands.

That control also extends to compliance. With a dedicated technical standards manager and consistent national training, the business treats regulation as integral to project delivery rather than a procedural hurdle.

“We have national systems in place to support compliance,” says Duthie. “If there is any uncertainty, it goes through a defined review process. It is not something we leave to chance.”

Safety gets the same treatment. Each branch has access to health and safety specialists, who work side by side with estimation and delivery teams. Site-specific risks are reviewed early and addressed accordingly.

“There is a strong focus on collaboration between these groups to ensure safety is considered from the outset,” says Duthie.

Trust with a track record

In a market where contractors can appear and disappear with each ABN, continuity matters. That is where the O’Brien 100-year pedigree comes into focus.

“We stand by our work, and we are upfront from the beginning about what can be delivered,” says Duthie. “Our reputation is built on accountability and longevity.”

That same clarity plays out in how the business responds to shifting client concerns. When one partner flagged a spike in break-ins, O’Brien developed a customised Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution. What began as a one-off is now an option for clients across Australia.

“We were working with a client we had a strong relationship with, and during those conversations, they raised concerns about a rise in break-ins. They asked if we had anything that could help,” says Duthie.

“We listen closely, respond decisively, and shape our solutions around the needs of our clients. Strong relationships are essential. While we remain competitive on pricing, our focus is on building long-term partnerships.”

Reflecting on impact

Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda, and O’Brien is turning environmental commitments into everyday processes. Recycled glass and supply chain transparency are all standard practice.

“Internally, we have recycling processes in place for glass and other materials, and we actively track and report on those outcomes within the business,” says Duthie. “We also place a strong focus on supply chain transparency, including compliance with modern slavery requirements. As a business of our scale, we take that responsibility seriously and maintain clear oversight of where and how our materials are sourced.”

In addition, O’Brien is keeping pace with advancements in glass and material technologies, prioritising products with lower environmental impact wherever possible.

“It is about staying closely connected to both our own practices and broader industry shifts, to ensure we continue to meet evolving sustainability expectations,” says Duthie.

The business is also preparing for a wave of remedial work, as a generation of low-quality glass reaches the end of its life.

“During the building boom 10 to 20 years ago, many large-scale projects used cheaper products,” says Duthie. “We are now seeing the effects of that, as some of that glass reaches the end of its service life.”

What builders want

What does value look like in today’s commercial building and fit-out market? It is not just price per square metre. It is delivery certainty, custom capability and clarity when plans change.

“Our scale and experience give us the ability to be more flexible with delivery timelines, which is critical in fast-paced projects,” says Murugesu. “Our team can offer innovative, customised solutions where needed, and that is underpinned by the trust that comes with the O’Brien name.”

Looking ahead, Duthie predicts greater demand for more sustainable materials and continued innovation in glass technology.

“Energy efficiency, solar protection and smart glass features – such as switchable films that can act like digital screens or adjustable shading – will influence how glass is specified and installed,” he says.

As the demands grow sharper, O’Brien continues to meet them with clarity and craft.

Ready to start your next project?
Learn more about our Building & Fitout services or contact the O’Brien® Glass team today.
Building & Fitout | O'Brien Glass®

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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®

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BENTON DUTHIE – Head of B2B Property, O’Brien Glass

As someone who has spent more than six years working with retail property owners, landlords and centre managers, I understand the pressures that come with balancing customer experience, tenant satisfaction and operational resilience. But in recent years, one issue has sharply climbed the priority list for many of us: security.

Break-ins, vandalism and forced entry attempts are more than just statistics. They disrupt business and shake the confidence of tenants, staff and customers. That’s why at O’Brien Glass, we’ve channelled our expertise into developing the O’Brien Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution — a smarter and stronger front line for your retail property.

The modern shopping centre has evolved into more than just a retail destination, it’s a community hub. However, as foot traffic increases and trading hours extend, the opportunity for after-hours crime can also rise. We’ve seen it firsthand: smash-and-grab and ram-raid incidents targeting all types of tenants and retail products. These aren’t isolated acts they highlight the increasing risks faced by businesses today.

It’s no longer enough to rely on alarms and CCTV alone. Today’s intruders are more brazen, better equipped — and they don’t discriminate. That’s why I see more business owners and operators asking themselves: Is my property secure? And increasingly, they’re turning to us for answers.

Making your shopfront safer

At O’Brien, we don’t just fix broken glass, we provide security glass and solutions that support peace of mind. Our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution is the perfect example: It’s designed to deter, defend and delay unauthorised entry, using a combination of toughened structural elements and high-performance glazing.

Let’s start with your glass…

At the core of our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution is Anti-Bandit Glass — a standout in its class. This is more than just thick glass. It is engineered to help resist penetration and delay forced entry, including attacks with objects commonly used in break-ins, such as hammers, bricks or crowbars — giving your property crucial time for security systems or police response to activate. This glass is more commonly used in retail locations that demand an extra layer of protection: shopping centre entrances, tech stores, fashion retailers in urban areas, pharmacies and ATMs. When it comes to securing properties, glass can sometimes be the weakest link.

Traditional shopfront glass, while visually appealing, offers little resistance to a determined intruder. Upgrading to a security glazing solution is a cost-effective way to reduce risk and, in some cases, insurance premiums too.

Security with style

Being secure doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. The solution works to maintain a professional, welcoming aesthetic, because security should be seamless, not intimidating. It’s not just about glass; we take it a level further. Our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution combines the Anti-Bandit Glass with durable aluminium framing for structural integrity, high-security interlocking mechanisms and a seamless design that maintains a modern aesthetic.

We tailor each installation to suit the exact needs of your property, tenants and layout. The solution offers custom configurations for doors, side windows and full shopfronts. Every component is compliant with Australian standards and comes with project management from quote to completion.

It’s business as usual

One concern I often hear from shopping centre executives is, “Will this disrupt trade?” The simple answer is no. We specialise in end-to-end project management and can work around your operating hours, often having our expert glaziers complete installations after hours or in stages to minimise impact. Whether you manage a single retail outlet, a regional centre, a neighbourhood strip, or a high-density precinct, our team can assess, advise and install with minimal disruption to you and your business.

Always here for you

We offer 24/7 call centre support for make-safe and emergency glass repairs — ready to make the space safe and restore security quickly. With a nationwide network and locally based expert glaziers, we can typically respond when and where you need us.

We stand by our commitment to quality and are also proud to recycle our glass waste, support local communities and hold ourselves to the highest standards of corporate responsibility.

Our team is ready to help. We’ll assess risk, plan your upgrade and install a solution that delivers security and confidence, day and night. Because in today’s world, safety and style go hand-in-hand.

Ready to strengthen your business security?
Explore our full range of commercial glazing solutions or contact the O’Brien® Glass team today.
Business Solutions | O'Brien Glass®

Article republished from the Shopping Centre News Magazine

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We’re giving one lucky homeowner the chance to win a brand-new frameless glass pool fence valued at up to $15,000! We’ll remove your old fencing and replace it with sleek, modern and high-quality glass solution that adds safety, durability and serious style to your outdoor space.

Whether your current fence is rusty, dated or blocking the view, this is your chance to transform your pool area into something you’ll be proud of.

To enter, simply complete the form below and upload a few photos of your existing pool fence. Be sure to include:

– One wide shot showing the entire pool area

– One close-up of the current fence condition

Get ready to dive into your pool makeover! Hurry, entries close 14 September 2025!

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

The winner will be contacted once judging is complete.

If you have any questions, please email our team at marketingobg@obrien.com.au.

Competition is open to Australian residents aged 18+ who are individual homeowners of a residential property with an existing pool fence. Competition is a game of skill. Entries will be judged based on creativity and originality. One entry per person. Promotion period: 28/07/25 – 14/09/25. Prize: One winner. Total prize value AUD $15,000. Judging: To take place at O’Brien® Head Office on 15/09/25. Winner notified by phone. Full terms and conditions available at obrien.com.au/competition-terms-conditions.

Click here to learn more about our Glass Pool Fencing solutions.

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Our ability to be there for our customers rain, hail or shine, 24/7, is an integral part of what sets us apart.

As O’Brien Glass® has grown, so has our reach. Yet we remain highly committed to what makes our service so great.

So, to best service the collective Newcastle and Central Coast region in northern NSW, we now have TWO teams dedicated to helping their fellow locals.

Under the expert guidance of Branch Manager, Tony Wilson, we have established O’Brien Glass® Newcastle and O’Brien Glass® Central Coast.

This means that, if you’re in northern NSW, when you call or reach out online to O’Brien Glass®, you will be directed to the nearest local technician to you.

Your Newcastle & Central Coast glazing teams are here to help and can get to you quickly.

Local expertise servicing their local communities.

O’Brien Glass® has been a fixture in the Central Coast & Hunter region for over four decades, providing expert glazing services and upholding Australian glazing standards.

With the two teams active, both regions can rely on dedicated locals who know the area well and have a genuine desire to serve their community.

Our Central Coast team operate locally with the support of the O’Brien Glass® warehouse in Gosford, allowing the local team to service the Hawkesbury River area, down to southern Central Coast and as far West as the Hunter Valley region.

With the Central Coast being looked after, the team of Newcastle locals can more effectively service their Newcastle community. They now focus up to Tea Gardens and Nelson Bay, and right out to Maitland.

Involvement in our communities

O’Brien Glass® is a nationally recognised brand that operates as a local business.

That’s because our entire O’Brien Glass® team values their involvement in their respective local communities. We’ve developed a tight-knit network of trusted local professionals who enable us to confidently support clients with recommendations and referrals.

“I love that I’m now more focused on servicing my local area. It’s so nice to keep coming across familiar faces and it’s rewarding knowing that I’m giving back to my community” – Andrew King, Glazier at O’Brien Glass® Central Coast

The locals from our O’Brien Glass® Newcastle and O’Brien Glass® Central Coast teams are all active members of their communities.

For instance, our Central Coast team have enjoyed involvement in the support of the Wyong Lions Club charity events and the Newcastle team has helped their local Foodbank branch to make a difference in their community.

There for you 24/7, in an emergency.

O’Brien Glass® offers 24/7 emergency glass replacement services.

Both our O’Brien Glass® Newcastle and O’Brien Glass® Central Coast teams are always available to assist with your glass needs!

With local glaziers on call in both regions, we are ready to respond swiftly to urgent home or business needs. We always aim to arrive promptly, to repair or ‘make safe’, giving you peace of mind any time of the day.

We are committed to customer satisfaction

The genuine, customer-focused approach of the O’Brien Glass® Newcastle and O’Brien Glass® Central Coast teams reflects their commitment to quality service.

Our Customer Service Administrator, Kathy Penfold, received the 2023 Standout Individual Award, reflecting 25 years of outstanding service to our local communities.

Our branch has received the National Platinum Award for Safety, acknowledging our dedication to the safety of our team and our customers.

We’re proud to say that:

• Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) is consistently high;
• We enjoy amazing customer feedback and;
• We have a combined customer satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google.

Reach out to an O’Brien glazier near you!

At O’Brien Glass®, we are dedicated to servicing the needs of our customers, no matter where they may be.

With 100 years of experience in Glass services and a lifetime guarantee on all workmanship for the life of your home or building, you can trust in our compliant, high-quality glass and professional 24/7 customer service support.

To contact your local team, click the links below

For O’Brien Glass® Newcastle please click here

For O’Brien Glass® Central Coast please click here

Or to speak with a friendly representative call us on 1800 059 829.

The post O’Brien Glass® Newcastle & O’Brien Glass® Central Coast Spotlight: Local experts serving the wider community appeared first on O'Brien.

We asked Mark to share a few things about being a local glazier on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW.

Name the best place on the Coast

“My favourite spots include the serene shores of Toowoon Bay and Avoca, where I find peace and relaxation.

What do you love about working here?

“I enjoy working on the Central Coast because of the ease of getting around and the genuine nature of our customers. It’s a community where people are down-to-earth and easy to work with.”

What’s the best thing about being a glazier?

“My O’Brien Glass team is like a tight-knit family—hardworking, trustworthy, and always up for a laugh. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with colleagues who share my dedication to quality service and camaraderie. Plus, every day is different.”

What’s your favourite pastime?

“When I’m not working, you’ll often find me fishing on Brisbane Water or enjoying weekends with family and friends at the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, our favourite hangout.”

The post Local Glazier Spotlight – Mark Bancroft, Central Coast appeared first on O'Brien.

“I’ve lived on the Central Coast for 21 years now and can’t fault this place. I get to meet so many friendly, welcoming customers, who also love where they live too”.

“It’s a luxury to practice my trade right here across the Central Coast, without the hassle of commuting. Living here feels like being part of a big family.”

The O’Brien Glass Central Coast team have many experienced glaziers who are locals, that service from Gosford to the Hunter Valley to Newcastle and surrounds.   With the main branch for O’Brien Glass based in Newcastle, the depot in Warabrook helps the local team manage the stock needed to service our customers. From home right through to larger commercial jobs, the team are quick to respond to calls for help to fix broken glass as well as upgrades and replacements for all types of glass.

Andy loves working with his colleagues like Mark, Ben and Mousty.

 “When I’m not on the job driving the O’Brien yellow truck around, you’ll likely find me enjoying my favourite beaches, Copacabana and Macmasters Beach, or spending quality time with my family. Living and working here on the coast offers a unique lifestyle that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

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Since Kelly joined, the team has grown significantly. What began as a small group of two glaziers in Hobart and two in Launceston has now expanded to a team of nine glaziers across both regions, supported by two talented planning specialists in the office.

Kelly is passionate about working at O’Brien Glass, a company she describes as having a strong focus on people and values. She finds genuine fulfilment in seeing her team succeed and takes pride in the positive feedback they receive—from glowing customer reviews to personal calls praising their exceptional service.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys quality time with her husband and daughter. Whether it’s caravanning, motorbike adventures, or relaxing by the campfire, she values the balance that time away provides.

Kelly looks forward to a long and rewarding career with O’Brien Glass and hopes to inspire and empower other women and emerging leaders—within the company and beyond—to pursue their goals with confidence and ambition.

The post Manager Spotlight – Kelly O’Rourke – Glazing Manager Tasmania appeared first on O'Brien.

Each day, Adam is out in the field providing solutions for our customers, replacing glass in windows and doors, and serving as our in-house expert on splashbacks. With a wealth of glazing knowledge, Adam is a trusted source of advice and information on everything from dog doors and mirrors to shower screens, consistently delivering professional, reliable service to every customer he assists.

“Tassie is a great place to work and live, to spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the wonderful areas we can get to within a few hours’ drive” says Adam.  In his spare time, he loves to watch sport, spending time with his partner and taking care of their little dog Frisko.

Adam also said: “We have a great little team here at O’Brien Glass Hobart and it’s great to work with a team of genuine people as we are all willing to help each other out and we can have a joke and a laugh.”

So, if you need some glass replaced, please call your local O’Brien Glass® Glazing team and we will be more than willing to help.

The post Local Glazier Spotlight – Adam Joyce from Hobart appeared first on O'Brien.

O’Brien Glass® Hobart, led by Kelly O’Rourke, is dedicated to providing exceptional service, whether over the phone or in person at our branch. Customer service specialists Allison and Georgia are here to assist with any enquiry and ensure our glaziers are dispatched promptly and efficiently to meet your needs.

We offer a wide selection of high-quality pet doors and even have a sample door on-site, allowing you to bring your pet in to ensure the perfect fit. Our team also enjoys the chance to meet your furry companions during your visit.

If you’re in need of any glazing solutions, we encourage you to contact us. We take pride in our strong local knowledge and are committed to supporting our community with expert advice and friendly, reliable service.

The post O’Brien Glass Hobart – Meet the Team of Local Glaziers appeared first on O'Brien.