LTI Smart Glass Inc (LTI), announced today that their SMARTGARD GCPFR containment series windows has gained approval from Underwriters Laboratories for use in 45 minute rated doors, 45 minute rated side lites or windows, and for 90 minute rated doors. This certification by Underwriters Laboratories results in LTI offering the most up-to-date testing in the industry, while also offering the industry largest sized 45 minute containment/fire rated assembly (1744 inches for a fixed window). LTI’s SMARTGARD glassclad polycarbonate and wire-glass-clad polycarbonate have also been recently tested to the latest ASTM F1915 (Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities), resulting in a complete line of Grade 1 (60 minute) to Grade 4 (10 minute) containment products.

Company President Jeff Besse comments “We made a commitment to provide high quality detention glazing products at competitive pricing to our customers. Over the past eighteen months LTI and our distributors received dozens of requests for fire rated detention glazing so our business decided it’s the right time. It was a huge investment, but we know we needed to do this in order to fully serve our customers.”

On December 18, LTI hosted a press conference with Senator Ben Downing, members from the Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation, and local area business professionals and business press. The event was held at LTI’s new corporate headquarters located in Pittsfield Massachusetts, and was sponsored by Senator Downing’s office.

The CDFC provides financing to small businesses in Massachusetts with the purpose of creating and preserving jobs and promoting economic development. Brief speeches were presented by those present, sharing how partnership with the CDFC has brought new employment, as well as increased revenue to Berkshire County Businesses. LTI showcased their ability to consolidate the company’s Florida factory into their newly headquartered facility at Federico Drive with the help of a $500,000 loan from the CDFC. By doing this, not only were as many as 10 jobs transferred to Massachusetts, more than 50 new hires have been the result thus far. “We are very pleased to be able to partner with CDFC to keep our company moving forward,” said Jeff Besse, co-owner of LTI Smart Glass. John Martino, co-owner of LTI, expressed his excitement to have a room filled with so many flourishing Berkshire businesses, all of whom have existing transactions with one another.

At the conclusion, LTI offered a “factory tour” showing off their new equipment and new 90,000 square foot facility. Each attendee was able to see how glass comes into the factory, gets manufactured into a finished product, and ships out to a new destination