General Glass International Celebrates 125th Anniversary

As Glass Magazine celebrates its own 75th anniversary this year, it will be highlighting companies that are also surpassing a milestone. General Glass International is celebrating an impressive 125 years in business in 2025. 

So, what does it take for a glass company to survive and thrive for over a century. Glass Magazine spoke with President and CEO of GGI David Balik about how they've been able to do so, and here's what he had to say:

What does it take to stay in business for as long as GGI has?

It takes perseverance, having the right team in place, and being proud of your history while remembering the lessons learned. It’s important to focus on your current business, plan for the future, treat both employees and customers with respect, continuously evolve the business, and remain ready to adapt when and where it is needed. Our 125th anniversary theme, “Built on Legacy, Driven by Innovation,” captures what has helped us grow and thrive through five generations.

What were the major milestones of GGI’s business development?

One key milestone was beginning to import glass in the 1950s. We started importing out of necessity due to a shortage of glass in the U.S. market. The establishment of the Jeannette float glass facility in the 1980s marked another major step forward. After that, GGI expanded into specialty glass distribution and fabrication in Secaucus. In 2010, the installation of our first Dip-Tech printer, a facility expansion, and the launch of Alice Direct-to-Glass Printing became a pivotal moment in shaping the business we know today. Over the years, we’ve continued adding fabrication capabilities to support more complex glass configurations and to create greater efficiency throughout production. We’ve also kept pace with technology, upgrading our digital imaging capabilities and now operating our third printer with the latest advancements.

What kind of historical events has the company survived—worked through?

GGI has successfully navigated several major events, including the closure of the Jeannette facility, the 2008 housing crisis and recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you tell me the role these different tenets of business have played in GGI’s longevity?

Investment in both equipment and people has been essential. As far as the different tenets, leadership, vision: the willingness to change, to adapt—have been key. We have worked hard to keep our workforce engaged. We have also focused on long-term strategic relationships with suppliers in the U.S. and around the world. Being honest and keeping our word helps us with vendors and customers alike. Honesty and commitment and being believable help us with our stakeholders.

What advice would you give to other business leaders when it comes to thriving and adapting throughout the years?

Change is good. Invest in your business and your people. Be data-driven when you can, but trust your instincts and your team.

Additional history and a moment to celebrate women

During World War II, most businesses would have struggled more—or failed completely without women stepping in to keep them going.

Founded by Max Balik in 1900, back when pushcarts dotted Manhattan’s Lower East Side. GGI continues to be a family-owned and operated business—for five generations.

Herman Balik passed away in 1945 and his two sons, Arthur and Albert, were away—in military service. His wife, Fanny, ran the business and kept things going until her sons returned to take over. This was the situation in many families—and businesses at that time.

More information on GGI's history can be found on the company's "about page" by scrolling down to its "company history" tab.