Itasca, Illinois-based commercial glazing contractor Glass Solutions, Inc. (GSI) has become the first in the Chicago area and 62nd overall to earn North American Contractor Certification (NACC). NACC is an ANSI-accredited, award-winning, third-party certification that recognizes architectural glass and metal subcontractors who adhere to best practices for glazing quality, construction safety, and business operations. By earning NACC, GSI affirmed its voluntary commitment to meeting high construction standards.

“We always want to be better,” explained GSI CEO Andy Hill. Seeking to continually improve, GSI launched the Elevate Peer Group, a team of progressive facade contractors from across the U.S. who share best practices to ensure the highest quality and efficiencies. GSI has become the fourth of the seven peers to earn NACC. “We were fortunate to begin the process with their perspective,” Hill said of others in the group. He added the support of NACC Technical Director Ben Beeler ensured GSI’s successful certification. “Throughout the process, whenever we ran into roadblocks or had questions, Ben was so forthcoming with information and expectations. Too often these days, we don’t ask enough questions, but this was a good reminder to ask others.”

To undertake its seven-month certification process, GSI established a committee representing each of the company’s demographics. This group of field foremen, project managers, and fabricators collaborated with Hill and NACC administrators to undergo a series of rigorous assessments and to implement standard written procedures in a Quality Management System (QMS), a requirement of all certified contractors. To maintain certification, GSI will be reevaluated annually to confirm its business and glazing practices remain at the high standards NACC requires.

GSI completes interior and exterior glazing projects for educational, institutional, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and commercial clients as well as tenant improvements. The company is a signatory member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 14, employing glaziers of Local Union 27. Recent projects include the Pritzker Military Archives Center in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago and transformation of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), both in Chicago.

“By becoming the first to earn NACC in the Chicago area, Glass Solutions is setting a high bar for best practices,” said Beeler. “Building owners, architects, construction managers, and insurers can be confident that hiring a certified glazing contractor means expert craftsmanship, high quality, and minimized risk.”  

Since its 2015 launch, the NACC program has certified 62 glazing subcontractors in 22 states and Canada. Over 25 more companies are progressing toward certification in 2023. Glazing contractors can earn the NACC credential in one or more of eight categories based on the company’s operations: interior and exterior entry systems, interior glazing, building envelope low-rise, building envelope high-rise, horizontal glazing, active glass, and service work. GSI earned NACC in all but active glass and service work.

About Glass Solutions, Inc. (GSI)

Founded in 1999, Glass Solutions, Inc. is a regional commercial glazing contractor primarily focusing on exterior facades, tenant improvements, and specialty glazing on new, existing, and renovation building projects. The company has built its reputation on the core values of honesty, accountability, relationships, and passion. Capabilities include glazing design, installation, and manufacturing of interior and exterior glazing products. GSI was named a 2022 USGlass Magazine Best Employer. For more information, visit https://www.gsichicago.com.