SAFTI

The journey of SAFTI FIRST began with a spark of innovation and a deep-seated commitment to safety. It was in 1978 when William 'Bill' O'Keeffe, having taken the helm of his father's architectural glazing company, O'Keeffe's Inc., attended a trade show in Europe. There, he witnessed a new generation of fire-rated glass systems that were not only superior in performance to the traditional wired glass used in the United States but also aesthetically far more appealing. This discovery ignited a vision. O'Keeffe saw the potential to revolutionize the American market by introducing these advanced, clear, fire-rated glazing products. This led to the establishment of a new division, Safety and Fire Technology International, which would later become the renowned SAFTI FIRST.

From its inception, SAFTI FIRST was driven by a mission to protect people. O'Keeffe was a vocal advocate for safety, particularly after learning about the thousands of injuries caused by traditional wired glass, many of them to schoolchildren. He championed a successful code change to prohibit the use of this hazardous material in vulnerable locations and simultaneously pioneered the development of clear, safe, and economical tempered glass alternatives. This commitment to safety and innovation became the cornerstone of the company. What started as a small division has grown into the leading single-source, vertically integrated manufacturer of USA-made fire-resistive glass and framing systems. With over four decades of experience, SAFTI FIRST has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible, developing a comprehensive portfolio of products that offer protection against fire, smoke, radiant heat, and even external threats like bullets, blasts, and hurricanes. The company's growth is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality, performance, and its foundational mission of creating safer, more beautiful architectural spaces.