The Selma Times-Journal

More new jobs are coming to the area, according to an announcement of expansion made by Global Security Glazing Thursday morning.

The company, located in Selfield Industrial Park, is expected to add approximately 40 new employees to its existing staff of about 135 people.

“Selma has been good to us, without a doubt,” said Kent

Hartley, co-owner and chief operating officer for Global Security Glazing. Hartley said the expansion is the result of Standard Bent Glass and Global Security Glazing purchasing the Lexgard, Suregard and Armorgard laminate business from GE Plastics.

Production of these lines is being moved from Allentown, Pa., to the local facility at Selfield. The company will invest approximately $1 million in the expansion.

“We chose to move the business and most of the equipment to Selma,” Hartley said.

The company manufactures

transparent armor products that help provide ballistic, bomb blast, natural disaster and forced entry protection for a variety of customers.

Uses include military vehicles – such as windshield glass on Humvees – government buildings, guard booths, banks, detention centers and embassies.

“We are thrilled to add these three prestigious brands to our world-class portfolio of fabricated glass and glazing products,” Hartley said.

Wayne Vardaman, director of the Economic Development Authority, said Team Selma and the EDA have been working with Global to help with the expansion.

“We’re real excited. This is a big day for us. It’s another existing business in our county that has decided to invest in the future,” Vardaman said. “This is an industry we can be proud of that has international exposure.”

Sen. Hank Sanders, D-Selma, joked that there may be a need in the Senate chambers for protective glass, a reference to a fist fight that occurred the last day of the session between two senators.

He then told Hartley the expansion is appreciated at a state level. “We greatly appreciate what you’re doing,” he said.

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard echoed the sentiment.

“You have a great product. From the county side, if there’s anything we can do to help you continue to be successful, just let us know,” Ballard said.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. said he recently took a tour of the Selfield facility. He credited the Team Selma approach with continued success in luring – and keeping – industry.

“We really do believe in a team approach of development,” Perkins said.