General Glass

General Glass Company has etched its mark on the Northwest glass market for over six decades. Our journey began in the early 1960s under the name Interior Glass, specializing in crafting and installing shower doors, mirrors, and bathroom fixtures throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. This period laid the foundation for our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

In 1967, John Wallace acquired Interior Glass and, in a visionary move, merged it with his existing flooring business, Wallace Floor Coverings. He envisioned a one-stop shop for all bathroom needs, leading to the company's rebranding as General Glass Company. While the endeavor to combine flooring and glass proved to be a short-lived partnership, it marked a pivotal moment in our evolution.

John Wallace subsequently refocused the company on its core strength - glass. The year 1976 saw another significant milestone with the acquisition of Morehouse Glass Company, a well-established neighborhood glass shop serving Southeast Portland. This strategic move expanded our product offerings and strengthened our presence in the market.

Driven by a keen eye for opportunity, Al and Beverly Gauntlet, who assumed responsibility for General Glass following John Wallace's decision to divest himself of the business, seized the chance to acquire an 84-washer in 1978. This acquisition marked the beginning of our foray into the world of insulated glass, propelling General Glass to become one of the first independent (non-window) manufacturers of insulated glass units in the Western United States.

The construction industry's downturn in the region during this period prompted Al and Beverly to concentrate on wholesale insulated glass. They sold their retail and shower door manufacturing operations to the Jewel family, who established Jewel-Morehouse Glass. Al and Beverly returned their focus to supplying window and door manufacturers and glass shops across remote areas of Oregon with custom glass products and supplies, a testament to their unwavering commitment to providing specialized glass solutions.

A Legacy of Growth and Expertise

After decades of driving the company's growth, Al and Beverly Gauntlet chose to retire in 2002, selling General Glass to Bakken Industries. Under new ownership, General Glass embarked on a new chapter, expanding its footprint throughout the Northwest region. This expansion was marked by an investment in cutting-edge technologies, including tempering, CNC fabrication, horizontal beveling, and polishing machines, enabling us to offer an even wider range of services, including custom laminated glass.

Today, General Glass Company stands as a testament to the power of enduring dedication to quality products, exceptional service, timely delivery, and fair pricing. We have thrived by understanding the ever-evolving needs of our clients and adapting our offerings to meet those demands. From our humble beginnings in the 1960s to our current position as a leading Northwest glass provider, our journey has been fueled by a passion for excellence and a commitment to building lasting relationships.