“Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” are second-stage companies that represent all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries.  To qualify, Total Security Solutions had to demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, creation of innovation or use of innovation in creative ways, and sustainable competitive advantage.

Throughout the last three years, Total Security Solutions has experienced tremendous business growth.  The company has invested in significant capital improvements to ensure long-term growth, including doubling its facility to 24,000 sq. ft. and investing over $80,000 in new equipment.

“Recognition as one of the ‘Michigan 50 Companies to Watch’ is an accomplishment that everyone at Total Security Solutions can be proud to have achieved,” said Jim Richards, president, Total Security Solutions.  “The company’s growth can be directly attributed to the team, from the front office and sales to our shop floor, who work hard every day to build a quality bullet proof glass product.  Quality and service are what drive Total Security Solutions forward and past others in our very competitive industry.”

Winners were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development, industrial and venture capital communities.

Total Security Solutions will be honored at an awards ceremony during the eighth annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, May 3, 2012 in Lansing, Mich.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business was founded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Edward Lowe Foundation, Greater Lansing Business Monthly and Small Business Association of Michigan.  Information about the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at http://Michigan.CompaniesToWatch.org.

To pass the Level 4 test, bullet proof glass must stop a shot from a .30-06 hunting rifle.

“Customers come to us wanting a product that meets their security and aesthetic needs,” said Jim Richards, president, Total Security Solutions.  ”Unlike our competitors, Total Security Solutions can deliver Level 4 protection in a custom product, such as a transaction window that includes a voice port.  This new product line is a result of recent investments in our manufacturing facility.”

Total Security Solutions’ Level 4 bulletproof glass is a 4-ply combination of glass and polycarbonate that can be manufactured 1-1/2” thick.  The framing system for the glass has a total extrusion of 3” x 5-1/2”.

Bulletproof glass is tested by firing a bullet from a set distance in a set pattern. Levels of protection are based on the glass’ ability to stop a bullet traveling at a specific speed. 

In the test environment, the sample is rigidly mounted 15 feet from the rifle muzzle with a 1/8” thick “witness plate” of corrugated cardboard positioned 18 inches behind it.  No marking, or impressions are allowed on the witness plate to achieve a pass rating.   

Level 4 bulletproof glass provides ideal security for military bases, port of entry checkpoints, government facilities, embassies, and police stations.

The first incident occurred in June 2011 when “David Laffer shot and killed four people before walking out with thousands of prescription drugs.” In December 2011, a suspect, as well as an off-duty federal agent, were shot and killed after a robbery at a Seaford Pharmacy.

Schumer’s plan calls for “tighter security at small drug stores, better collaboration between local police and federal authorities and increasing the punishment for pharmacy robberies in order to stem the crisis.” He “recommended that pharmacies equip their shops with silent alarms, timed safes and bullet-proof glass that separate the customer from the pharmacist.”

The agent in charge advised pharmacy owners not to confront a robber as they are usually armed. They simply want to get in, get the drugs and get back out as quickly as possible.

The Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania convenience store hasn’t been robbed in five years and the owner attributes the store’s safe reputation to the booth protecting its clerks. Catina Nahodil, the store owner, said. “I think employers who have these care about their employees a lot.”

Angelina Donvito was charged with robbery, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Nahodil hopes the failed robbery will serve as a warning to other criminals to avoid robbing her store.

An article on MyModernMet.com featured one artist’s unique tribute to Steve Jobs, the Apple co-founder who recently passed away. Michael Miller is known for his multi-layer sculptures that when viewed from a certain angle look more like a painting.

His most recent piece depicts the portrait of Steve Jobs featured on Apple.com. “It’s an expanded graphic portrait of Steve Jobs rendered with bulletproof glass that I found in a dumpster,” said Miller. The layers of bulletproof glass are suspended one piece in front of another and when viewed head on, it’s a striking representation of the late Jobs.

Photos Courtesy of MyModernMet.com

Ford cited economic trouble as one possible explanation for August’s increase of robberies stating that at this point, the focus of the robberies has been on the money.

One particular Shell Food Mart was the target of two armed robberies in August. As a result, the store owner, Ahmed Tharani, is looking into bulletproof glass to protect himself from future robberies. Store owners are being advised to take precautions when transporting money to the bank and keep their businesses secure at night.

The recent incident involved two stray bullets. “One bullet pierced a garage door window; the other lodged in a window. On the other side of the window: a lieutenant’s desk.” Focusing on the safety of the firefighters, the city immediately approved the installation of bulletproof glass.

“Contractors have brought in ten huge glass plates, which weigh a half-ton each, to provide a secure barrier between visitors and the 250lb giant pandas.” The bulletproof glass install is part of a larger panda exhibit renovation that includes a swimming pool, cave, nursery and climbing area, as well as a glass walkway that surrounds the exhibit.

Photo courtesy of Edinburgh Evening News.

A masked man carrying an AK-47 assault rifle entered a Florida gas station convenience store just before 3:00am on July 23, but left empty-handed after discovering the clerk was safely protected behind bulletproof glass. No customers were harmed.

Police were able to catch a glimpse of his face, however, when he removed his mask as he walked out of the store.

While the idea of a $300 million yacht is beyond the reach of most people, it’s fun to see how the other half lives. A blog post on HauteLiving.com states that David Geffen, DreamWorks founder, recently purchased a yacht outfitted with “two helipads, a swimming pool, spa pool, and a lavish owner’s suite with 180-degree panoramic views and a private deck.”

If that weren’t enough, Russion billionaire Andrey Melnichenko’s yacht features “an all-white 2,583-square foot master suite encompassed by bulletproof glass, which can only be accessed through a silver-plated staircase with a fingerprint scanning security measure at the door.”

Scott Koenig, vice president of the church council, said, “We’re worried about the office manager in case someone comes in with a gun.”

This robbery was the second attempt in the last three years. The article states that churches tend to be “targets of burglars due to their open door policy and Sunday offerings.”

An Associated Press article reports that “armed robberies at pharmacies rose 81 percent between 2006 and 2010, from 380 to 686, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says.” There have been several fatal robberies throughout the U.S. as individuals resort to theft to get their hands on prescription painkillers.

One Montana pharmacy was protected by the bulletproof drive-through window as a woman attempted to smash through the glass with a crowbar and break-in. Others have equipped their workers with wireless “panic buttons” that alert the police. As the occurrence of robberies continues to increase, more pharmacies are considering bullet proof windows to protect their employees.

The bus will be parked along the fence to the lion exhibit providing zoo visitors a safari-like experience allowing them to come “face to face with the king of the jungle.”

Watch the 40/29 TV interview of how the Fort Smith police are replacing security guards with bullet proof glass.

Emergency rooms in hospitals nationwide are experiencing an increase in violence. According to the Miami Valley Hospital administrator, “[ . . . ] people come to emergency rooms under stressful situations and included some who are intoxicated, victims of assault or are in police custody.”

As a result, more hospitals are taking precautions to protect their staff and patients. The article states, “[ . . . ] staffers receive special training to defuse heated situations and there is bullet proof glass in emergency room nursing areas.”

According to NPR‘s report, “Inside an 8-foot-tall bulletproof glass cage, the gladiators buzz, crash and generally demolish each other. The bulletproof glass is an important feature — chunks of metal fly in all directions as students drive the robots using remote control.”

The purpose of the demolition is noble: Getting kids geeked about high tech manufacturing.  According to the organizers, as reported by NPR, “Manufacturing’s not a smokestack industry anymore,” says National Tooling and Machining Association Chairman Grady Cope. “What we do is cool.”

We agree: Manufacturing is cool.

A story today from the Palladium Item in Richmond is a reminder that putting off an investment in bulletproof glass can be costly.

A Shell gas station was robbed for the second time this week.  According to the gas station owner, “the suspect got more than $1,500 in the first robbery April 18. On Monday, the suspect was able to get more than $3,000.”

The article states that, “The owner had videos of the robberies and provided them to police, who used the footage to identify… a suspect. The station manager also said he was planning to install bulletproof glass around the registers so his employees and the registers would be protected from robbers.”

Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at her wedding to Prince William in Queen Elizabeth’s custom Rolls Royce.  The 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI was given to the Queen in 1978 for the Silver Jubilee of her reign by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.  The custom-built limousine includes a raised roof and other special features.

In December, the car carried Prince Charles through a riot, where protesters, angry at cuts to public employee pay, scratched the vehicle and cracked its windows.  Following the incident, the Rolls was restored with new safety precautions, including — and most notably — bulletproof glass window.

Those who can’t get over their dislike of funeral homes don’t even have to get out of the cars in LA’s Compton suburb.  The Robert L. Adams Mortuary features a drive-thru window for those who want to pay their respects from the comfort of their vehicle.

As reported by the LA Times: “It’s a unique feature that sets us aside from other funeral parlors,” said Peggy Scott Adams, owner, Robert L. Adams Mortuary.  ““You can come by after work, you don’t need to deal with parking, you can sign the book outside and the family knows that you paid your respects.”

The funeral home’s drive-thru window is made of bulletproof glass.

With the upcoming release of Water for Elephants, a movie based on the best-selling book of the same name, interest in all things under the big top is at an all time high.   The timing is perfect for this weekend’s 80th edition of Illinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus.

The Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest collegiate circus in the U.S.  Founded in 1929, the Gamma Phi Circus delivers an impressive annual spring show that features gymastics and other amazing acts.

According to an article from Pentagraph.com, “the new attraction at this year’s Gamma Phi Circus is a custom-built, Cirque du Soleil-style wall trampoline.”  Featuring amazing acrobatics, circus performers will use bulletproof glass to add a dimension of excitement and surprise to their show this weekend.

The 80th Gamma Phi Circus spring show will be at the Illinois State University’s Redbird Area on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m.  Tickets are available by calling 309-438-5444 or visiting Ticketmaster.

In Berlin, “Facing Justice — Adolf Eichmann on Trial” opened this week.  The exhibit marks the 50th anniversary of the infamous trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann.  Eichmann’s trial is credited with shining a public light on stories of the Holocaust and World War II.

An article published by Jweekly explained the historical significance of the trial as “a milestone in re-examining Germany’s World War II history, coming on the heels of the 1950s, when neither the victims nor the ex-Nazis spoke of the suffering they had borne or inflicted.”

What does an exhibit examining a trial from 1961 have to do with bulletproof glass? It includes hours of film footage of Eichmann sitting inside a bulletproof glass booth, listening to the testimonies of Holocaust survivors.

A recent article on luxury travel cites bulletproof glass as an amenity that’s on the short list for the world’s richest travelers.

A yacht owned by a Russian billionaire boasts bulletproof glass… as well as helipads, a missile defense system and an anti-piracy submarine.  Yes, this boat has its own escape pod.

For those of us who don’t need a nine story yacht and a crew of 70 to enjoy some R&R, Luxury Travel magazine offers some great day dream fodder.

The Discovery Channel‘s resident storm chaser, Sean Casey, has spent 12 years chasing tornadoes.  His dream: To film the inside of one of these killer storms.

How do you film a storm that’s swirling at hundreds of miles per hour, debris flying and visibility next to nothing?  According to his official bio, “Sean built the TIV, or Tornado Intercept Vehicle. This 16,000-pound armored tank is outfitted with wind-resistant flaps and anchor spikes to keep him safe while filming inside a twister.”  The TIV is also reinforced with bulletproof glass.

After eight years of filming, Sean’s IMAX film opens this weekend.

We often think of banks, pharmacies, municipal buildings and convenience stores as the most likely places to find bulletproof glass, but cars, museums and other places can be bulletproof, too.  We’ve previously mused on the Mona Lisa’s vacation from her bulletproof case and bulletproof tech devices.

As music lovers, we appreciate that Eric Clapton’s famous guitar, Brownie, is also housed in bulletproof glass.  Owned by billionaire Paul Allen, Brownie is part of the Experience Music Project, a Seattle organization where “music meets science fiction.”

What’s different about Brownie versus any other guitar that the rock legend touches?  It was the axe Clapton used on his utterly amazing Layla album.  (Another fun Layla fact?  It’s based on a 12th century poem, “Leyli and Majnun”.)

On Saturday, Clapton will be a mere stone’s throw from Brownie when he plays a concert at KeyArena.  Reportedly, no reunion between man and guitar is planned.

British Columbia, Canada, recently passed a law making bulletproof glass in automobiles illegal.  The move targets gangs and organized crime in the province.

The law also covers secret compartments and armored vehicle plating.

In a quote included in an article on the news site Metro, Solicitor General Rich Coleman explained, “The only reason … to add (these things) is to evade police or other criminals, or to hide guns, drugs or money.  This law establishes significant penalties and will work to discourage gang activity and organized crime.”

The penalty for breaking this new law?  Fines of up to $10,000 and up to six months in jail.

A story this week about the Xtreme Justice League caught our attention.  Masked vigilantes committed to doing good in their community has gone from comic book mythology to the streets of San Diego.

Described by 10news as not being faster than a speeding bullet, the two men, clad in capes and bulletproof vests, are hoping their presence will help stave off a recent wave of crime in the Chula Vista and College neighborhoods, near San Diego State University.

“I think superheroes represent all that is good, and we want to act as a symbol and also empower people,” said Mr. Extreme of the Xtreme Justice League. “With our patrols, we hope to make it a safer area.”

Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether their goggles are made of bulletproof glass.

A California-based company has introduced an iPad folio that’s made of polycarbonate plastic, a material most commonly associated with bulletproof glass.  Lapworks‘ new, clear iPad accessory promises to be a durable, shatterproof way to protect the device.

It stands to reason that the folio will indeed protect your iPad from scratches and dents.  No word on whether it’ll actually stop a bullet.

One thing’s certain: Our inner geek loves this latest use of a bulletproof material!

Every day, Phil needs replacements for the broken, chipped, and scratched glass that will come from suppliers as near as five miles down the road from his Tampa, Fla. facility. 

To say he was anxious about the level three bulletproof glass that he ordered from Total Security Solutions is an understatement. The ballistics resistant glass, needed for six different courthouses where Phil was a sub-contractor, was a critical element to Phil’ s work.

“ The bullet resistant glass that was required for the courthouse project was unique,” Moreland explained. “ The design and install was potentially tricky, since the glass would be installed around a guard desk as well as a metal detector at the courthouse entrance. Adding to the challenge is that we were working on six different courthouses at the same time. The margin for error was pretty high.”

From the first call that Moreland made to Total Security Solutions, his experience was refreshingly different. “ It’ s not unusual to call a vendor for a quote and not get what you need,” he said. “ It was nearly impossible for me to get the three quotes I needed to bid on this work. I expected Total Security Solutions to be just like everyone else and was surprised to not only get a call back immediately, but to get all of the information I needed for the bid within hours.”

From that initial contact with Total Security Solutions to delivery of the product, Moreland continued to be impressed with his experience. “ When the glass arrived from Total Security Solutions, I was surprised that it was packaged according to location, simplifying the process for my install team,” he said. “ I could sleep easy that night because I knew that everything I needed for the job was in the box from Total Security Solutions. Not one chip, missing part . . . → Read More: Courthouse Bulletproof Project Vendor Wins More Jobs with Total Security Solutions]]> It’ s a good thing that Phil Moreland of Ashe Glass & Mirror, an installer of numerous types of glass, isn’ t the superstitious type. He encounters more broken mirrors and glass daily than most of us will see in our lifetime.

Every day, Phil needs replacements for the broken, chipped, and scratched glass that will come from suppliers as near as five miles down the road from his Tampa, Fla. facility. 

To say he was anxious about the level three bulletproof glass that he ordered from Total Security Solutions is an understatement. The ballistics resistant glass, needed for six different courthouses where Phil was a sub-contractor, was a critical element to Phil’ s work.

“ The bullet resistant glass that was required for the courthouse project was unique,” Moreland explained. “ The design and install was potentially tricky, since the glass would be installed around a guard desk as well as a metal detector at the courthouse entrance. Adding to the challenge is that we were working on six different courthouses at the same time. The margin for error was pretty high.”

From the first call that Moreland made to Total Security Solutions, his experience was refreshingly different. “ It’ s not unusual to call a vendor for a quote and not get what you need,” he said. “ It was nearly impossible for me to get the three quotes I needed to bid on this work. I expected Total Security Solutions to be just like everyone else and was surprised to not only get a call back immediately, but to get all of the information I needed for the bid within hours.”

From that initial contact with Total Security Solutions to delivery of the product, Moreland continued to be impressed with his experience. “ When the glass arrived from Total Security Solutions, I was surprised that it was packaged according to location, simplifying the process for my install team,” he said. “ I could sleep easy that night because I knew that everything I needed for the job was in the box from Total Security Solutions. Not one chip, missing part or any complications got in the way of me delivering a quality product to my customer.”

“I didn’ t have to cut anything or do any alterations whatsoever to the bullet resistant glass that Total Security Solutions sent,” Moreland said. “ Every piece of glass was impeccable.”

“I wish I could order a cup of coffee that would come together as well as the bulletproof glass from Total Security Solutions,” he added. “ I would trust them to send my personal belongings to the moon.”

Moreland is now able to use the courthouse project to sell new contracts. “Having a quality partner on board gives me the confidence to bid on complex projects,” he said. “ Working with Total Security Solutions has improved my business and created new opportunities.”

The bomb-proof vehicle, valued at $235,000, is outfitted with bulletproof glass.  According to published reports, the car also includes GPS tracking and armor plating.

What’s interesting is that the bullet resistant glass used in vehicles like the Prince’s Bentley might be one way, meaning it will stop a bullet from coming into the car, but not stop a bullet from being shot from within the vehicle.

It’s not unusual for dignitaries to ride in vehicles protected by bulletproof glass.  In fact, The Presidential State Car of the United States is outfitted with bulletproof glass.

Founded in 1980 and privately owned, Evans Consoles is the world leader in   the design and manufacturing of custom control room solutions for mission critical and other technology-intensive environments.  Specializing in custom console, millwork and audio-visual enclosure solutions, Evans has built the reputation over the last 30 years of providing quality and service that continues to lead the industry.

About a year ago, Evans Consoles began working with Total Security Solutions.

“Initially, we were doing business with a Total Security Solutions’ competitor,” said Enzo Serpentini, a procurement specialist with Evans Consoles.  “We were dissatisfied by the customer service.”

Evans turned to Total Security Solutions for help with bulletproof glass for new shopping mall-based financial facilities. 

“The first quote came back exceptionally lower than what the competitor was charging, so we gave Total Security Solutions a shot,” Serpentini explained.

The product price was only the beginning of Evans Consoles’ satisfaction with Total Security Solutions.  Even though Evans Consoles delivery timeline were very time sensitive, Total Security Solutions had no problem in meeting project deadline.  Delivering remarkable turn around time, within two weeks, Total Security Solutions had shipped the product.

“Total Security Solutions made Evans Consoles look pretty good because our customer was happy,” Serpentini said.  “We’ve used Total Security Solutions as our bulletproof glass provider since that initial experience.”

“I know that I don’t have to worry when Total Security Solutions is on board,” Serpentini added.  “Once I give Total Security Solutions a purchase order, I can cross it off of my list because I’m confident the job will get done right, on time.  I wouldn’t consider shopping elsewhere.”

A study released Monday by MIT suggests that adding a bulletproof face shield to soldier helmets could reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injuries in combat troops. According to the paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, “adding a face shield to the standard-issue helmet worn by the vast majority of U.S. ground troops could significantly reduce traumatic brain injury. The extra protection offered by such a shield is critical because the face is the main pathway through which pressure waves from an explosion are transmitted to the brain.”

MIT reports that “more than half of all combat-related injuries sustained by U.S. troops are the result of explosions, and many of those involve injuries to the head. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, about 130,000 U.S. service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have sustained traumatic brain injuries — ranging from concussion to long-term brain damage and death — as a result of an explosion.”

Other notable G-20 security included six goldfish. The fish were housed in an underground aquarium and were monitored for signs of poisoning.

The G-20, also know as the Group of 20, is comprised of finance ministers and central bank governors from around the world. Economically powerful countries, including the U.S. and Canada, met at the summit to discuss key issues in the global economy.

“The two most powerful things in existence: A kind word and a thoughtful gesture.”

Langone used that philosophy to build his business from the ground up. Today, according to its investor relations information, The Home Depot “is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer and the fourth largest retailer in the United States with fiscal 2009 retail sales of $66.2 billion and earnings from continuing operations of $2.6 billion.”

With results like that, Langone is obviously on to something.

At Total Security Solutions, we share Langone’s belief that a kind word and a thoughtful gesture are incredibly powerful. We treat every customer like they’re our only customer.

The result of our customer care? Contrary to so many businesses, ours is growing. When Total Security Solutions opened its facility in Michigan five years ago, we employed nine people. Today, we employ over 30 people who are committed to manufacturing a quality product.

So, why blog about customer service versus bulletproof glass news? Because in a market where other manufacturers can deliver a similar product, we like to think it’s how we’re treating our customers, through the quality and service we provide, that’s making our business — and our theirs — grow. And, although we’re all about the power of bulletproof glass, we’re just fine with including kindness and care on our list of powerful things, too.

According to an article published by the SyFy Channel:

Not only is this new super-material stronger than both Kevlar and steel, as far as is known it’s the hardest organic material in existence, ever. It also happens to be completely transparent, printable, easy to manipulate and just as easy (i.e. cheap) to manufacture.

Researchers think there’s a potential for the material to be used in existing materials, including bulletproof glass.

A would-be bank robber in Smyna, Georgia was thwarted by bulletproof glass yesterday. The robbery attempt occurred at a BB&T Bank at around 11 a.m.

According to police, the man was caught on camera handing a bank teller a note demanding money. Fortunately, the area is protected by bulletproof glass.

The man left the bank empty handed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3945.

According to an article in the Canberra Times, the vehicles will be capable of withstanding M16 fire and a blast from some smaller explosions, too.

Earlier this morning, a police officer from Grand Rapids, Mich. was shot during a standoff. The officer credits his bulletproof vest with saving his life.

More from WSAW on the shoot out.

Custom Metal Products is dedicated to offering the fastest available lead times and the absolute best quality in custom metal doors and frames, supported by a customer service team that is committed to satisfaction. The company takes pride in its work and chooses its partners carefully, based on the quality of work they can deliver.

Total Security Solutions didn’t disappoint: Not only were the deal trays delivered on time and on budget, they were made with the highest quality craftsmanship. Total Security Solutions manufactured the deal trays smaller than the originally specified request – a size smaller than Total Security Solutions’ minimum size — and the company fabricated them at no extra charge.

“Total Security Solutions went above and beyond,” said Kirby. “They delivered custom trays, even though the original specifications were for a standard product. They met the quoted price and the timeline.”

Fabricating a stainless steel deal tray is tricky business. It requires precision welding that won’t blemish the metal, using stainless steel for a deal tray complicates the process: by having to blend the grains in the steel at the miters.

“Our client was extremely happy with the finished product,” Kirby added. “I heard at least three times from one of our in house engineers how beautiful they were. I’ve been working with this engineer for six years, we’ve seen a lot of metal, it’s the first time he’s ever described a product this way. The deal trays completely met their needs.”

The London Daily Mirror reports that, “the Popemobile vehicle was first made famous by Pope John Paul II, who used a modified truck on his first papal visit to his Polish homeland. The current Popemobile is a Mercedes equipped with the latest security measures. The side panels and undercarriage are armored, and a bulletproof glass enclosure has been built on top of an M-class chassis.”

Bulletproof glass and other security measures were put into place after a failed May 1981 assassination attempt by sniper Mehmet Ali Agca on Pope John Paul II, who was shot four times.

A downside to polycarbonates is that they are prone to scratches. This scratch potential is why you’ll get a cleaning cloth with eyeglasses or sunglasses you purchase, and why computer and TV screens have special cleaning products, too.

A great article on eHow.com explains how to clean bulletproof glass. Our suggestion: Use a soft cloth (not paper towel!) and a mild soap.

KGTV San Diego reported that bulletproof glass thwarted an armed man’s attempt to rob a Bank of America branch last week. Read the recap of the story here. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the robbery attempt and the would-be robber walked away empty handed.

The San Diego Police Department and FBI released photos of the robber and are asking for assistance in his capture. Anyone with information is urged to call the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

Photo courtesy of NPR/ Jason Beaubien

According to NPR’s report, there are 14 armoring companies certified by Mexico’s federal government. A plant engineer at one of the armoring companies explains that armor protection can range from level 1, or basic, to level 5, or advanced:

“Armoring a car, particularly a large SUV, can mean adding more than a ton of steel, thick sheets of Kevlar and 3-inch-thick glass windows. Once you get to Level 4 and Level 5, we upgrade the suspension and in some cases the motor to compensate for the added weight.”

The report also includes reference to lives saved by bulletproof glass: “There have been… recent incidents in which bulletproofing saved lives. In April, gunmen ambushed the state security secretary for Michoacan, Minerva Bautista Gomez. The attackers fired 2,700 rounds into her convoy and ripped apart her Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to investigators. But the car had been bulletproofed and Bautista Gomez survived, though two of her bodyguards and two passing motorists were killed in the ambush.”

A transcript of the original report can be found here.

As reported in the Great Lakes IT Report, Pietro learned he had a brain tumor the week before a school math competition called Math 24. The surgery Pietro needed couldn’t be delayed, but his doctor “made him a deal that if he was doing well the day before the competition, he would allow him to be discharged from the hospital.”

Pietro was discharged five days after his surgery — the day prior to Math 24 — which he won on Jan. 28. He went on to win first place in the recent state math competition.

Today, Pietro will receive the Young Heroes Medal of Honor at the 21st Motor City Golf Classic.

Maybe there are some things (or people) tougher than bulletproof glass.

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Housed at The Louvre in Paris, DaVinci’s masterpiece has been the subject of admiration and awe for centuries. Painted in 1503, The Mona Lisa is rumored to be valued at more than $700 million.

For those of us not lucky enough to have a stop in Paris on our summer vacation itinerary, The Louvre offers a great multimedia slideshow that will allow you to get up close (virtually) to The Mona Lisa.

Image courtesy of HowStuffWorks

Keep your eyes peeled for the “Keep Out” episode of Modern Marvels, too. We were featured on this History Channel program’s look at the manufacturing of bulletproof glass and the episode is replayed periodically.

If you’re interested, click over here to find more info on the process that we use to tackle every unique glass project.

Bulletproof glass ensures max rocking out

Not only are these speakers a really artistic addition to your sound system, you can rest assured that the glass won’t shatter, no matter how loudly you rock out.

We weren’t surprised at all to read a recent article about the Secret Service museum’s bullet proof glass protection.  Unwanted visitors to this invite-only facility are kept out by numerous security measures, including a bullet proof reception area.

Leave it to those who know a thing or two about security to trust bullet proof glass to keep their valuables safe!

Private bodyguards and GPS tracking systems are available for rental, as are special vehicles to accommodate travel needs.  Bullet resistant vehicles are being rented out to World Cup spectators at a reported rate of $2000 a day.

South Africa’s crime rate is among the highest in the world, but some argue that safety concerns regarding the South African venue are media hype.  Regardless of what’s truth and what’s hype, some attendees aren’t taking chances while away from the stadium by choosing bullet proof glass to keep them safe.

The Linda Hall Library in Kansas City uses bulletproof glass to protect its collection of 10,000 rare books, including some as old as the 1470s.

Bulletproof glass keeps rare books safe at the Linda Hall Library

In a recent article from the Kansas City Free Press, Emily Ghertner reported: “The biggest “wow” factor at the Linda Hall Library is probably its History of Science Collection, which includes the Rare Book Room, home to first-edition works by the likes of Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, as well as some of Einstein’s first publications. Inside the temperature-controlled, bulletproof glass encased vault, are printed books dating from the 15th century-19th century on a variety of topics from zoology and botany to physics and mathematics. There are landmark works by Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Copernicus, and a copy of Galileo’s The Starry Messenger (Sidereus Nuncius), first printed in 1610 with the first published images of the moon as an imperfect body. The spines of old books bare such exotic titles as A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, Natural Magick, and Harmonica Macrocosmica.”

Pretty amazing collection, kept safe by bulletproof glass!

Bulletproof glass is awarded for certain jobs in Mafia Wars. You can check out this link to the Mafia Wars Wiki for more info.

Photo by Piotr Redlinski for The New York Times

A 20-foot-by-30-foot clear box, Glassphemy! is made of steel and bulletproof glass.  At the art installation, people stand on a high platform and throw recyclable bottles into the glass box.  Observers, who view from platforms circling Glassphemy!, are protected from the flying debris by the box’s bulletproof glass walls.

Glassphemy! is an all-around satisfying experience, according to the New York Times.

“The bottles smash fantastically, artfully designed lights flash, and no one is harmed.”

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

Acrylic: Bulletproof acrylic is the most commonly used material for transaction windows and ballistic resistant barrier systems.  The acrylic material is available in UL ballistic protection levels one and two. The acrylic also has the option to have an abrasion resistant (AR) coating or be standard acrylic. The abrasion resistant coating comes standard on our level two acrylic and provides protection against cleaning solvents and weather, as well as an increased resistance to the effects of ultra violet light.

Polycarbonate: Bulletproof polycarbonate materials are normally composed of an acrylic core with two polycarbonate caps each side of the secure surface. Polycarbonate materials are available in UL ballistic protection levels one thru three and all three come standard with an abrasion resistant coating. All of the polycarbonate materials that Total Security Solutions offers also have a forced entry rating.

Glass Clad Polycarbonate: Glass Clad Polycarbonate (GCP) materials are composed of inter layers of glass and polyurethane with exterior caps of glass and abrasion resistant polycarbonate.  GCP comes in UL ballistic protection levels one thru five and level eight as well. All of the GCP materials that Total Security Solutions offers carry a forced entry level in addition to their ballistic rating.

Now when someone is talking about bulletproof glass you can ask them, “what type of ‘glass’ are you talking about”…if it’s even glass at all! For more information on ballistic materials such as bulletproof glass please visit our website or call us at 866-930-7807

One of the world’s most famous religious artifacts, the Shroud of Turin, is on display to the public at Turin’s St John the Baptist Cathedral.  Thanks to a protective layer of bulletproof glass, it’s being kept safe while thousands of visitors view it.

The shroud is went on display April 10, its first public display in a decade.   It’s estimated that two million people will view the shroud over the next month.

The Shroud of Turin was discovered in the French city of Troyes, southeast of Paris, in the mid-14th century.  The showing is the first since the shroud was restored in 2002.

While we would love to be able to install every transaction window ourselves, it’s just not economical for either party. Instead Total Security Solutions has came up with a simple three step process for customers to “do it yourself”:

Transaction Window Install Instructions

Bullet proof transaction windows come in UL protection levels 1-3 and several different types (such as the baffle and arched voice port). All of Total Security Solutions transaction windows come with a full installation packet which includes the instructions, hardware, caulk, glass cleaner and towels to clean the glass. For more information on transaction windows visit our website or call 866-930-7807.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction . . . → Read More: The Anatomy of a Bullet Proof Transaction Window]]>  Bullet Proof Transaction Windows are the most common item of protection when it comes to bullet resistant products. At a glance they seem very simple; it’s just a piece of bullet resistant acrylic and some frames right? In theory that would be a good analogy but in actuality there are a lot of components that go in to engineering and ultimately building a transaction window. Depending on if you’re looking at a Baffle System, an Arched Voice Port or a Hole in Backer System the amount of work that goes in to each transaction window to make it secure is anything but simple.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction windows come with a level one bullet resistant 1 ¼” acrylic, however there are many other options for levels of protection. Bullet proof Glass Clad polycarbonate is available in transaction windows from bullet resistant levels 1-3 as well as polycarbonate materials. Level three LP1250 contains two 1/8^th layers of polycarbonate sandwiched around an inch of bullet resistant acrylic. LP1250 offers great transparency along with a high level of protection.

There are many other transaction windows that are available such as bullet proof horizontal sliders and exterior transaction windows that can be installed in your place of business. For more information on transaction windows visit our products section of our website.

Bullet Resistant Barriers

The would be robber was flustered and didn’t know what to do, so burglar took the honorable route (if that’s possible for a bank robber) and turned around then walked out the door. The lawbreaker was found a few hours later after being identified from a missing hubcap on the getaway vehicle. The crook didn’t put up any fight (just like in the bank) and admitted to the crimes immediately. 

This just goes to show that bullet resistant systems can prevent crooks and robbers from turning violent in an environment that has a high volume of customers. Systems such as the secure sound bullet resistant system are available from Total Security Solutions to help employees and customers feel safer in a high risk environment.   

For more information on systems like the secure sound system follow this link for all of your needs.

Bullet resistant fiberglass is somewhat of an afterthought to crooks and robbers. It’s normally well hidden underneath drywall or underneath a countertop; but there are many more uses for bullet resistant fiberglass then someone might think…

Read more installation stories from Total Security Solutions.

Like the PE Package Passer (See last week’s blog) the Rotary Package Processor is a great option for convenience stores. However, unlike the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is the perfect option for fast food operations, restaurants and gas stations. This type of Package Processor allows many different (and larger) sized items to be passed back and forth between customers and employees. Like the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is only accessible from one side at a time, meaning that there is not breech possibility   

The Rotary Package Processor has many features that are available as well, things such as additional locking mechanisms, integral cash tray protective barriers and three different levels of protection. The Rotary Package Passer comes in one standard size (Box OD 18″ W x 20″ H x 14″ D) as well as custom sizes per customer request and is available in three levels of protection.

For more information on Rotary Package Passers including available sizes and levels of protection click here.

Banks researching the installation of bullet resistant barriers or bandit barriers have several options that can be retrofitted into their current facility. The Arch Window System is the most common bullet-resistant barrier, but the Baffle Window System offers unobstructed views and maximum voice transmission. Read more about available bullet-resistant barrier systems.

Read “Bank Officials Discuss Safety After At Least Six Bank Robberies,” http://www.statejournal.com.

 “PUT THE MONEY IN THE BAG!” is what the thief abruptly told the bank teller through the bullet resistant barrier separating him and her. The teller (while behind the bullet resistant enclosure) noticed that the crook had no weapon on him at all, making the decision to tell the crook that ““We don’t do that here” and turn him away a lot easier on her and her co-workers.

The man, Brian Patrick Marlin, left the bank in anger with no money and no chance of being a free man after this stunt. The police found him later that day just a couple blocks away from the attempted heist, he was charged with attempted bank robbery.

Read: Portland bank employees, confronted by robber, just say no by Bryan Denson clicking by on the title.

“Ahmad told the robbers they had to step away so he could close the door to the enclosure around the register or the drawer would not open. When they stepped outside, he shut the door and locked it, putting himself behind the bullet-proof glass, police said.”

Read “Police: Pair attempting robbery weren’t very smart” by Chip Osowski, http://www2.tbo.com.

Image taken from http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/feb/22/police-pair-attempting-robbery-werent-very-smart/.

Read “Businesses Branch Out From Banks” by Casey Wooten, http://houston.bizjournals.com.

Additional resources available for architects, contractors, and other industries include installation videos of a Secure Sound System and Vertical Slider, as well as product demonstration videos of our Natural Voice Transmission Window and Package Passer.

Your bulletproof products will be carefully packaged and shipped to your facility by truck.  Total Security Solutions can begin working shortly after your business closes for the evening or on Saturday so as to minimize the inconvenience to you and your customers. For many installations, we can be in and out within a single night. And we’ll have your facility cleaned up and ready for normal business hours.

Recently, Total Security Solutions launched a channel on YouTube.com to enable customers to watch the bullet resistant barrier installation process firsthand. Currently, we have featured installation videos for our Secure Sound Bulletproof Barrier System and our Vertical Slider.

Read more about our installation process or contact us at info@demandtss.com or 1-800-513-1468.

Read “Inmate who tried to escape pleads guilty” on abclocal.go.com.

In addition to the Natural Voice Transmission Window, Total Security Solutions offers Exterior Transaction Windows, Aluminum Sliding Transaction Windows, and Speak Hole and Backer Transaction Windows. View specifics on available finishes and sizes of all Total Security Solutions’ transaction windows.

Curious about how a Natural Voice Transmission Window works? View a product demonstration of the Natural Voice Transmission window.

The Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPCA) recently reported an increasing threat from “smash and grab” robberies for local convenience stores. The MPCA issued a list of security tips to help convenience stores prevent this type of robbery. To “help protect your employees and provide security for your property,” convenience stores should consider:

Read additional tips on protecting your convenience store from “smash and grab robberies.”

Using the SpecWizard by ARCAT, you can easily select the bullet-resistant products you are interested in, configure the products by specifying your desired options and output a detailed Word or Rich Text Format spec form.

For companies seeking to meet LEED requirements, ARCAT also provides users a quick overview of how our bullet-resistant products compare to similar products, as well as identifying any specific credits that our products satisfy.

If you have any additional questions on using the SpecWizard, please contact Total Security Solutions at 800-513-1468 or info@demandtss.com.

So what does it take to be truly bulletproof? In researching this topic, we found several people asking just that question. Six inches of lead sheathing or one foot of solid concrete could be called “bulletproof,” but the bullet-resistant products available through Total Security Solutions provide excellent stopping power against most common handguns, shotguns or rifles and can be employed in ways that are almost invisible to the undiscerning eye.

So now that we know the correct term is “bullet-resistant,” let’s analyze the phrase “bullet-resistant glass.”

Bullet-resistant glass isn’t really glass, well not completely. There are three types of “bullet-resistant glass,” but only one is actually made with regular glass. Glass-Clad Polycarbonate is made from a piece of polycarbonate that is sandwiched between two pieces of regular glass. The other forms of “bullet-resistant glass” are actually made from a solid sheet of acrylic or laminated polycarbonate.

Image taken from www.technical-discovery.com.

View the complete 2009 FBI bank crime statistics for first quarter or second quarter.

Read “City/County: 1-Stop Domestic Violence Center” by Matt Davis, http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com,

Read “Bullet-Resistant Clothes Bring Security, Fashion” by Suzette Laboy, www.kctv5.com.