D.A. Glass America Begins Production of Acid-etched Glass at New Michigan Facility

D.A. Glass America began production of acid-etched glass at its new plant in Calumet, Michigan. Since construction started on the facility in November 2013, the company has been working to begin production of OcuMatte, its acid-etched product, according to a company release.

“We are very excited to have the plant up and running here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,” said Steve Williams, president and CEO, in the release.

The facility is the only plant in the United States that is in full production of acid-etched glass, according to company officials. At the facility, OcuMatte is produced in a vertical position, which is a clean and efficient process and allows for single and double-sided etching. The modification of the glass is done without the use of rollers, sandblasters or lasers, making it much more durable and consistent, according to the company.

D.A. Glass America works closely with sister company DA Glass, based in Poland, to cover a customer base in North America and Europe. “The Polish plant and laboratory have been producing glass like this since 1989 and we are very fortunate to have them working with us in production, research and development,” said Williams.

OcuMatte is available in a variety of sizes, up to 96-inches by 130-inches, and thicknesses up to ¾-inch. The matte image and its opacity are adjustable depending on the desired application for the glass, according to the company. The glass is available by the case or truckload quantity throughout the United States immediately, according to the release.

Looking forward, officials look to hire 50 or more new employees at the Calumet plant in the near future. Additionally, the plant will run 24 hours a day in its full operation.

Other products to launch are MiMatte, which includes acid-etched patterns and custom products, and VistaMax, which includes anti-reflective and non-glare products. All of the products that will come from the Calumet plant will be produced using a chemical etching process.