Goldray Glass Expands Creative Offerings as Company Marks 40 Years

Calgary-based Goldray Glass celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey from a small enterprise to a leader in architectural glass solutions. Founded in 1984 by Greg Saroka and his wife Cathie Saroka, the company gained international recognition in 1998 when it shipped 150,000 pounds of silk-screened glass panels to Hong Kong for the Cathay Pacific Airways building. This achievement highlighted Goldray’s potential in the global market and set the stage for future successes.

Cathie Saroka took the reins as CEO after her husband passed away in 2020, leading the company through a transformative period. Under her stewardship, Goldray Glass has doubled its production capacity while maintaining its workforce of 80 employees. The company has adapted to the demands of the architectural glass market by prioritizing innovation and efficiency, which has become essential for its continued growth.

Innovative Strategies Drive Growth

A key player in this transformation has been Selwin Prass, vice-president of manufacturing, who joined Goldray at the age of 18 after relocating from Guyana. His ascent from the production floor to a leadership role exemplifies the company’s commitment to recognizing talent and fostering growth. Prass has focused on understanding client needs and streamlining operations, contributing to the company’s impressive output.

Goldray Glass conducts approximately 60 to 70 percent of its business in the United States, often standing out as the sole provider capable of meeting specific architectural requirements. According to Cathie Saroka, competing with other glass manufacturers is not enough; Goldray must remain innovative and responsive to market demands. This strategy has enabled the company to build a strong database of long-term clients who appreciate its unique offerings.

Michael Saroka, Cathie’s son and chief development officer, along with the engineering and design teams, continuously works on enhancing the company’s product line. Their efforts have led to notable advancements, including the development of the Quick Frost system. This innovative privacy glass assembly allows users to transition a glass wall from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch. Such features cater to the evolving preferences of modern architects and developers.

Expanding Product Offerings and Notable Projects

Goldray’s product range extends beyond standard glass sheets. Recent projects include custom glass wall systems installed at a Toronto transit station, which performed so well that they are being utilized in a subsequent project down Bay Street. The company has also introduced glass marker boards that are low maintenance, easy to clean, and available in various colors, showcasing its commitment to providing versatile solutions.

The company employs advanced digital printing technology, applying ceramic ink directly onto glass. This method has been successfully used in high-profile projects, such as the animated façade featuring an image captured by the Hubble Telescope at the Liebman Science Centre in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Other noteworthy installations include glass elevator cabs in a Houston hotel, which honor space exploration, and an outdoor art exhibit of leaping salmon at Tsawwassen Mills shopping center.

Perhaps most striking is Goldray’s dichroic exterior glazing operation, a pioneering effort in the United States that resulted in a vibrant display at the Museum at Prairiefire in Overland, Kansas. These projects not only highlight Goldray’s innovative capabilities but also its role in enhancing architectural aesthetics across North America.

As Goldray Glass looks to the future, the company remains committed to its core values of creativity and innovation. With a dedicated team and a strong legacy, it is poised to continue its growth trajectory in the architectural glass industry for years to come.