The nation’s glass industry is coming off a buoyant 2025 and anticipating continued, if somewhat limited, economic growth in the coming year, reports the National Glass Association.
In a report published by the group’s Glass Magazine, it is expected that the nation’s overall construction industry will meet this year with “modest expansion amid fiscal challenges like rising deficits and debt.”
But in one industry sector this year growth will not be a marginal thing: Artificial Intelligence.
The publication forecasts a healthy 20% increase in data center construction for the entire year, following a strong 35% increase in 2025.
Those AI numbers are more impressive when stacked up against such traditional industry growth sectors as office construction, projected to see a 5.5% increase this year, a 6% improvement in hotel construction, and 4.3% increase in health sector construction projects.
Meanwhile, long term interest rates are expected to remain high, as home building activity has somewhat stalled.
Within the glass industry itself, employers are still finding it difficult to fill positions for both glaziers and essential field labor. Equally challenging: the ongoing need for project managers.
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is comprised of more than 1,900 glazing and glass building products companies, including everything from fabricators to manufacturers and suppliers. Those products take in auto glass, architectural glass, and window and door glass.
In 2018, the group aligned with the Glass Association of North America.
January 5, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
