OGDEN — The threat of carjackings and road-rage violence has become a growing concern in America, even in Utah.
Now an Ogden company is offering its customers a way to protect themselves from such random acts — or at least buy a few precious moments that could mean the difference between death and survival.
International Armoring Corp., a supplier of fully armored automobiles to business, government and religious leaders in more violent parts of the world, is now installing bullet-resistant windows in domestic vehicles for American customers.
For $3,850, IAC will replace the manufacturer's glass in the front driver's side and front passenger's side windows of your vehicle.
The ballistic glass, made with an acrylic polycarbonate laminate, is three-quarters of an inch thick and can stop bullets from a .357 magnum, a 9mm and .44 magnum, as well as less powerful weapons. Window installation takes about one day.
"It's now time for this because there are enough of these incidences that we
need to say, 'Here is an option available to you,' " said company CEO Mark Burton.
The cost for the labor-intensive procedure, which can be financed, may seem a little steep, Burton allowed. But motorists already spend thousands of dollars on alarm systems that don't work, he said. And when family cars and minivans are selling for $30,000 or more, he reasons many people will jump at the chance to give themselves and their families a little added protection.
In fact, the company has had nearly 200 requests over the years for the domestic ballistic windows it is now providing.
"We're hoping these windows are never used, but the protection is there when you need it," Burton said.
IAC has nearly 200 employees worldwide with plants in Ogden, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.
It has made its name by supplying fully armored vehicles — $110,000 is the standard price for a fully equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee — to those who can afford them. The Grand Cherokee is protected against high-powered weaponry. The entire passenger compartment is insulated. Its gas tank, battery and electronic control module are resistant to gunfire and explosives. Even a bomb blast underneath the vehicle can be resisted.
The price also includes reinforced bumpers and rubberized plastic tires inside the vehicle's actual tires. If the tires are flattened, the vehicle can run on the rubberized plastic tires at speeds of up to 60 mph.
It has completed orders for political figures (Ross Perot), Hollywood stars (including Sylvester Stallone) and even the Vatican — IAC made three of the bubble-shaped Popemobiles.
The same lightweight armoring technology that can protect a Third World leader from a rebel attack is also available for Americans.
IAC can armor a domestic car door panel for about $3,000. It can fully retrofit a vehicle with bullet-resistant glass, including the windshield and back window, for about $18,500. For between $42,000 and $48,000, IAC will replace the glass and line the interior with armor to fully protect occupants from assaults.
Whether IAC installs two ballistic windows or fully armors a vehicle, there is no change to its appearance or function.
"This is just a piece of the puzzle. But an important piece, I think," Burton said of protecting people from violent acts.
For more information, see the company's Web site at www.armormax.com or call 801-393-1075.
You can reach Zack Van Eyck by e-mail at zman@desnews.com