GLAP History

Year	Information
1956	John Zofko Jr. took Flying lessons from Ernie Hall. (Ernie Hall taught the person who taught Billy Mitchell how to fly.) Aircraft Components of Benton Harbor, MI (to the best of our knowledge) purchased Windshield molds from Heathkit.
1970	Purchased a 1963 Cessna 172D (N2382U) for his private use.
1973	Great Lakes Aero Products was Born. The windshield and window manufacturing division of Aircraft Components of Benton Harbor, MI. was purchased. In the purchase, we received some molds, drawings and the basic equipment to make the parts. Approximately 1000 Sq Ft. of space was rented at 915 Kearsley Park Blvd in a back room.
1977	John quit General Motors (Buick) as an Engineer for the Special Foundry.
1983	Great Lakes Aero Products moved to 2412 Davison Rd. This new Building was some 2400 sq ft and it was "larger than would ever be needed."
1988	Purchased the attached building for some extra storage, approximately 1000 extra square feet.
1989	Purchased the entire 22,000 square foot Building on 915 Kearsley Park Blvd.
1990	Moved Offices and Production back to 915 Kearsley Park Blvd.
1993	Became incorporated, changed name to Great Lakes Aero Products, Inc.
2004+	According to the production report at GAMA for new aircraft, Great Lakes Aero Products is the worlds single largest manufacturer of windshields and windows for NEW aircraft* made from by independent source. We currently manufacture windshields and windows for approximately 33%+ of all NEW Type Certified Non-pressurized Piston aircraft worldwide.
2011	More than 10,000 FAA/PMA parts are now approved for more than 1,000 aircraft models A small fire broke out in a storage area of 915 Kearsley Park Blvd Building. This happened on the Sunday morning prior to leaving for the EAA Airventure. Fortunately due to a building fire supressant system the fire was contained to a small area and the effected area of the building was primarily used as a storage area for personal artifacts and unused equipment. There were no dies or molds that were permanently damaged from the fire. The suspected cause of the fire was Arson.
2013	Construction finally complete on restored building.