In 1986, Thomas Gaffney recognized the rise in threats from firearms, and founded Gaffco, a manufacturer and installer of bullet resistant systems throughout the New York City area. Gaffney continues to serve the company as CEO. Initially, the company was geared toward the total renovation of existing check-cashing facilities and gained a reputation for weekend fit-out's, enabling the client to upgrade security and enhance aesthetics with no down time in business.

By 1990, Gaffco was responsible for remodeling and building approximately 275 check-cashing facilities throughout the tri-state area. These facilities function, in effect, in the same way as today's residential and corporate safe rooms.

Drawing on knowledge and experience gained in the check cashing field, Gaffco expanded its customer base and began manufacturing bullet resistant systems for a wide range of clients, including government installations, banking facilities, medical institutions, gas stations and corporate offices requiring data, or personal protection.

As millwork had always been an integral part of the business, a decision was made by management in 1999 to make a major investment in state-of-the-art woodworking machinery. The existing 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility was totally upgraded and an engineering department working with CAD/CAM technology was assembled. The existing estimating and sales force were expanded to include architectural millwork. In a short period of time, Gaffco has established itself as a grade "A" manufacturing facility with the capability to produce and install a wide variety of architectural millwork and bullet resistant products in a timely and professional manner. Blast protection, bomb proof structures, safe rooms and panic rooms are fast becoming a major part of the Gaffco product line.

Combining bullet resistant and architectural millwork manufacturing skills, Gaffco is presently developing a new line of UL & U. S. State Department approved wood clad ballistic systems, designed to be architecturally pleasing yet secure enough to resist any required threat level. It is this investment in personnel, machinery and equipment combined with our dedication to customer satisfaction that will take Gaffco into the 21st Century as a major player in the fields of architectural millwork and bullet resistant systems.

Leading the way with blast protection and bomb proof structures.