jchase's blog

In the weeks and months following Trainor Glass Co.'s closure, we have received many emails from former Trainor employees expressing their concerns about the situation, sharing their stories, or asking for assistance finding new employment. 

Among them, one in particular stood out. It reads: “I do not think we need to worry about innovative thinking or approaches to glass and glazing within construction. This doesn’t die with a company name. This innovation and approach lives within the people who work it day in and day out. … The people are the expanded mind. The people think outside of the box and have an attitude of anything can be achieved if you work hard to truly figure it out. These people will continue to work with high standards and excited hearts for building ... hopefully, no matter where this change takes them.”

Written by a former Trainor employee who had moved on prior to the closure, this email draws attention to our industry’s most valuable asset: the people. And as Garret Henson, vice president of sales for Viracon, says here, “It is imperative that our industry retains this talent.”

Market conditions remain difficult, but if you can hire new employees, do so, says Jeff Dietrich, senior analyst for the Institute for Trend Research. “We’ll see milder than normal growth [in the economy], but you need to be planning for it, hiring for it,” he said at the most recent Glazing Executives Forum. “This is an opportunity to hire talented people and take the time to train them.”

And with the number of experienced glass professionals currently looking for work, chances are that training could be minimal.

If your company is among those considering new hires in 2012, I would encourage you to visit jobs.glassmagazine.com to review hundreds of resumes from qualified candidates. There is a fee for this service; for more information please contact Jeff Smith at jsmith@glass.org.

Those of you looking for employment can create an account and post your resume on the site at no charge. You can also view available jobs and create alerts to notify you when a specific type of position opens up, for free.

I know several companies have already hired former Trainor employees and other talented people who lost their jobs in this downturn. My hope is that this will continue, both for the individuals and our industry at large.

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

Have you submitted your nomination for the 2012 Glass Magazine Awards yet? If not, you still have time to make the April 16 deadline. 

The Glass Magazine Awards: The People, Products and Projects will recognize the best projects and products the glass industry has to offer, as well as the individuals behind them.  Categories include:

• Most innovative curtain wall project
• Most innovative curtain wall product
• Most innovative decorative glass project: commercial interior
• Most innovative decorative glass project: commercial exterior
• Most innovative decorative glass project: residential
• Most innovative decorative glass product
• Most innovative energy efficient glass project
• Most innovative energy efficient glass product
• Most innovative protective glazing project
• Most innovative bath enclosure product 
• Most innovative bath enclosure project 
• Most innovative machinery/equipment 
• Most innovative commercial window 
• Most innovative website 
• Most innovative electronic resource (to include apps, widgets, website tools, etc.)
• Best installer
• Best project manager
• Best production supervisor
• Best sales rep

There is no fee to participate, and winners will be featured in the July issue of Glass Magazine, on GlassMagazine.com, and in e-glass weekly. So submit your nomination today!  And if you have any questions, please contact me directly at jchase@glass.org.

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

It is a fascinating time to be involved in the fenestration industry. Technological advancements over the past two decades have elevated fenestration energy performance to unprecedented levels. And exciting technologies – from electrochromic windows with dynamic glazing to fenestration that incorporates solar cells to innovative glass displays – have moved from the realm of science fiction to reality. 

The growth of the green building movement is raising awareness of energy efficient fenestration, as are new or greater performance requirements in model energy codes. One example is the 2012 IECC’s fenestration area limits based on daylighting controls in commercial buildings under the prescriptive path, as discussed in the “2012 International Code Requirements for Windows and Doors” article in Glass Magazine.

It's also a time for growth at NFRC, and our board of directors recently approved new goals that will lead the group into the future. Among them is the aim to develop new energy related rating procedures and programs. One new area we are exploring, for example, is daylighting. NFRC formed the Bright Day Illuminance and Daylighting Potential Rating Procedure Task Groups to study the possibility of providing daylighting ratings that could one day offer a measurement of fenestration’s role in a building’s energy load.

Developing new and credible ratings programs, along with pursuing our other new goals, will not be possible without the continued help of NFRC’s dedicated volunteer members. We strive to bring together a variety of stakeholders who work together to develop and refine our procedures and programs through a consensus process. For more information on the group, its new membership dues structure, and how you can get involved, visit www.nfrc.org.

The author is CEO of the National Fenestration Rating Council. He has been involved in developing product and performance standards for the window and glass industry for more than 25 years. Write him at jbenney@nfrc.org.

"Thank goodness for health insurance" was the first thought that crossed my mind when I saw the total bill for my daughter's recent minor surgery. My second thought: "Wow, that's still a big deductible."

 Healthcare costs are on the rise, both for employers and their employees. Since 2001, average premiums for family coverage have increased 113 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust. In 2011, premiums for single coverage were 8 percent higher than in 2010 and premiums for family coverage were up 9 percent, the group reports in its "2011 Employer Health Benefits Survey."

Don't get me wrong. I am very grateful to have a benefits plan that covers my family and me. Although it isn't free (I still pay a certain percentage of the family coverage premium), it does mean that bills like the one I recently received aren't even close to what they could be.

Going forward, however, it's safe to assume healthcare premiums will once again increase, and in a tough economy, that presents challenges to employers and employees alike as they try to keep costs down.

In an upcoming issue of Glass Magazine, we will take a look at trends in employer-sponsored health benefits. We will also examine trends within our industry, in an effort to provide subscribers with information that might help as they form employee policy. To that end, we are conducting a brief anonymous survey. The more participation, the better the results, so please consider filling out the survey here. Thank you!

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

While economists and glass industry executives say it could be 2013-14 before we see any significant recovery, glass companies aren’t sitting idly by, waiting for the upswing. Instead, they're making calculated--albeit cautious--investments to ensure current and future success.

And although this doesn't come as a surprise to me (I'm continually impressed by the creativity and resiliency of our industry), I do think these positive efforts are too often overshadowed by the negative effects of a tough economy. So as we tackle 2012, I'd like to focus on some steps industry companies are taking in anticipation of better days ahead. 

Coral Industries is being “very frugal" in case there isn’t an upswing, but that hasn’t stopped the Top Glass & Metal Fabricator from refining its systems to improve efficiencies in the office and on the production floor. The company is also investing in new marketing efforts, says Executive VP Lewis McAllister. 

“We are revamping our marketing with a new website and more organized email capabilities to better communicate with our customers,” he reports.

Similarly, Carolina Glass & Mirror has a marketing campaign “that we are waiting to roll out until we think the time is right,” says David Fitchett, president and co-founder of the full-service glass company. “Spending too much money at this time with those efforts would not be prudent,” he says.

On a larger scale, Guardian Industries is evaluating new operations globally. “We are upgrading and expanding our production facilities in several locations,” says Scott Thomsen, president, Guardian Flat Glass Group. “In addition to new float and pattern operations, we also continue to invest heavily in large-area vacuum coaters, large-area liquid coaters and large-area laminating lines. Our strategy is to add value and increase the unit of sale.”

In face of the news that we’re looking at another year of little to no growth in construction starts, it’s encouraging to continually hear of glass companies finding success, one step at a time. To read more about what industry firms are doing to prepare for the eventual market rebound, see the January/February 2012 issue of Glass Magazine. And if you have a story to share, please let us know. 

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

After recognizing New York City's Dillon condominiums―a 2011 Crystal Achievement Award nominee for best curtain wall project―on Bravo TV's "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist," I finally came to terms with the fact that I'm a glass geek. I love to see buildings featuring creative uses of glass on television, as well as shows spotlighting glass companies and their products. What can I say? It's exciting to see our industry highlighted in the popular media.

It's also exciting to be able to share those moments with you in the form of video content in e-glass weekly and on GlassMagazine.com. Although not a substitute for the comprehensive written articles, this video content complements them. A recent "Great Glazing" article, for example, features a shower enclosure that uses Trattini glass from Bendheims' Architect Series I collection. The enclosure also happens to be the star of a DIY Network "King of the Throne" episode. While you can read about the glass characteristics here, you can watch its challenging installation in the accompanying DIY Network episode below. The install begins around the 10-minute mark.

In addition to spotlighting glass company appearances on popular television shows, we also offer original videos of product demonstrations at industry events―such as those from Greenbuild 2011―interviews with glass company executives and tours of glass-centric buildings in e-glass weekly, on GlassMagazine.com and on The Glass Magazine Channel on YouTube.

So please, send us your videos! While we will continue to provide original video content such as that from Greenbuild 2011, we'd also like to feature videos of recent projects, new products or equipment from readers. If you have a glass industry video you would like to share, please e-mail me at jchase@glass.org for more information on our criteria.

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

They say a photo (or in this case, a video) is worth a thousand words, so I will keep this short.

In this frustrating economic environment, sometimes it's easy for me to get bogged down by falling ABI numbers and gloomy construction forecasts. Then I see videos like this, and I'm reminded that the future of the glass industry is bright: very bright.

Our industry, and those working in concert with it, continue to make product advancements that stretch the limits of glass applications, and the imagination. I continually see products and projects featuring glass in new and innovative ways, and that makes the glass industry an exciting place to be. 

Will we live in a world where our highways are made of glass solar panels like those in this video? Will glaziers installing BIPV today be installing solar highways tomorrow? Who knows? But it's interesting to think about.  

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, e-glass weekly and GlassMagazine.com. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

Concluding an investigation that began in early 2010, the Department of Commerce determined this spring that Chinese companies dumped some $500 million worth of extruded aluminum products into the U.S. market last year, selling them at prices up to 33 percent less than fair value. In response, U.S. International Trade Commission officials voted to impose steep duties on all aluminum extrusion imports from China.

My question is, are you feeling the impact? And if so, has it been a positive or negative experience? 

According to American Architectural Manufacturers Association President and CEO Rich Walker, many of AAMA's commercial members have benefited from the ruling. "Early indicators are proving this was very effective and positive for our members, and those dumped aluminum profiles have pretty much disappeared," he said in an interview with Glass Magazine earlier this year.

For others, like shower door manufacturer Coastal Industries, the duties on Chinese aluminum have had a negative effect. "The tariffs have forced manufacturers like us to rethink our manufacturing process," says Ray Adams, president. "Before the tariffs, we could mix imported and domestic metals, fabricate shower doors here in America and compete with imported items. With the tariffs on raw goods, we are all faced with having to look at producing doors overseas, tariff-free, in order to compete," he says.

For still others, the duties have not had an impact. "Most of our purchases are not from Asia," says Rick Hamlin, executive vice president, national estimating, system design, Trainor Glass Co. "While a minor amount of it is, we're not feeling the effects [from the tariffs]," he reports.

What about your company? Has the ITC decision to levy duties on Chinese aluminum coming into the U.S. affected your business positively or negatively? 

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

In the wake of last week's tornado, Coral Industries is asking the glass industry to help the Tuscaloosa, Ala., community. Last Wednesday, April 27, a tornado cut a mile-wide swath through the city, killing 40, injuring more than 1,000, and leaving 373 people missing, according to Tuscaloosanews.com. The devastation is "indescribable," says Coral's Lewis McAllister.

Like many Tuscaloosa residents, a number of Coral employees lost their homes, leaving them in need of even the most basic items. Coral is organizing a donation drive to assist its entire hometown. Specifically, the company is asking for:

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, baby wipes, diapers, formula, diaper cream, sunscreen, shampoo/conditioner, allergy medicine, band aids, first aid cream, tweezers, hair brushes, baby food, Pedialyte, pacifiers, over the counter medicines, batteries (9v, AAA, AA and D), contact solution, feminine products, toilet paper, paper/plastic plates and utensils, napkins/paper towels, charcoal, water, Gatorade, non-perishable food items, air mattresses, sleeping bags, lip balm, flashlights, dog/cat food, towels, matches, two-way radios, tents, can openers, work gloves, underwear (all sizes, both sexes), chain saws, chain saw oil, socks, power bars, insect repellent, tarps and non-perishable food.

Please ship donations to:

Tornado Relief
C/O Coral Industries
3010 Rice Mine Rd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Pleas mark packages "tornado relief" so they aren't mixed up with the company's daily freight. If you are located in the Tuscaloosa area, there is the possiblity Coral employees can pick up donations at your location.

To make a monetary donation, please go to www.GiveTuscaloosa.com.

Chase is editor of Glass Magazine. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

First, Sun Capital Partners bought Arch Aluminum & Glass Co. Then, a Sun Capital affiliate purchased United Glass Corp. With a $5 billion investment fund at its disposal and an interest in "acquiring or partnering with other market-leading companies in the architectural glass sector," the question now is: Who's next?

Sun Capital isn't the only private investment firm eying the glass industry. After an attempt to purchase Arch back in 2009, Grey Mountain Partners resurfaced this spring with the announcement that it would purchase the assets of Vitro America and Super Sky Products.

Emerging from all of this buying activity is a new type of competitor: the private investment firm.

What effect will this new breed of glass company have on the industry? In a recent interview, Glass Magazine asked Russ Huffer, chairman and CEO of Apogee Enterprises Inc. and acting president of Viracon, for his take on non-glass companies competing against industry mainstays. His response: "Troubled economic times make for change. It would be presumptuous of me to say that a new view or new ideas cannot be successful. Not being familiar with [the buying companies], I cannot comment, but usually people with money have great business sense, and that is what I expect."

What do you expect? 

Chase is editor of Glass Magazine. Write her at jchase@glass.org.