Forecast: 2012 and beyond

While overall construction levels will remain much the same this year, the spending picture will be slightly different, analysts say, with commercial building and multifamily housing trending upward and institutional building continuing to fall. (See Closer look.) How will this affect the glass industry in the coming year? Industry leaders representing all segments of the market—from float glass manufacturers, to fabricators, to glaziers, retailers, and suppliers— share their perspective in the individual stories below.

What are your expectations for 2012?

When do you anticipate glass industry market conditions in North America will improve?

What geographic areas do you see leading a recovery?

What products and/or services are experiencing the most growth at your company? To what do you attribute that growth?

A special thank you goes to the following industry executives who shared their insight for the Glass Magazine 2012 industry forecast.

Darand Davies, president, Dallas Glass

David Fitchett, president and co-founder, Carolina Glass & Mirror

Dave Hewitt, vice president,sales and marketing, EFCO, a Pella Co.

Jon Hughes, director, Marketing & Programs, AGC Glass Co. North America

Donill Kenney, vice president, Palm Beach Glass Specialties, Inc. 

Lewis McAllister, executive vice president, Coral Industries

Bowie Neumayer, vice president, sales and marketing, Cardinal Glass Industries 

Diana Perreiah, general manager, Kawneer North America, and vice president, Alcoa Building and Construction Systems

Kelly Schuller, president, Viracon

Nick Sciola, president and owner, Hartung Glass Industries 

Scott Thomsen, president, Guardian Flat Glass Group

Bob Trainor, CEO, Trainor Glass Co.

Rod Van Buskirk, president, Bacon & Van Buskirk