Building material prices are skyrocketing and wreaking havoc on the construction industry. Contractors are paying more and waiting longer, which leads to higher costs and extended schedules for construction projects of all kinds. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to evaluate project systems with an eye on maintaining profitability.
Despite the challenges we are all facing on the business settings, the economic indexes continue to do very well. The last Architectural Billings Index was released while this blog was on holiday, and it is still thriving in positive territory.
The biggest news last week was the acquisition of Global Security Glazing and Dlubak Specialty Glass by Isoclima. This is massive news because it brings one of the best glass players in the world in Isoclima into the United States. Having their expertise matched with the talented and hungry folks at Global and Dlubak really works well for our space, and I am excited for all involved. It is refreshing to see a global player who has not yet made a major mark in North America jump in with both feet, and I think it just strengthens our industry as whole.
Today’s commercial curtain wall, storefront and other fenestration systems can help protect us from extreme temperatures and conserve natural resources. While high-performance glass often is the first component we see, it’s essential to remember the role of the frame itself.
The glass lifting and handling market is booming, driven by a need to handle larger and heavier lites, to keep employees safe, and to accomplish more with fewer workers.
Controversy arose recently around the submitted plans for a largely windowless at UC Santa Barbara, with plans submitted by non-architect and Berkshire Hathaway executive, Charles Munger. Andrew Haring of the National Glass Association reminds readers about the importance of daylighting for occupant comfort.
It’s Top Metal Time again. The forthcoming 2021 Top Metal Companies report features insights from leading glass and metal companies on the market, supply chain and labor challenges, and how to keep going in a turbulent economic and manufacturing landscape. In advance of the full feature, dropping later this month, find a few takeaways from the report.
This is another week where there’s no lead story, but a bunch of smaller ones to comment on or catch up with. Including two stories I completely missed along with a bunch of other relevant items, including FeneTech's acquisition.
What’s keeping the glass industry up at night? Exhibitors, attendees and speakers at GlassBuild America all pointed to two major challenges: the ongoing labor shortage and pandemic-related supply chain constraints.
I attended my first GPAD, or Glass Processing Automation Days, in 2019 in San Antonio. At the time, I was not only a newcomer to the event, but also a relative newcomer to the industry. Looking back, here are my top takeaways.