Business

Your Snapchat Crash Course

Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?

The building industry is constantly in flux, responding to new challenges, advances in technology and striving for more sustainable practices. It’s important for every person involved to stay agile, to work towards improvement. This journey can involve developing new products that answer design…

Behind the Scenes of Pulp Studio's History Channel Feature

An interview with Pulp Studio COO Kirk Johnson about the company's recent feature on the series "More Power": how the episode came to be, what the hosts thought of the factory and how the episode has helped not only boost employee morale, but hopes to help the industry as a whole. 

IYOG 2022 Debrief at the United Nations

3 Steps to Making Purchases

While finding products is easy, finding the right solution is not. Follow three simple points to ensure your next purchase is one you won’t regret.

Who Wants to Laugh?

I think we can all agree the pandemic issues are still out there, whether it is a shortage of people to work, material delays, rising costs or handful of other things. It sure can make going to work tough and it can mentally and physically drain you. So that’s why you need to find solutions. One of…

Innovation Increases the Likelihood of Success

Innovation will continue to disrupt our industry, so why not lead and take share from your competition before they disrupt your business?

Revisiting Innovation

Departing from established comfort zones – whether traditional or recently acquired – requires executives to consider new ways of forming the future and taking more risk. It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity.

Bacon & Van Buskirk Announces Sale and New Owner

Bacon and Van Buskirk Glass announced on March 21, 2022 that Aaron Hiatt, long-term employee and current company president, has purchased BVB Glass from Rod Van Buskirk.

Loren Powell joins A+W Software as Project Manager

A+W Software announced in March a newly hired project manager, Loren Powell, who will support both A+W Cantor and A+W Clarity. Powell is a veteran of the glass and fenestration industries with experience project managing installations.

Crystal Window & Door Systems Expands YouTube Channel to Include Installation Tutorials

Crystal Window & Door Systems’ NYC YouTube channel now offers step-by-step video guides to guide customers through common situations such as installing window hardware, adjusting sliding window rollers and swing-door hinges, and adding window opening control devices.

ODL Inc. Names Dan Volkema Vice President of Finance

Building products supplier ODL Inc., which specializes in decorative and clear door glass and other privacy solutions, has named Dan Volkema vice president of finance, according to a company statement released March 17, 2022.

Stephen Balik Named Vice President of General Glass International

GGI has announced the promotion of Stephen Balik to vice president. Balik joined the 122-year-old company in 2010.

Total Construction Starts Increase in February, Rising in Midwest, South Atlantic, and Western U.S.

Total construction starts rose nine percent in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.013 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts swelled 32 percent due to the start of three large manufacturing facilities. By contrast, residential starts fell…

New Glass Handling Company SmartGroup America Opens in Maryland

SmartGroup America is a new company incorporated in Annapolis, Maryland, offering a uniquely designed glass lifting manipulator. SGA has appointed Eric Maynard to lead its marketing efforts as the national sales director.

Eastman announces Bernard Bühler Award for the 2022 Vanceva World of Color Awards

Named after the renowned French architect who has developed multiple projects across France using Vanceva color PVB interlayers, Bernard Bühler himself will be the juror for the award and will choose the winner from all entries in the “Exterior” category.

Construction Workers See Biggest Pay Bump in Over 40 Years

Ripple effects of the Baby Boomer generation retiring, compounded by a sizzling hot housing and labor market, drove average pay for non-managerial construction laborers up six percent from the same time in 2021, according to preliminary wage survey data released in February by the U.S. Bureau of…

Delays, Freight Rate Hikes Likely as Ukraine War Disrupts Shipping Operations

The key port cities Odessa and Mariupol in Ukraine have suspended most operations, leaving over 1,000 commercial sailors unable to move cargo containers through the Kerch Straight and the Black Sea. The glass manufacturing and other commercial construction industry sectors that rely on Eastern…

Window innovation, sustainability, and trends front and center at FGIA roundtables

Roundtable discussions at the 2022 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance Hybrid Annual Conference in Amelia Island, Fla. highlighted trends like thin triple glazing, sustainability best practices, and case studies on window industry innovations.

Colby Hill to Represent Safti First in Oklahoma

Safti First announced the addition of Colby Hill to the TFI team. TFI currently represents the New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma territories for Safti First, where Hill will begin to oversee Oklahoma. 

Nancy Mammaro and Nicola Lattuada Elected GIMAV Board Officers

Gimav elected Nicola Lattuada deputy vice president for flat glass, and Nancy Mammaro as vice president for flat glass.

Extech Acquires Martin Metal Designs of Las Vegas

Extech, headquartered in Pittsburgh, purchased the assets of Martin Metal Designs, located in Las Vegas.  

A+W Software Rehires Renaud Schmitt as Customer Support Specialist

A+W welcomes back Renaud Schmitt, an A+W veteran returning to the North American Cantor window and door division team as a customer support specialist. He worked for A+W for 14 years from 2005 to 2019, which avails him the opportunity to bring unrivaled knowledge of A+W’s software solutions with a…

Who Is KPS Capital Partners?

The week in glass got off to a roaring start with the announcement that the large, Dublin-based legacy building materials corporation CRH Plc sold its Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope business unit to the private equity firm KPS Capital Partners. KPS is based in New York and has offices in Germany and…

ABI January 2022 Remains Steady

Business conditions at architecture firms entering 2022 were essentially the same as when they ended 2021, with an Architecture Billings Index score of 51.0 in January, the same as the revised December score—any score over 50 indicates billings growth. The ABI is compiled by the American Institute…

Michael Saroka Becomes CEO of Goldray Glass

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Goldray Glass Cathie Saroka is stepping down from her role, transitioning to Executive Chair, and handing over her CEO responsibilities to Michael Saroka.

Tvitec Makes Offer to Purchase Cricursa

Tvitec has submitted an offer to buy Cricursa.

Peerless Products Partners with Talon Wall to Offer High-Rise, Unitized, Factory-Glazed Curtain Wall Systems

Peerless Architectural Windows and Doors announced that the company will enter the high-rise, unitized, factory glazed curtain wall industry. The company is a manufacturer of high-performance aluminum architectural and commercial windows for new construction, replacement, and historical…

AGC Glass Europe Plans Closure of Two Auto Glass Plants

AGC Glass Europe announced intentions to close two automotive glass plants in Europe; its Wegberg Plant located in Germany, and its Fleurus plant, located in Belgium.

Tvitec Shows Interest in Acquiring Cricursa

The Spanish language newspaper La Cronica reports that Tvitec, a glass fabricator based in Cubillos del Sil, Leon, Spain, is one company among several investors that has shown interest in buying all, or part, of Cricursa.

HMI Glass Promotes David Corle to Director A+D Relations

HMI promoted David Corle to a new role, director of A+D Relations

Jason Seals of FGIA Appointed to Florida Structural Technical Advisory Committee

Jason Seals, FGIA certification services manager, fenestration, has been appointed to serve as a voting member of the Florida Structural Technical Advisory Committee.

The Glass Guru Hires New Franchise Business Coach

The Glass Guru recently hired Joe Kirday as a franchise business coach. His background in franchising and operations management will help him be successful in this role as an FBC for The Glass Guru brand.

Lou Podbelski, AIA, Joins Halio Leadership Team as Senior Vice President, Business Development

Halio, a smart windows manufacturer, welcomed Lou Podbelski, AIA, to its leadership team as senior vice president, business development. Mr. Podbelski is responsible for Halio’s sales and marketing, bringing years of experience and relationships in dynamic glass, commercial glazing and curtain wall…

Vitro Architectural Glass Welcomes Brian Pigney as National Architectural Manager

Vitro Architectural Glass announced that Brian Pigney has been appointed national architectural manager for the Great Lakes region.

Cricursa Faces Bankruptcy and Potential Liquidation

Spanish newspaper El Nacional reports that glass fabricator Cricursa has been in bankruptcy proceedings since December 2021.

FutureVu Brands Announce New Senior Officers

FutureVu Brands Inc., the operating umbrella for brands in architectural, glazing, energy, and security retrofit markets, named Rebecca Weiner chief marketing officer and Joe Mauldin vice president of sales. One of FutureVu’s five subsidiaries, Impact Security, named Steve Champlin vice president…

Saint-Gobain Divests Glass Fabrication Business in Estonia

Saint-Gobain entered into an agreement for the sale of its regional glass fabrication business Baltiklaas OÜ in Estonia to Polar Glass OÜ, a subsidiary of Barrus AS, the largest glued laminated timber manufacturer in Estonia and supplier to window and door producers.

The Glass Guru Welcomes New Communications Coordinator

The Glass Guru Franchise Systems Inc. welcomed Allison Hanke as the organization’s first communications coordinator.

Sisecam Acquires Refractory Manufacturer Refel

Şişecam will acquire the Italian company Refel. a refractory materials manufacturer.

YKK AP Announces Changes to Manufacturing Leadership Team

YKK AP America Inc. announced changes to its manufacturing leadership team.

Jeff Born Joins Tubelite, Alumicor and Linetec as Director of Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions

Jeff Born has been named as the director of procurement and supply chain solutions overseeing North American activities for Tubelite Inc., Alumicor Ltd. and Linetec.

Multinational Company Acquires 52 Percent of Bavelloni Shares

Bavelloni SpA and GMM, which is controlled by the Consilium SGR private equity fund, signed an agreement giving GMM control of 52 percent of Bavelloni’s shares.

Walker Glass Welcomes Gary Falco as New Architectural Manager in the Northeast

Walker Glass is pleased to welcome Gary Falco to its architectural management team. Falco represents Walker as the architectural representative for the Northeast U.S.

SAF Appoints Five New Team Members Amid Company-Wide Growth

SAF, a global metals distributor, fabricator, and finisher announced the promotion of a longtime employee as well as the addition of four new team members to the sales and project management teams.

Aldora to Open a New Location in Newport News, VA

Glass and aluminum systems fabricator, Aldora, acquired a new 72,000 -square-foot fabrication facility located in Newport News, Virginia. The building is already 100 percent under crane. Aldora expects the facility, their seventh location, to be fully operational by July 2022.

Industry Veteran Marg Webb Retires After 22 Years of Service in the Glass Industry

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance announced the retirement of industry leader Marg Webb, after 22 years in the glass industry.

MY Shower Door / D3 Glass Leaders Selected for National Industry Positions

Bill Daubmann and Keith Daubmann, of MY Shower Door / D3 Glass have been selected for positions on the National Glass Association’s (NGA) Shower Door Installation Best Practices Guide.

Ben Haigh Joins the McGrory Glass Fire-Rated Division as Senior Director

McGrory Glass, one of the largest family-owned architectural glass companies in the country, announced that Ben Haigh has joined the company as senior director of the fire-rated division.

UltraGlas, California-based Glass Fabricator, Will Close

UltraGlas, a glass fabricator located in Chatsworth, California, will close, according to reporting in the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

Pulp Studio Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Pulp Studio, designers and manufacturers of technically superior decorative glass, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Tremco Construction Products Group Joins NIBS as 2022 Leadership Sponsor

The National Institute of Building Sciences is pleased to announce that Tremco Construction Products Group signed on to be the organization’s 2022 Leadership Sponsor.

TSI Corp. Appoints Thomas Cornellier CEO

TSI Corp. appointed Thomas Cornellier as chief executive officer.

ODL Acquires Glass Company Verre Select

With this acquisition, ODL will absorb Verre Select’s operations and employees, with the Verre Select current organizational structure remaining unchanged. 

Kalwall Awards 2021 Salesperson of the Year to Mark Lipman

Kalwall Corp. is proud to awarded Mark Lipman with the salesperson of the year award for 2021.

Structures Unlimited Honors Michael Hawkins as 2021 Salesperson of The Year

Structures Unlimited Inc. honored Michael Hawkins as its top salesperson of the year for 2021.

Basco Shower Enclosures Acquires Glassource

Basco Shower Enclosures joined forces with Michigan-based Glassource, a tempered glass and shower door solutions provider. This strategic partnership expands Basco’s corporate footprint, providing broader regional services, and additional product offerings.

GED Promotes Cullion to Vice President Of Finance

GED Integrated Solutions Inc. appointed Heather Cullion to the position of vice president of finance. Previously, she served as controller.

GED Names Steve Lang President and CEO

GED Integrated Solutions Inc. named Steve Lang CEO and president of the company, succeeding Bill Weaver, who has held the post since 2008.

As Pilkington Halts Production of the Planar System, W&W Glass Looks to the Future With Expanded Solutions

As Pilkington Architectural halts production of the Pilkington Planar system in St. Helens, United Kingdom as of Dec. 31, 2021, W&W Glass, LLC will offer its own glass engineered solutions.

Eastman Machine Co. Makes Executive Promotions to Lead into 2022

St. Cloud Window Announces SCW3000 Series Quick Ship Program

St. Cloud Window Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance commercial aluminum fenestration products, announces a quick ship program.

Soft Tech and FeneTech Join Forces After Parent Company Merger

Soft Tech and FeneTech will be included in a Window & Door Vertical group, following Compusoft Group's merger with 2020 Technologies.

Alfred “Fred” Jayson, Second Generation of Bendheim, Passes Away

Alfred “Fred” Jayson, the second generation of Bendheim Architectural Glass, passed away on Dec. 8 at 100 years old.

DMC Global to Acquire 60 Percent Controlling Interest in Arcadia Inc.

DMC Global Inc., a diversified holding company, signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 60 percent controlling interest in privately held Arcadia Inc. for $282.5 million in cash and DMC stock. Arcadia is a U.S. supplier of architectural building products, which include exterior and interior…

The Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council Announces New Board Positions for 2022

The Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council announced three new board positions:

Quanex Cambridge Facility Earns ISO 45001-2018 Certification for Occupational Health and Safety Management

In addition to its existing ISO 9001 certification, the Quanex IG Systems facility in Cambridge, Ohio, earned the ISO 45001-2018 designation for occupational health and safety management. As a safety driven organization, Quanex emphasizes the well-being of employees and commits to continuous safety…

Kansas City-Based Livers Bronze Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Family-owned Livers Bronze Co. is proud to announce its 75th anniversary as a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial hand railing systems.

EFCO Partners with Armoured One To Develop Shooter Attack-Tested Fenestration Systems

EFCO Corp. and Armoured One signed an agreement to partner on the development complete fenestration assemblies to successfully pass the Shooter Attack Certification Testing method.

FHC Receives U.S. Patent for Unitizing Clamping Gasket for Heavy Glass Entrance Systems

The Frameless Hardware Co. announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office officially awarded U.S. Patent Number 11,187,323 to the FHC Unitizing Clamping Gasket.

Aragon Becomes 45th Contractor to Earn North American Contractor Certification

Aragon of Montclair, California, earned North American Contractor Certification, becoming the 45th contractor in North America and 10th in California to achieve the credential. NACC is an ANSI-accredited, award-winning certification that empowers architectural glass and metal contractors to adopt…

Viracon Announces New Supply Chain Leadership

Viracon announced the reassignment of two tenured associates to lead its supply chain and logistics teams. Seth Madole will transition to the role of director of supply chain and customer experience and Brian Savage will transition to supply chain manager.

Angie Tweed Joins Virginia Glass Products and Virginia Mirror Co. as Regional Sales Manager

Virginia Glass Products and Virginia Mirror Co. added Angie Tweed as a regional sales manager covering the states of Virginia and Maryland. 

American Insulated Glass Hires Jason Williams as General Manager of Birmingham Facility

American Insulated Glass hired Jason Williams as general manager of the company's glass fabrication facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Having served in the United States Army for seven years, Williams has spent the last two decades developing a solid foundation of glass industry and management…

Bloomberg Reports that CRH Plans to Sell Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope

According to a Dec. 7 breaking news report from Bloomberg, CRH Plc is planning a sale of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope in a deal that could be worth more than $3 billion, per “people with knowledge of the matter.”

Deceuninck and AGC Glass Europe Enter into a Strategic Partnership

Deceuninck, specialized in the development and production of PVC and aluminum window and door profiles, and AGC Glass Europe, a European flat glass manufacturer, entered into a strategic partnership. The combination resulted in new innovative solutions that enable the integration of Fineo vacuum…

Sterling Glass Becomes 44th Glazing Contractor to Earn North American Contractor

Sterling Glass Inc. of Buffalo, New York, earned North American Contractor Certification, becoming the 44th glazing contractor to achieve the credential.

Halio Inc. Announces $100M in Financing Led by SK and Capricorn

Halio, a mart window manufacturer, announced an additional $100 million in financing led by inside investors SK and Capricorn Investment Group. SK is Korea’s third-largest company with more than $68 billion in annual revenue. Halio aligns with SK’s focus on Environmental, Social and Governance…

Sutton Named Product Manager for Value Added Products at Vitro

Vitro Architectural Glass announced that Daniel Sutton has been named product manager for value added products at Vitro Glass.

Burns Architectural Products Welcomes Three New Team Members

Burns Architectural Products, a mid-Atlantic-based manufacturers representative, added three new team members.

Compusoft and 2020 Complete Merger

Compusoft and 2020, two industry leading software providers for residential and commercial spaces, have successfully united to create one company. The combined group will specialize in providing solutions for the visualization, configuration, pricing, quoting and manufacturing of products in highly…

Fenzi Group Announces Acquisition of Advanced Glass Technologies

Fenzi Holdings SPV S.p.A acquired Johnson Matthey’s Advanced Glass Technologies business, a global provider of specialist glass enamels and precious metal pastes supplied mainly to the automotive sector. The acquisition is expected to close in the spring of 2022.

Renaud Schmitt Rejoins A+W Software as Cantor Customer Support Specialist

Renaud Schmitt, an A+W veteran, returned to the North American team as a Cantor customer support specialist. He worked for A+W for 14 years from 2005 to 2019. Schmitt brings unrivaled knowledge of A+W’s software solutions, say company officials.

Sisecam and Ciner Group Invest in U.S. Soda Ash Market

Şişecam and Ciner Group, Turkish-origin global companies, will co-invest $4 billion in the U.S. soda ash industry.

YKK AP Inc. Releases 2021 Integrated Report

YKK AP Inc. issued its annual report, “YKK AP Integrated Report 2021.” The report serves as a communication tool for all stakeholders such as customers, business partners, and local communities. It can now be viewed at ykkapamerica.com or ykkap.co.jp. 

Lamatek Announces 2021 Sales Team Promotions

Lamatek promoted two members of their sales team. Leticia “Lety” Santiago and BarbaraRyan Myers-Peterson have been moved up to the role of account manager.

Quanex Building Products Announces Changes to the Board of Directors

Quanex Building Products Corporation announced the appointment of Jason D. Lippert to its board of directors effective immediately. The company also announced that William C. Griffiths will retire as executive chairman of the board, effective Feb. 21, 2022, but plans to continue serving as non-…

Isoclima Group Acquires Global Security Glazing, Dlubak

Isoclima Group, a supplier of high performance glass and transparent solutions, acquired Global Security Glazing and Dlubak Specialty Glass Corp. from SSI Consolidated Holdings.

Installed Building Products Acquires Denison Glass & Mirror Inc.

Installed Building Products Inc., an installer of insulation and complementary building products, announced the acquisition of Denison Glass and Mirror Inc. and an affiliated entity, DGM Glass.

AIG Names Clint Blair President, Makes Executive Leadership Appointments

American Insulated Glass promoted several individuals within the executive leadership team based in Atlanta at the corporate headquarters. These changes will effectively support the company’s strategic business initiatives and continued growth across multiple regions.

Roto North America Welcomes New Laser Specialist

Roto Frank of America Inc. recently welcomed Bryan St. Amand to its team as a new laser specialist. 

Joel Allen Joins A+W Software

Joel Allen joined the A+W Software team as an application and professional services specialist.

Oahu Metal & Glazing Becomes Hawaii’s First to Earn North American Contractor Certification

Oahu Metal & Glazing of Honolulu achieved North American Contractor Certification, becoming Hawaii’s first glazing contractor to earn the credential.

Apogee Enterprises Reaches Agreement to Sell Facility in Statesboro, Georgia

Apogee Enterprises Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its architectural glass facility located in Statesboro, Georgia, to Cardinal Glass Industries.

Biesse Group Signs Agreement to Acquire Maker of Glass Machining Equipment

Biesse Group signed a contract for the acquisition of 100 percent of the quotes of Forvet Costruzione Macchine Speciali S.p.A., a manufacturer of special automated machines for glass machining.

Kensington Glass Arts Opens New Richmond Facility

Kensington Glass Arts Inc., a Mid-Atlantic glass manufacturer, commercial glazier and distributor of architectural glass, announced the opening of a fabricated glass distribution hub and contract glazing field office in Richmond, Virginia.

SAF Expands US Footprint, Christens New Facility in Temple, TX

SAF, a metals distributor, fabricator, and finisher, is expanding its capacity and capabilities with the opening of a new manufacturing location in Temple, Texas. The 60,000-square-foot facility will specialize in metal fabrication and distribution, including the manufacturing of panel systems and…

Aldora Announces VistaView Subsidiary

Officials from Coral Springs, Florida-based glass and aluminum systems fabricator, Aldora, announced a new subsidiary of the company, VistaView by Aldora. VistaView offers impact glass doors and windows, specifically designed for luxury residential applications.

Isra Vision AG Breaks Ground on New Headquarters

Isra Vision AG, a manufacturer of surface inspection methods for web materials, broke ground on the construction of its new headquarters building in Darmstadt, Germany. The new headquarters is located on a property measuring around 15,000 square meters in the city’s “Knell” development district…

Prepare for What's Next

How can glass companies prepare for 2021? I asked some of Glass Magazine’s expert contributors to weigh in, and they offered insights on everything from legal and contract best practices to labor concerns.

10 Tips for Installers During the Coronavirus Crisis

While we are all at home, keep your company in the spotlight and keep people interested in windows and doors. Winning orders is perfectly possible, even though installation is unlikely to take place for a number of months.

How Will Coronavirus Affect Manufacturing and Construction?

Now that cases of coronavirus have increased across the country, and cities and states have instituted more extreme measures to control the spread, the construction and manufacturing sectors could be in for more serious disruptions. Some reports from across the industry:

Opportunities in 2020 and Beyond

As a business owner or manager, what opportunities do you see in 2020 and beyond for your company and employees? Have you thought how new workers/markets/procedures, or new/updated technology, including machines and software, can help your company meet your 2020 and beyond goals? Have you thought…

Vitro Architectural Glass Publishes New Glass Catalog

Vitro Architectural Glass published its largest-ever and most comprehensive glass catalog. The 40-page booklet was designed and written with input from a panel of architects.

Graboyes Commercial Announces Revised Company Name, Promotions

Graboyes Commercial Window and Glass Solutions, formerly Graboyes Commercial Window Co., announced its new name and several promotions.

New Corporate HQ to Feature Crawford-Tracey Curtain Wall

Medical device manufacturer Arthrex Inc.’s new corporate headquarters is on the cusp of completion after two years of development, say officials at Crawford-Tracey Corp; the company provided its high-performance Pro-Tech glazing systems for the entire Arthrex expansion project.

Petersen Adds Rep for US Pacific Islands

Petersen hired representation to service U.S. islands in the Pacific Ocean. The firm Building Enclosure Specialist Team Hawaii will support architects, installing contractors and others involved in the specification and installation of exterior metal cladding products on all Hawaiian islands and…

Construction Starts Fall 21 Percent in December

Total construction starts in the final month of 2019 dropped 21 percent from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $800.4 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics.

New Quanex CEO George Wilson Rings NYSE Opening Bell

Quanex Building Products’ CEO George Wilson rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell on Thursday, Jan. 16. Wilson was named Quanex’s president and CEO in December.

Mainstreet Computers Acquires Utah-Based Software Provider

Mainstreet Computers, a subsidiary of Convenient Payments Holding, acquired Dialmark LLC, a Sandy, Utah-based provider of business software to the auto and flat glass industries.

Saint-Gobain Completes Divestment of its Construction Glass Business in South Korea

Saint-Gobain completed the sale of Hankuk Glass Industries, the company’s construction glass activity in South Korea, to Glenwood Private Equity on Dec. 19, 2019.  

Linetec Promotes Jeff Fochs to Vice President of Sales and Marketing

CGH Names Chris Randisi as Vice President of Architectural Sales

New Dallas Residential Tower Will Have Greco Railings

Greco Aluminum Railings has been awarded the railing package for one of Dallas’ most anticipated arrivals, The Victor.

ABI Grows Modestly in November

After several months of flat or declining billings at architectural firm, the Architecture Billings Index registered growth for the second month in a row in November.

Kalwall Promotes Kevin Bruce to National Sales Manager

Kalwall Corp. promoted Kevin Bruce to national sales manager North America – panels and accessories division. Bruce will oversee Kalwall’s sales and support team for its direct and distributor sales network in North America.

YKK AP Hires Craig Lewis as Architectural Sales Rep for Tennessee

YKK AP America named Craig Lewis as architectural sales representative for the Tennessee market. Lewis will play an integral role in expanding the brand’s efforts in Tennessee and surrounding areas, with a focus on customer development and architectural support.

YKK AP Launches Collaborative Research Project with Carnegie Mellon University

YKK AP America signed an agreement with Carnegie Mellon University to conduct joint research on advanced technology to install windows, curtain walls, doors and products in buildings. The agreement was finalized in May 2019 and activities are now underway.

Changes to Glaston’s Group Structure and Executive Management Group

To better reflect its business dynamics and market drivers, Glaston made changes to the group structure. As of Jan. 1, Glaston Corp. has three business areas: Glaston Heat Treatment Technologies, Glaston Insulating Glass Technologies and Glaston Automotive & Emerging Technologies.  

Jennifer Harris Joins Techniform as Inside Sales Manager

Techniform welcomed Jennifer Harris as inside sales manager. Harris will be responsible for managing the company’s sales and estimating teams. She will also manage the administrative and training details for the team.

HHH Tempering Wins Trulite Machinery Contract

HHH Tempering Resources, a wholly owned subsidiary of Salem Distributing Co., signed an agreement with Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions to upgrade and refurbish the fabricator’s tempering equipment.

GGI Celebrates 120 Years in the Glass Industry

American Insulated Glass Acquires Custom Fabricator A. L. Smith Glass

American Insulated Glass acquired A.L. Smith Glass Co. in Ijamsville, Maryland, located just east of Baltimore. This is the company’s fourth acquisition in less than two years.

New Glazing Subcontractor Element13 Facades Opens in Denver

Element13 Facades, a new glass and glazing subcontractor located in Denver officially launched as of Sept. 6, 2019.  Element13 Facades will service clients not only in the Denver metro area but all along the front range, from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins.   

Davlyn Group Adds to Leadership Team

Tubelite Celebrates 75 Years of Business

Tubelite Inc. celebrated its diamond anniversary.

National Fenestration Rating Council Welcomes New Communications Director

Michelle Blackston joins the National Fenestration Rating Council as senior director of communications and marketing. She will oversee the organization’s communications’ initiatives including internal communications, marketing, public relations and media outreach.

Glass Business is Sound Business for New Glass Guru Franchisees

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Michael and Valarie Gomm, the husband-and-wife team behind the new The Glass Guru franchise in Wichita, Kansas. Michael and Valarie first became aware of, and interested, in the franchise when they experienced a failed window of their own. We discussed…

Instagram vs. Reality: Presenting Your Company Online

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” sounds great, and I’m not one for presumptions. However. If I am honest, I’m guilty. I judge some things positively, and others negatively, but I have noticed these days my judgement is routinely related to websites.

Software as an Investment, Not a Cost

Do you recognize this scenario? An employee armed with pen and paper wanders through the warehouse checking supplies. If supplies are low, the employee returns to the office inputting an order via telephone, email or fax. Valuable time is lost jeopardizing delivery dates.

Are You Top Gun When It Comes to Innovation?

I was recently turned onto a podcast called The Rewatchables, which features a round table discussion of movies the hosts can’t seem to stop watching. This show is insightful without being boring, and the cast is hilarious. Recently I listened to an episode where they broke down the 80s classic, “…

Shower Doors & More Inc. Welcomes Tyler Giacin

Recruiting Realities, Poaching Pitfalls

Crystal Expands Engineering Assistance Services for Window Projects

Crystal Window & Door Systems expanded its offerings of project engineering assistance services for architects and fenestration trade customers.

Cristacurva Sells Assets of Houston Plant to Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope

Cristacurva agreed to sell the assets of its Houston plant to Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, part of CRH, and the agreement has been finalized.

FeneTech and Siemens Announce Partnership

Officials from Siemens Vertical Glass and FeneTech announced a collaboration for fully automated and digitalized glass processing.

YKK AP Acquires Erie Architectural Products Group

YKK AP America Inc. has acquired high-performance facades solutions provider Erie Architectural Products Group, according to a Dec. 9 company announcement.

Aldora Opens New Coral Springs Facility

Aldora opened a brand-new facility in Coral Springs, Florida. The 120,000-square-foot location is replacing the now closed Miramar, Florida, fabrication plant.

Apogee Enterprises Enters Cooperation Agreement with Engaged Capital

Apogee Enterprises Inc. entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Engaged Capital LLC and certain of its affiliates. As part of the Cooperation Agreement and the Company’s ongoing board refreshment process, Apogee will nominate three new independent director candidates for election to its board at…

Tecnoglass to Build Float Plant in Colombia

According to reporting in the Global Legal Chronicle, Tecnoglass will build a $45 million float glass plant in Galapa, Colombia.

Bonnell Aluminum Rebrands

Bonnell Aluminum started a rebranding of the company. Bonnell and its subsidiaries, AACOA and Futura, will all fall under the Bonnell Aluminum banner. Together, they provide a comprehensive range of custom extruded, fabricated and finished aluminum solutions to the building and construction markets.

Kalwall Welcomes New Southeast Regional Sales Manager

U-M Taubman College and Guardian Industries Announce Research Partnership

The University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning and Guardian Industries formed a new collaborative research partnership in advanced glass materials.

The Novatech Group Acquires Laurier

The Novatech Group, a Toronto-based door manufacturer, acquired glass product manufacturer Laurier, based near Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

First Solar Begins Production at New Manufacturing Facility in Lake Township

First Solar started production at its new manufacturing facility in Lake Township, Ohio, according to reporting in the The Blade, a Toledo, Ohio-based newspaper.

Labor and Automation

  Related Reading | Labor and Automation: How automation and technology make people less necessary, more important Technology may be enticing and a solution to some labor woes. However, industry companies are faced with many challenges when considering technology investment. Often at the top…

Glass + Mirror Craft Creates New Parent Company, Launches New Division

American Insulated Glass Extends Service to Knoxville Market

Kinestral Partners with Vitrum Glass Group to Produce Halio IGUs

What’s New in Social Media

It’s time once again for a social media news roundup! Here is a summary of the biggest moves being made in the social media world this summer, and how they could impact your business. Instagram The image-sharing platform has long tried to make it easy for users to toggle back and forth between…

Building Better Business

In the article Investing in the #1 Asset, sources shared insights on how strong personnel relationships build better businesses. Part of the relationship equation relies on how employees see the company they work for. Here, brand awareness comes into play as part of the personnel equation, as does…

Investing in the #1 Asset

Business leaders often say people are their number one asset. People make business run. The industry is feeling this need for people now more than ever as demand is up, but the labor shortage and struggle to keep top-quality employees continues.  Additional resources to download 5…

A Good Employee is Hard to Find

Or should that be, “A good employee is hard to keep”? I am pretty sure every employer in our industry has run into the same HR issue of trying to figure out where to find good talent and dealing with the inevitable question of how to keep these assets productive in their own company, and not in…

2019 Top Glass Fabricators | Women at the Top

Above: Gemma Martini (in black, second row), CEO of Vitrum Glass Group, with the all-women Insulating Glass Unit assembly team. Martini founded the company 22 years ago with her brother, Thomas Martini, who is the president of Vitrum. The siblings’ family was in the window industry.  Below:…

Industry Partnerships are Key to Business Success

As a new blog contributor, I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a look at my past, the chances I took in business, and the partners who supported myself and the business along the way. It seems like only yesterday that, at the age of 43 and with three kids, I ventured into this new…

Ibis Tek Acquires Standard Bent Glass

Tecnoglass Enters into Joint Venture with Saint-Gobain

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Divests from its Antamex Subcontracting Business

AIG Acquires Great Lakes Glass Distributors

How to Recession-proof Your Business

Many economists are pointing to a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy after nearly a decade of sustained growth. “We see some headwinds coming,” said economist Connor Lokar during his forecast presentation at the Glazing Executives Forum at GlassBuild America in September. So, how can glass…

The Professional Services Perspective: Industry Potpourri

With the end of the year approaching, my final blog of 2018 is a collection of random thoughts and experiences. Hopefully some will resonate with you. Let’s discuss terms. I love the technical terms we use in our industry. “Chicken head” may be the best. Most of us know that term to define the…

Creating a Culture of Service

Limited labor has been a core issue for the glass industry for years. Recruitment, training and retention are at the heart of a company’s concerns, as evidenced by Glass Magazine’s Workforce Development series, which has shone a light on these issues. While creating a great company culture is…

HMI Cardinal Acquires Woon-Tech

When is the Right Time to Grow a Business?

Two ways to grow Generally, there are two ways to grow a company. An owner can grow a company organically by increasing the client base through marketing. Or the owner can grow through acquisition by purchasing competitors. Organic growth is often slower but less risky. Growth by acquisition can…

Pass-through Warranties

In equipment purchases, attention to warranty terms can fall down the priority list. Often, the existence of the warranty is simply a checklist item: does a warranty exist? However, attention to warranty terms, including their scope and limitations, should not be relegated to a check-box review…

Is the Glass Industry Ready to Lean In?

Last November, I attended the Women in Design & Construction Conference. Not only were the talks and breakout sessions interesting and relevant, but the camaraderie and energy I experienced from being around dynamic, smart and talented women is something I won’t soon forget. One of the talks…

Glass Dynamics Rebrands as Press Glass Inc.

Saint-Gobain to Install ORC Systems in Two Float Plants

Grassroots Approach

Read more articles about Workforce Development at glassmagazine.com/June2018 The problem is clear: the construction industry is booming at a time when labor is scarce. The causes are just as well-known: experienced workers are retiring faster than new hires can fill jobs, and skills are going…

Diagnosing a Bad Business Culture

“Business cultures eat business strategies for breakfast!” I heard this quote from a business consultant during a recent meeting. So often, organizations will adopt a new strategy only to quickly abandon it if goals aren’t met. The truth of the situation is that the strategy wasn’t properly…

Recruiting Women to the Glass Industry: An Emerging Professional’s Perspective

My company has been a sponsor for the Women in Design & Construction event, a leadership conference for women—of all roles, fields and career stages—within the construction industry. My experience at these conferences made me reflect more on women in the workplace. With women making up 57…

US Float Glass to Grow by 20 to 45 Percent Per Year

When Problems Arise

What happens when, despite a company’s greatest efforts, an order or project doesn’t go as planned? What actions does a company take when it has an unsatisfied customer, or when a miscommunication results in a hiccup with a partner?  The reality of business today is that glass industry companies…

Inside an ESOP

When it comes to exiting a business and monetizing the wealth trapped in the company, an owner can consider five general methods of exiting: a sale to an outside party such as a competitor or strategic partner; a sale to a private equity group; a sale to a manager or group of managers in a…

Traits of Top Performers

The number one false assumption that I’ve seen peers make about top sales performers is that they have an it thing—some natural-born personality trait or gift that makes them automatic stars who close high-dollar sales easily and with practically no effort. While their performance in front of…

Building Relationships to Sell Product

The last time I posted, I wrote about the differences in North America versus Europe when it comes to the product supply chain. But one of the major differences I did not mention was the emotional approach that North American buyers take versus overseas buyers. Relationship selling happens all…

Plant Safety 101

Sources: MyGlassClass.com from the National Glass Association; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; Glass Safety Awareness Council, Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance; Vitro Architectural Glass. Glass plants can be dangerous places to work. They combine the hazards of any…

The Last Dynamite Company

I once heard a business consultant tell the story of the last dynamite company. When dynamite was surpassed by newer explosives that were lighter, safer and more powerful, all but one dynamite manufacturer left the market. The last dynamite company served as the sole supplier of the explosive with…

2018 Codes Clarify Deflection Limits for Glass Wall Systems

Summary: The 2018 International Building Codes clarify the deflection criteria to be used in the design of glass wall systems by adding reference to AAMA TIR-11 Maximum Allowable Deflection of Framing Systems for Building Cladding Components at Design Wind Loads. This article concludes Julie…

Uncovering the Myths of Product Selection

Top Influencing Factors to Use an Alternative Product Visit GlassMagazine.com/November2017 to view the data and explore additional myths about product selection in Dodge’s complete report, “Exploding 9 Myths: How Architects and Contractors Really Select Building Products.” Key Marketing…

Set Up for Success

A group of new Viracon employees being taught how to safely handle and lift glass.     Onboarding, or the process of preparing new employees for job success, is vital for employee integration and retention. According to a 2007 study by the Wynhurst Group, when employees go through structured…

Risk Management Guidelines for Additional Insured Coverage

Additional insured coverage: Additional insured requirements demand that one party agree to designate another party as an “additional insured.” The additional-insured gains the right to be treated as if it purchased an insurance policy, even though it paid no premiums. While most glass…

10 Most Common Problems in the Workplace

My recent column addressed the importance of employee development and identified the 10 most common problems in the work environment that hinder that development and a company’s overall success. This column presents those 10 problems and provides solutions to each. 1. Inadequate job…

The Multi-Generation Workplace

If you are like most business leaders, you’ve no doubt noticed some trends in the way employees behave in recent years—too much entitlement, not enough loyalty, no work ethic and so forth. I challenge you to consider that perhaps these are not negative trends, just different ones. To better…

Saint-Gobain Acquires TekBond

Strategies and Negotiation Tips for Early Payment Discounts

One strategy to entice clients to pay sooner is to offer an early payment discount—usually a 2 percent discount if they pay within 10 days. A previous article in the October 2015 issue, “When to Offer Early Payment Discounts,” addressed considerations for suppliers. This article presents the…

Reinvest in Employee Development and Work Environment

I recently returned to the auto dealership where I bought a pickup truck 17 years ago, motivated by the great initial experience. Sadly, my most recent experience was terrible. The salesperson took my order for the truck and then moved to California without telling anyone. No one called from the…

The Right Way to Dismiss Problem Clients

During the recession that began in late 2007, things were tough for most companies. Many were laying off employees, and the construction industry ground to a halt. Most companies took any and every client just to get sales. It was a matter of survival. Unfortunately, this approach left many glass…

Creative Recruitment

Ace Glass leads attend a Spider Swing Stage training with sales rep John VanNatta. The company hires and trains new employees from multiple creative channels, including prison transition programs. Photo courtesy of Ace Glass. Although the worker shortage continues to be a primary…

Regulation Watch: OSHA Reporting Requirements to Affect Glass Companies

New regulations: New OSHA requirements for electronic reporting of workplace injuries and illness rules went into effect Jan. 1. Affected companies: The reporting requirements apply to all companies with 250 or more employees, or companies with 20 or more employees in industries that are…

Exit Planning and Succession VII - Succession Through Hardship

Business succession is inevitable, but certainly not always well-planned or expected. For a business to survive beyond its current generation, next generation leaders must be willing and able to step up and step into the shoes of a departing owner. This article tells the stories of three industry…

Exit Planning and Succession VI - Seven Pitfalls of a Business Exit

Editor's Note: This article and the feature of Salem Flat Glass & Mirror mark the sixth and final installment of Glass Magazine’s Exit Planning and Succession series. Search this website for "exit planning", to see all articles from this series. Business owners intuitively understand and…

Exit Planning and Succession VI - Developing Talent

Editor's Note: Succession planning is a critical element of exiting a business. For detailed guidance on developing a succession plan, see the fifth article in Glass Magazine’s six-part Exit Planning & Succession Series, “Nine Key Considerations for Successful Succession Planning”. Search…

Exit Planning and Succession V - Nine Key Considerations For Successful Succession Planning

Editor's Note: This article and A New Chapter mark the fifth installment of Glass Magazine’s Exit Planning and Succession series. Search this site for "exit planning" for more from this series. Succession is a critical component of a successful business exit. The process involves replacing the…

Exit Planning and Succession V - A New Chapter

Chris Mammen (pictured at top right with his employees), CEO, and third-generation leader of M3 Glass Technologies, says of growing up in the industry: “The more time I spent at the shop, the more I could envision myself as a glass man like my dad and my grandfather. Dad instilled this interest…

Exit Planning and Succession IV - The Internal Sale

Editor's Note: This article is an installment of Glass Magazine’s Exit Planning and Succession series. Use the Search bar in the right column to search "exit planning succession", to find related articles. The most probable opportunity for glass company owners looking to sell their business is a…

Exit Planning and Succession IV - Four Generations Strong

From right to left, Dan, Peter J. and Peter “Pete” DeGorter, current management of DeGorter Inc., stand in front of a photo of John DeGorter, the company's second-generation owner. Pete will be the company's fourth-generation owner. He says of his decision to remain in the industry: "[I've seen…

Exit Planning and Succession III - A Continuing Story

CRL CEO Don Friese (left) and President Lloyd Talbert. Photo by Lizz Mullis The story of C.R. Laurence Co. is one of growth and acquisitions, of innovation and solutions. It is a story of people, strong leaders and dedicated employees who worked to grow the company into a respected glass and…

Exit Planning and Succession III - The External Sale

Editor's Note: This article and the feature A Continuing Story mark the third part of Glass Magazine’s "Exit Planning and Succession" series. See earlier articles from this series: A Successful Exit, Eight Disciplines of a Successful Exit, and An Employee Partnership. If you have an exit or…

What Exactly Is Exit Planning?

I was interviewing an owner recently, and I had to pause and take a deep breath after he spoke those famous words, “but my accountant said they provide exit planning.” After my discussion he discovered their adviser really is not an exit planner—just a great accountant. Beacon, America’s Exit…

Exit Planning and Succession II - Eight Disciplines of a Successful Exit

Editor's Note: This article and the feature An Employee Partnership mark part two of Glass Magazine’s multi-part Exit Planning and Succession series. The first in the series is, “A Successful Exit: Capture Business Wealth and Pass the Baton to the Next Generation;” the next article in the series…

Exit Planning and Succession II - An Employee Partnership

Editor's Note: This article and the feature Eight Disciplines of a Successful Exit mark part two of Glass Magazine’s multi-part Exit Planning and Succession series. The first in the series is, “A Successful Exit: Capture Business Wealth and Pass the Baton to the Next Generation;” the next article…

Hiring Tips to Navigate Labor Shortage Pitfalls

Business is up across the glass industry, and as business picks up, more labor is needed to meet demand. However, glass companies from all parts of the industry have reported a current shortage of skilled labor. For glass shops, it’s been difficult to find qualified service professionals in the…

Exit Planning and Succession I - A Successful Exit

Editor's Note: This article is the first in a multi-part Exit Planning and Succession series. The next installment will run in the April issue. If you have an exit or succession planning story to share, contact Editor Katy Devlin, kdevlin@glass.org. In running your glass business there is only…

Engaging the Millennial Workforce

SOURCE: FMI CORP. As the labor market continues to tighten and more of the nation’s 78 million-plus Baby Boomers head into retirement, construction firms will need to sharpen their hiring and recruiting pencils, say experts at FMI Corp., a provider of management consulting, investment banking and…

Millennials and Gen X

Millennials and Generation X—they are changing the workplace and the way companies do business. However, their definitions of success, and their expectations from the workplace, are different than those of previous generations. Employers and managers need to understand the attitudes and…

Combating Skilled Labor Shortages Head-On

A quote I’ve seen in several recent industry articles has caught my attention: CFO asks CEO: What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave? CEO: What happens if we don’t, and they stay? It’s an unfortunate trend that trades in many industries are struggling with—the never-…

Uncommon Hiring

Since Glass Magazine started reporting on the glass industry labor shortage in mid-2013, the issue has changed from a concern over finding qualified glaziers to an industry-wide need for good workers. Glass fabricators, metal companies, machine manufacturers and glazing firms report having trouble…

Protecting Your Company in the Wake of Beacon v. SOM

Industry attention has recently turned toward a decision of the California Supreme Court allowing homeowners to sue an architect they did not hire for claims of negligence. The case was Beacon Residential Community vs. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. While it may seem like another unique…

Warning: Fake shipping company scam

  UPDATE (July 21, 2014): In January 2009, I wrote this blog in response to a flood of emails I had received regarding a fake shipping scam targeted at small and mid-sized businesses that can cost companies upwards of $10,000, in addition to lost product and time.  In the more than four years…

Ten Things Every CEO Should Know about Succession Planning

An exit plan is a customized, written plan that monetizes a business; meets the owner’s business, personal and financial goals; protects his or her wealth; and moves the owner into his or her next stage of life. A succession plan, on the other hand, focuses on the human side of the business. In…

The Seven Myths of Exit Planning

As a business owner, a good exit plan is crucial to profitably transferring ownership of your company. Yet, during conversations with hundreds of successful business owners, I have discovered some common misconceptions surround the exit process. Myth #1: “I will just sell my business and retire…

Scam alert

     Red flags for fraud Orders through relay operator for the hearing impaired  Email orders with numerous typos and grammatical problems Orders for large quantities of standard glass sizes  Orders that require long-distance shipping Orders that request use of a shipping…