AGG - 2006 - May/June

Volume 20 • Issue 3 • May / June 2006

News

GANA Video Shows Mirror Process
The Glass Association of North America (GANA) Mirror Division has produced a new six-minute video which explains how flat glass mirrors are made. The video shows the manufacturing process from the moment flat glass is placed on the line, through the silvering process, to further fabrication and shipping.

“One of the questions we are asked the most is how mirror is made,” explained Brian Pitman, director of marketing and communications for the Topeka, Kan. based organization. “The technical process behind the magic of mirrors is shown in a concise way which envelops the various differences between manufacturers.”

The GANA division began work on the video over a year ago, with initial scripting; filming was done in Florida last summer in two different locations. The video was produced internally by GANA’s management company.

It is for sale on DVD for $20. The DVD may be purchased on the GANA Publications page of its Web site. To view the video online at no charge, visit the GANA Videos page.

Oldcastle Glass Launches Engineered Products Division
With the acquisition of Dallas-based Texas Wall Systems Inc. earlier this year, Oldcastle Glass launched a new Engineered Products division by incorporating several of its companies into one unit.

Included in the new division are the recently acquired Fulton Windows (Toronto, Ont.), Southwest Aluminum Systems (Chandler, Ariz.), and Oldcastle Glass Retail Storefronts (Austin, Tex.). Oldcastle Glass Engineered Products has six operating locations which manufacture a complete line of high-performance fenestration products including architectural-rated operable windows, custom engineered curtainwalls, commercial and retail storefronts, and glass doors and related hardware.

Texas Wall Systems provides high-performance curtainwall systems and engineering services for commercial, institutional and multi-story condominium construction markets.

“Texas Wall Systems is a very attractive acquisition and is an ideal fit within our new Engineered Products division,” said Ted Hathaway, CEO, Oldcastle Glass. “It is well-positioned for growth. This acquisition significantly broadens our product offering and provides a strong manufacturing base for custom, high-performance curtainwall systems in the United States.”

“Oldcastle Glass provides Texas Wall Systems with a depth of capabilities and financial resources to draw upon,” said Larry Long, who continues as president of Texas Wall Systems. He has been with the company since shortly after its founding in 1981 and has been instrumental in its development and growth over the past 25 years.

Azon Names Berkowitz First Warm-Light Certified Fabricator
Azon USA Inc. of Kalamazoo, Mich., has named J.E. Berkowitz (JEB) of Westville, N.J., as its first Warm-Light Certified Fabricator.

According to JEB officials, Azon chose it as the first certified fabricator for this product because it follows methods to meet the ASTM E 2190 standard for insulating glass performance and for its commitment to quality and service.

“We are thrilled to be named Azon’s first certified fabricator for its Warm-Light product,” said Michael Z. Nicklas, architectural sales and marketing manager for J.E. Berkowitz. “By incorporating Warm-Light we can provide thermally improved, structurally stronger air space material for commercial insulating glass. We look forward to working with Azon on more projects in improving the performance of insulated glass.”

Wachovia Names Vistawall Entrances Supplier
Vistawall Architectural Products, Terrell, Tex., has been selected as a national supplier of curtainwall and entrances for Wachovia Corp. branch banks. The supplier will manufacture is Reliance curtainwall and series 375 standard medium stile entrances for the company, which plans to open 150 banks in the major markets of Texas over the next three years. The goal is to build 50 banks a year in the state. The building footprint at each site will be the same, although the interior and exterior facades may vary from location to location. The changes will be determined by the architect and location of each branch bank.