GlasWeld in Bend, Ore., is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. Founded in 1982 by glass repair pioneer Hap Alexander, GlasWeld is now entering its 25th year of creating equipment, systems and processes for repairing damaged glass. 

“This year not only marks a major chronological milestone for GlasWeld, but it also launches our new campaign for environmental awareness,” said Mike Boyle, president. “For GlasWeld, the leap from saving glass to saving the environment isn’t a broad one. In fact, saving existing glass keeps it out of landfills, since architectural glass and windshields are generally not recyclable. It also eliminates the high amount of energy used to produce a single lite of new glass.”

Over the next year, GlasWeld will be actively working to create awareness about affecting global change. Throughout 2007 the company will be releasing information about how businesses can lessen their impact on the planet and create opportunities for change. 

“Historically, GlasWeld has always played a key role in shaping the glass repair industry,” said Boyle. “We hope that this influence will continue to solidify as we send out a call to others to start thinking globally.” www.glasweld.com/ecofusion

SAF Opens Western U.S. Plant
Southern Aluminum Finishing Co. (SAF), headquartered in Atlanta, augmented its Western division sales office in San Diego by opening a new plant in Redding, Calif. The 20,000-square-foot facility will distribute and fabricate aluminum sheet and extrusions for the commercial construction market, including glazing contractors, subcontractors, architects, design/build contractors, owners and manufacturers. 

Products available from the new branch will include next-day-out extrusions and prefinished sheet. Fabrication services include shear, press brake and welding.

“We see tremendous construction growth potential throughout the West,” said project manager Jim McClatchey. “From this Northern California location on I-5, a major transportation artery, we’ll be able to offer overnight delivery of anodized and mill finish aluminum to most of the West Coast.” www.saf.com

Novum Opens Western Regional Office
In response to the expanding construction market and the large community of architects and contractors on the West Coast, Novum Structures, a Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based architectural enclosure contractor, opened a Western regional office in San Francisco.

“Novum has a long history of building complex glass structures across the Western United States, including the Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle, Foundry Square in San Francisco and the Reagan Library Air Force One Museum in Simi Valley,” said Ian Collins, president. “The new office allows us to better service the ever-increasing demand for specialty glass structures in the area.” www.novumstructures.com 

Omni Glass and Paint Begins Construction of New Headquarters
Omni Glass and Paint of Oshkosh, Wis., officially began work on its new corporate headquarters, showroom and manufacturing facility December 7, 2006. The company plans to move into the new, 69,000-square-foot building by September or October of this year. The new plant will give Omni room to expand its operations, and also help commemorate its 40th year of providing glass and paint contracting services throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois.

“The existing facility is very limited as far as space, and we exceeded our capacity here,” said Dave VanderZanden, vice president of Omni Glass. “There’s no room to expand and we’re working in inferior conditions here because we’re so cramped. The new facility will be approximately double the size we have now, and there’s additional acreage for future growth.”

VanderZanden added that the new facility will feature up-to-date fabrication equipment, including polishing machines and fabrication saws. www.omnigp.com 

web watch

SAFTI FIRST Redesigns Its Web Space
SAFTI FIRST Fire Rated Glazing Solutions™ of San Francisco launched a redesigned website at www.safti.com. This new site is designed to help architects, designers, specifiers, glaziers and all those involved in the building community with the latest information, specifications and ideas for the application of SAFTI FIRST’s SuperLite™ and SAFTIfire™ Frames product lines. 

The redesign was a year in the making and offers new features that include:
• A step-by-step product selector; 
• Customizable comparison chart of fire-rated glazing products; 
• Improved quick quote request and delivery system; 
• An updated project gallery featuring an enhanced project portfolio; 
• Nationwide directory of architectural representatives; 
• Printable versions of brochures, literature, details and specifications; and 
• Industry-related articles and educational pieces.  
www.safti.com 

Wausau Website Features Product Details
Wausau Window and Wall Systems of Wausau, Wis., enhanced the look and content of its website, www.wausauwindow.com.

“Based on feedback from glazing contractors and architects, we have re-organized the site to quickly provide the information they seek,” said Dave DeBettignies, sales and marketing coordinator. “Using an interconnected menu system, visitors can now access nearly any product, service or project description with fewer than three clicks from our homepage. Those seeking more in-depth information can download these files to their own computers for immediate use and for future reference.” www.wausauwindow.com 

USG
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