Newsworthy

Company News
Solamatrix Acquired by Madico
Solamatrix has been acquired by Madico. An announcement was issued by the president and CEO of Solamatrix, David Fletcher, saying that both companies plan to continue serving their markets independently.

“We are pleased and proud to become a part of Madico’s worldwide operations,” said Fletcher. “The synergistic opportunities are enormous because we can leverage corporate strengths from both companies in technology, manufacturing capability and marketing expertise to expand the success and rapid growth of our window film business. Our range of product offerings will increase; our product quality and customer service will reach new heights, and as we expand our operations, our employees and customers will share in what promises to be a very exciting future.”

“This is an exciting time for Madico, one of the oldest names in the window film industry. Consecutive years of growth have driven us to seek expansion capacity to meet customer demands,” said Bob Connelly, Madico president and CEO. “Our ability to gain that capacity and link our future activities with Solamatrix, one of the youngest and most dynamic organizations in the industry, is a strategic win for both organizations. Through this acquisition, Madico demonstrates its long-term commitment to the window films market and positions us for continued growth while maintaining the quality and service our customers expect.”

Solar Gard® Releases Results of Environmental Product Declaration
Solar Gard Window Films, a division of Bekaert Specialty Films, has completed an environmental product declaration (EPD) in regards to their window film. The EPD can scientifically prove that Solar Gard’s architectural films can have a positive net environmental impact. Essentially, it has been proven that these films save enough energy to outweigh the cost of producing them.

The EPD is an assessment of the environmental impact of a product. Solar Gard had the EPD performed under ISO 14040 and 14025 standard for Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) which is accepted across the world as a comprehensive validation of a product.

After reviewing Solar Gard’s results it was clear that the company was serious about understanding the importance of their product.

“Solar Gard’s is the largest EPD ever completed,” confirmed Julien LaFond, principal of Altanova, the organization that reviewed Solar Gard’s EPD data. “Their use phase analyzed the broadest number of geographies and building types, and they studied more products than any other manufacturer to date.”

Solar Gard challenges other companies to back up their “green” claims and be able to prove the science behind their product.

“We believe all manufacturers making environmental claims should commit to transparency and this study proves scientifically that Solar Gard window films are a viable and legitimate energy-saving and environmentally-responsible solution for improving the building envelope. It is shocking that so many companies claim environmental and energy-saving attributes when they do not have the science to support what they say. Claiming there are no international standards by which to measure the environmental impact of a product is simply an excuse to continue greenwashing,” states Christophe Fremont, president of Solar Gard.

People News
Hodge Promoted to Editor of Window Film Magazine
Key Communications Inc., publishers of Window Film magazine, has announced the promotion of Katie M. Hodge to the position of editor of Window Film magazine.

Hodge, who holds a degree in journalism and electronic media from the University of Tennessee, has served previously as the assistant editor of Window Film magazine. She has also written for Window Film and other publications as part of the Key Communications editorial team for more than two years.

“I’m excited to continue to keep the window film industry informed on the latest news and products,” says Hodge. “I’m looking forward to using a fresh approach in the way we report the news and bring new, innovative stories and ideas to the industry.” She succeeds Ellen Rogers as editor. Rogers will continue to edit Key Communications’ Architects’ Guide to Glass and Decorative Glass publications.

“Katie has really made the window film industry her own,” said Window Film publisher Debra Levy. “We are delighted to see her in this new expanded role.”

The announcement comes just months before the next International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™, to be held in Memphis Sept. 15-16. “I hope everyone who hasn’t yet, gets a chance to meet Katie there,” Levy said.

Hodge can be reached at khodge@glass.com or 540/720-5584, ext.130.

Event News
Room Block Opens For International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™
Discount rooms are now available to International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™ attendees for only $99 per night plus tax at the Memphis Marriott Downtown. The event, managed by Window Film magazine, will be held September 15-16, 2011 in Memphis.

You may reach the hotel directly at 888/557-8740 or reserve online. You must reference that you are with window film to receive the discounted rate.

Legislative News
IWFA Urges Congressional Leaders to Keep Window Film Included in Tax Credits
During the final days of the congressional session, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them to continue to include window film products in energy legislation.

Regardless of the outcome of the legislation, since the IWFA has been active in advocating window film, the industry is believed to be in a favorable position with both Houses.

A letter was delivered to the Senate and the House of Representatives and had been signed by manufacturer members of the association including 3M Company, HanitaTEK, Solutia, Madico and Solar Gard Specialty Films.

“We appreciate the work of industries like window film who understand the importance of pushing through legislation like Home Star during this critical time,” responded Senate Energy and National Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, a democrat from New Mexico.

There were no updates to the legislation at the time of press.

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