Welcome to USGlass magazine's Only Online section.
Here you will find articles and web resources that you won't find in our print publication.

June 2009

Packing a Protective Punch [EXTENDED]
Get more behind-the-scenes information on innovative protective glass farbicator Dlubak Corp.

Everything I Learned About Glass [EXTENDED]
Gather more tips from this year's Glass Fabrication and Glazing Educational Conference.

Company News
Read more about what's happening in the glass industry and how companies are being recognized for a number of archievements.

May 2009

PPG’s First Quarter Reflects Losses in Glass Segment Sales
In the first quarter of the year Pittsburgh-based PPG reported that its glass segment net sales were $196 million compared to $536 million in its first quarter of last year.

Experts Offer Input on Pros and Cons of Mediation vs. Arbitration
When it comes to profitability, a lot can be said for the way a company manages information. That’s been the overall theme of the Construction Specification Institute’s three-part webinar series, “Maintaining Profitability in Your Construction Business.”

April 2009

California Seeks Glass Manufacturers’ Input on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The California Air Resources Board’s (ARB) has issued a survey“for owners/operators of three of the glass sectors: container, flat and fiber glass” to evaluate the potential strategies that the glass manufacturing industry can implement to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions.

March 2009

5th Annual Big Book of Lists
It’s nice to know where you stand, especially among your competitors. Who’s able to do more sales with fewer people? Who’s got all they need in their backyard of Los Angeles or Chicago? Take a page from the glazing contractors listed below, as they made up some of the top earning subs for 2008, based on information they submitted to USGlass.

Home Run - Glass Plays a Key Role in New Baseball Stadiums
The vendors at many stadiums across the country are getting ready to roll out the peanuts and Cracker Jack, along with the hotdogs and the beer. Yes folks, baseball season will be starting in a few weeks, with the Phillies looking to retain the World Series title they won in 2008.

Codes & Regulations

February 2009

USGlass Guide to Metal and Coating Suppliers
USGlass has compiled a list of coating and metal suppliers, based on company submissions, to assist you in your search for the products you need to complete your next custom project.

January 2009

Codes & Regulations (Department)
Information on the recent activities of the NFRC, ASTM and AAMA.

Global Update (Department)
A comprehensive look at what is happening in the glass industry around the world.

December 2008

A Review of GlassBuild America (Feature)
Speculation was rampant before the doors opened on Glass-Build America, held October 6 - 8 in Las Vegas.

World-Class Glass Expanded Version (Feature)
For first-time attendees, glasstec 2008 was not just a trade show, but an experience.

Company News: (Department)
Read the lates news on from companies in the industry.

November 2008

AAMA Fall Meeting Review: (Feature)
Members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Assosciation (AAMA) came together in mid-September in San Antonio for several days of meetings and business. While the group's green certification program was one of the main times of business, much was discussed.

Financial: (Department)
Read the lates financial news for glass industry companies.

October 2008

Solar Watch (Feature)

September 2008

Five Days, Nine Halls, 1,000+ Exhibitors … (Feature)
One visit to glasstec and you know the all-encompassing trade fair is like nothing else the glass industry has to offer.

A Hurricane By Many Other Names (Feature)
Hurricane, typhoon or cyclone - three terms for the same storm event, depending on its location in the world.

The State of Glass Production in the United States (Feature)
There’s absolutely no hiding the fact that the residential construction market has had a troubled year.

15th Year Celebration (Feature)
Some of you may already know that for a 15th anniversary, the“traditional” gift is crystal, while the “modern” gift is (you
guessed it) glass.

Company News (Department)

August 2008

The Next 1000 Years - Fire-rated Glazing in the Next Millennium (Feature)
With the approach of the year 2000, a sense of anticipation is sweeping the nation. All kinds of predictions are being made as to what life will be like in the new millennium.

"The Great" Wired-Glass Debate (Feature)
Proponents of safety glazing, such as Bill O’Keeffe of O’Keeffe’s Inc., have attacked the wired-glass industry for producing products that they feel are unsafe to the public. But, the wired-glass manufacturers, such as Pilkington, disagree with these claims and say wired glass isn’t to blame for fatal accidents that may have occurred; instead they say noncompliance with the codes or improper installations are the cause.

Wearing a Label (Expanded Feature)
Expanded fire-rated glazing article by Megan Headley from page 32 in the August 2008 issue.

Safety (Department)

Global Update (Department)

July 2008
Smooth Sailing?
The Glass Industry Seeks Ways to Weather Rising Costs in a Soft Economy
It’s hard to escape the effect of rising prices in an economy that has been jolted by a depressed housing market, particularly when foreclosures and bankruptcies appear to be on the rise, the price at the pump is moving in the same direction, credit is tightening and employers are reducing their labor costs by eliminating jobs.

Showcase
Industry products and sevices.

NewsMakers
Industry members making headlines.

Guide to Industry Websites

June 2008
Talking Shop With Ted Hathaway, CEO of Oldcastle Glass
In many ways, Ted Hathaway is larger than life. The 53-year-old chief executive officer (CEO) of Oldcastle Glass® has a reputation for getting results, eliciting stellar business performance, and making impeccable acquisition choices—all combined with a great appreciation for the artistry of design.

From Silica to Siding
The Glass Fabrication and Glazing Educational Conference seminars opened to full crowds at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas this April. The event, sponsored by the Glass Association of North America (GANA), was designed to educate individuals who have fewer than five years of experience in the industry.

Temper Temper (From USGlass - April 1998)
The waves were the first thing the architect noticed when the shipment of 500 lites of tinted tempered glass was installed in a curtainwall project.

May 2008
Turning Heads
Information on the five big ways the glass industry is setting trends and catching architects’ eyes. 

April 2008
Enjoying the Ride
For 35 years Coastal Industries has focused on making shower doors. Despite periods of ups and downs, the company has continued to prosper and grow. The slide show below features photographs from Coastal Industries.

A Sneak Peek of Americas Glass Showcase:
Get more details about the Americas Glass Showcase through our article on page 50, but find out about the hot products to be on display with our special online guide.

One Week, All Glass
There was lots of ground to cover during GANA’s big Glass Week-BEC event. We’ve got a rundown of future committee activities and upcoming informational bulletins, and a synopsis of the speakers that presented.

Financial:
Read the latest financial news for glass industry companies. 

Showroom Slide show:
Check out "On Display," this month's article on creating a successful showroom—and then look at our special online slide show of the showrooms featured in the article.

March 2008
Financial:
Read the latest financial news for glass industry companies. 

Codes & Regulations:
Learn what code and standard changes will impact you. 

Reviews & Previews:
Read more about the latest industry events.

Energy:
Read how glass companies are impacting the environment through new initiatives and improved processes.

Newsmakers:
Read more about the latest industry comings and goings.

Making the Map--EXPANDED
Members of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance met in January to finish up projects, start new guidelines and
touch base on industry news.

Big Book of Lists--EXPANDED
Read this year’s ranking of the top glazing contractors and glass product producers.

February 2008
Suppliers Wanted 
This list of the industry’s coating and metal suppliers was created to guide contractors in their search for the products they need.

So who is using unitized?
Read about its use in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Financial Flash
Read the industry’s latest financial updates

Code Changes:
A look at all proposals affecting glass
Available by request from codes@glass.com.

January 2008
IG Machinery in the Spotlight 
Whether you’re looking to add to an existing IG line or start one from scratch, we’ve spotlighted some of the products available to help you out.

AGC Flat Glass Sells Fabrication Operation  to Glaz-Tech Industries
AGC Flat Glass North America Inc. has sold the operations at its Albuquerque, N.M., plant to Tucson-based Glaz-Tech Industries. Glaz-Tech is a glass product distributor that has multiple locations in the Southwestern United States.

2008 in Beijing: Aiming for the Gold
2008 is set to be a big year for Beijing. The city has been making preparations for some time now in anticipation of a major event: China Glass 2008.Perhaps most people think first about the fast-approaching 2008 Olympics, to be held August 8-24 in Beijing, but members of the glass industry are preparing their journey to see the latest products and technology launched overseas.

2008 Construction Outlook 
This year marks the first decline in construction starts since 1991, according to the Department of Commerce, said Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill. These comments were made during McGraw-Hill Construction’s Outlook 2008 Executive Conference held in Washington, D.C., on October 24.

A Minute With... John Linder: Calibre Door Closers Inc.
USGlass sat down with John Linder, president and chief executive officer of Calibre Door Closers Inc. in Orange, Calif., to discuss his history in the hardware industry and what he sees in the industry’s future.

PGC Annual Symposium: New Times—New Opportunities
2008 represents more than just a new year for the Protective Glazing Council (PGC). For one, it has changed its name by adding “International.” The Council presented its latest plans and news, including a global outlook and greater member participation, during its Annual Symposium held November 28 – 29 at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, Va.

December 2007
Glaston’s President Says Profit Levels are “Unsatisfactory” This Period
Mika Seitovirta, president andchief executive officer of Glaston Corp. in Finland, noted in the company’s January-September 2007 interim report that profitlevels “remained unsatisfactory” in the third quarter. Seitovirta said that the Group’s net sales for the third quarter were at the previous year’s levels.

November 2007
More Members, More Bulletins and More for the Industry -
KEY THEMES DURING GANA FALL CONFERENCE
Industry-wide membership growth was the big push for the Glass Association of North America’s (GANA) 2007 Fall Conference, which took place September 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.

Super-Sized
When Glass Week and BEC Combine, Great Things Happen
One week. All glass. Can it get any better than that? Not according to the Glass Association of North America (GANA). GANA is revving up for Glass Week 2008, to be held February 13-17, 2008.

What’s New with You?
The Question of the Show Gets Answered Below
In addition to the trends spotted on the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center, exhibitors had lots of information about new products and product upgrades.

Financial Flash
Are Small Businesses More Vulnerable to Credit Card Fraud?
Small glass shops beware: your business may be more likely to fall victim to credit card fraudulent situations than larger businesses.

October 2007
Go with the Flow
These Computer Integrated Systems Can Help with the Production Flow
Ah, remember the good ol’ days when order entry, production processes and shipping all required a separate computer program?

Codes & Regulations

Financial Flash

Global Update

Legislation & Legal

September 2007
Pier Review
IGMA Members Revise Guidelines in Huntington Beach
It wasn’t all work and no play when members of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) met for their summer meeting June 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach, Calif.

Uneven Current
Commercial Outlook “Mixed” Among Midwestern States
When it comes to measuring the pace of the commercial and residential construction markets, the Midwest region is less consistent, according to some glass and construction industry business owners, who are centered in the area.

August 2007
Hot Topics
IG Certification and CMA Program Development Take the Stage During NFRC Summer Meeting
The National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) summer meeting took place July 23-26 at the Denver Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver.

Financial Flash

July 2007
Learning from a Hurricane
Glass companies talk about what they've learned from past hurricanes and how they plan to prepare for future ones. And be sure to check out whats new in Hurricane Resistant Products.

Energy & Environment
Green is the word. Read the latest news regarding glass and energy efficiency.

CSI Photo Gallery
No, we're not talking about gory crime scene photographs but rather images captured at this years Construction Specifications Institute show.

June 2007
AIA Show 2007
Green building was the overriding theme of this year's AIA Show and Conference. Get more green news from the show here.

Newsmakers
Read about some of the latest personnel goings and comings with industry companies.

May 2007
As Said by Ed
EdBerkowitz has lived a life filled with diverse experiences. He served in the Navy, studied law and thought of chemical engineering and medicine. But, the family business pulled him back.

Republic Receives Equity Financing from Chase Capital
Chicago-based Republic Windows and Doors LLC announced that Chase Capital Corp., a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has acquired a minority interest in the company.

SAGE Electrochromics Adds Texas Rep
SAGE Electrochromics Inc. in Faribault, Minn., named MacDonald Systems Inc. as its manufacturer’s representatives serving the commercial and residential design community in Southeastern Texas.

Newsmakers

April 2007
Fabricator Forecast
From highs to lows, good and bad, regional fabricators share what they see happening in given areas of the country.

MORE New Products
If you're looking for some of the industry's latest and greatest product launches, you can read about them here - from equipment and machinery to tools and supplies and much, much more.

March 2007
2007 Asian Products Source Guide
Over the past few years China and other Asian countries have quickly advanced as players in all aspects of the worldwide glass and fenestration industries. From glass fabricators and manufacturers to machinery, equipment and tools suppliers Asian companies are offering all of the products that other companies around the globe are producing.

Around the World in Four Days
Despite the great distance, members of the North American glass industry will be made to feel at home in Shanghai, May 16-19, 2007, during the 18th annual China International Glass Industrial Technical Exhibition. The event, sponsored by the Chinese Ceramic Society, will be held in Shanghai’s New International Expo Centre.

GANA Spring Supplement
So, you’ve read the GANA Spring Supplement featured in the March issue of USGlass and you liked what you read. Now you’re thinking that membership may be just what your company needs. But if you’re still not quite sure, here you can read first-hand why some companies chose to join GANA over the past year. In addition, you can also read about GANA member company products in the special product spotlight that follows the profiles.

Open & Shut
Hardware manufacturers have unveiled new offerings in locks, hinges and much more that can secure your doors and windows or really make them move. Take a look at this sampling to get a taste of the new features manufacturers are offering.

February 2007
More of The Third Annual Big Book of Lists
In this section you can read more about the companies ranked in this year’s Third Annual Big Book of Lists, featured in the February 2007 USGlass.

All Glass Security
A glimpse through an all-glass doorcan make a financial goliath’s headquarters appear open and easily accessible to those who pass by; allow a view into conference room proceedings without interrupting discussions; and offer great security and longevity.

Protect Yourself
Glazing contractors are not unfamiliar with construction documents and clauses that prey upon cost and payment issues - timely payment remains at the top of the list when it comes to glaziers’ challenges. Mechanic’s liens are one of many terms and conditions that can be beneficial to glaziers.

January 2007
Supply Chain Collaboration
Vacuum coating is the deposition of a film or a coating in a vacuum (or low-pressure plasma) environment. While vacuum coatings have numerous and diverse applications, perhaps no application category is growing faster today than the architectural glass marketplace.

Trend Tracker
With new materials on the rise, automation playing a greater role, and competition from China heating up, those in the building industry need to stay on top of the latest trends in order to survive. Such was the message of Richard Voreis of the Consulting Collaborative, who spoke aqbout building construction trends at a recent industry event.

What We Do for the Environment …
USGlass magazine recently spoke with Arthur Ulens, president of AGC Flat Glass and chief executive officer (CEO) of Gaverbel, on a subject about which he feels passionately: the environment and what the glass industry is doing to combat global warming.

December 2006
NFRC Holds Fall Meeting in Crystal City, Va.
Recognizing that architectural glass is being used in many innovative, creative applications, the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and USGlass magazine created a photo contest to recognize some of these uses.

Protective Glazing Council Fall Symposium Returns to Washington D.C.
Members of the Protective Glazing Council (PGC) gathered at the Ronald Regan Building and International World Trade Center in Washington D.C., for the organization's Fall Symposium October 17-18. The program featured an impressive list of speakers, beginning with Major General Charles Williams of the Department of State Overseas Building Operations (OBO).

October 2006
Energy & Environment News
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a LEED® for Homes rating system similar to its program for new commercial construction.

Safety News
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it is incorporating new assigned protection factors (APFs) for respiratory protection programs.

Legislation & Legal News
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that it and the International Code Council (ICC) have settled several disputes relating to copyright and trademark issues.

September 2006
Announcing the Winners of the GANA and USGlass Photo Contest
Recognizing that architectural glass is being used in many innovative, creative applications, the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and USGlass magazine created a photo contest to recognize some of these uses.

New Technology, Equipment and Trends in Bent Glass
Ask fabricators "what's new in bent glass technology?" and they'll likely say that nothing has changed much in the last ten to 15 years.

Financials
See how the industrys major players faired in recent months.

August 2006
Calibre Door Closers Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening
Calibre Door Closers Inc. of Orange, Calif., has opened its doors in southern California. The 15,000-square-foot distribution facility will serve customers throughout the Pacific Rim.

Learning Opportunities
Job funding and training programs are available from the Department of Labor through its Employment & Training Administration. These programs are operated primarily by individual states through the One-Stop Career Center System.

Flexibility is Key to Employee Happiness
There are many specific benefits or programs that a company can offer: money, insurance, etc., but we propose that the key to an employee's happiness boils down to one attribute that will make the internal customers (employees) feel valued in whatever job they're doing.

State Funding is Available for Staff Development
At J.E. Berkowitz L.P. providing growth opportunities for employees in skill sets is a top priority. To achieve the goal of continuous improvement through education, we have partnered with the New Jersey Department of Labor Training.

July 2006
ENERGY STAR™ Amendment Expands Hurricane Availability
The Department of Energy (DOE) is actively promoting the new alternative performance-based criteria for windows destined for use in the South and South-Central climate zones (excepting California).

PPG Selects Green Building Studio's Web Service
PPG Industries has selected Green Building Studio Inc.'s custom Product Placement Advisor web service (GBS PPA) to promote PPG's Solarban 70XL glass product line.

It's an ENERGY STAR™ for the NanaWall®
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the ENERGY STAR qualification to the NanaWall® models SL70, SL50, WD66 and WA67.

ICC vs. NFPA Lawsuit Continues; Motion for Summary Judgment Denied
Construction of world's largest float glass facility is scheduled to start late this year at the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in the central province of Quang Nam, Vietnam.

Solutia Inc. Files Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement
Solutia Inc., headquartered in St. Louis has filed its Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement with the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

June 2006
Tips for Surviving Hurricane Season 2006
The 2006 hurricane season is freshly upon us, and while forecasters say we aren't as likely to see the same destruction as last year, planning and preparing for the season is still a good idea.

GED Integrated Solutions Adds Customer Service Center
GED Integrated Solutions has added an expanded customer service center to its headquarters in Twinsburg, Ohio.

Pilkington Building Products Opens New Plant in Scotland
Customers in Scotland and northeast England will benefit from an approximate $5.2 million (USD) investment at Pilkington Cumbernauld.

World's Biggest Float Glass Facility Coming to Vietnam
Construction of world's largest float glass facility is scheduled to start late this year at the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in the central province of Quang Nam, Vietnam.

May 2006
Lou Sigman Inks Deal, Acquires Denver's Horizon Glass
Lou Sigman, former president of the Colorado Glazing Contractors Association (CGCA), has finalized a deal to purchase Denver-based Horizon Glass. Sigman, who has been at the helm of Horizon for two months, is experiencing what the calls the "alphabet of emotions."

Solutia Becomes Sole Owner of Quimica M
Solutia Inc., a producer and seller of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers, has completed its purchase of Vitro, S.A. de C.V.'s 51 percent stake in Vitro's joint venture with Solutia, known as Quimica M, S.A. de C.V.

Z. Bavelloni, Ertl Glas Sign Contract
Z. Bavelloni, a member of the Glaston Technologies group and part of the KYRO group, has announced the conclusion of a contract with the Austrian group Ertl Glas for the supply of two integrated flat glass grinding, milling and drilling lines.

Wausau Regional Manager Expands Territory
Tim Nass, a regional marketing and sales manager for Wausau Window and Wall Systems, has expanded his area of service to include California, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin.

Bringing Changes to Basco
Paul Williams, vice president of sales and marketing for Basco, a shower enclosure manufacturer in Mason, Ohio, announced the promotion of Linda Garman to the newly-created position of director of marketing communications and the hiring of Jeff Roy as director of customer service.

Thomas A. Schwartz Elected to ASTM International Board
Thomas A. Schwartz, P.E., president/senior principal and head of the Building Technology Group at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH), has been elected to the ASTM International board of directors.