Only Online @ USGlass Magazine

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.

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.
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Coastal Industries Slide Show

Shower doors have changed greatly in Coastal Industries’ 35 years, and the company’s showroom displays some of its most recent offerings.
Glass shower enclosures have changed greatly in 35 years, and Coastal Industries has remained focused on its niche by offering a variety of glass types for every manner of bath enclosure possible—and is now developing plans for “the shower of the future.”
: “You’d be amazed, each year when I recognize the people who work for this company and I give the tenures—five-year, ten-year, 20, 25, 30, 35—that we have people who have been here for 35 years,” says Bill Cobb, owner of Coastal Industries.
Coastal Industries is made up of a 250,000-square-foot facility, nearly 200 employees and a vast array of shower door products.
Although Coastal Industries currently produces between 1,500 and 1,800 shower doors a day, the company has a production capacity of 5,000 shower doors a day.
Glass shower enclosures have changed greatly in 35 years, and Coastal Industries has remained focused on its niche by offering a variety of glass types for every manner of bath enclosure possible—and is now developing plans for “the shower of the future.”
Coastal Industries is made up of a 250,000-square-foot facility, nearly 200 employees and a vast array of shower door products.
Coastal Industries is made up of a 250,000-square-foot facility, nearly 200 employees and a vast array of shower door products.
Although Coastal Industries currently produces between 1,500 and 1,800 glass shower doors a day, the company has a production capacity of 5,000 shower doors a day.
Coastal Industries says it has kept its shower door production facilities in the United States in order to maintain quick turnaround for its customers.
Bill Cobb, founder and owner of Coastal Industries, raises a glass in his office.
Bill Cobb, founder and owner of Coastal Industries, raises a glass in his office.
Glass shower enclosures have changed greatly in 35 years, and Coastal Industries has remained focused on its niche by offering a variety of glass types for every manner of bath enclosure possible—and is now developing plans for “the shower of the future.”
Coastal Industries says it has kept its shower door production facilities in the United States in order to maintain quick turnaround for its customers.

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.
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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.
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Financial:
Read the latest financial news for glass industry companies.
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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.
-CLICK HERE- to read "On Display"
-CLICK HERE- for the "On Display" Slide Show

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.