A Look Back at the Top Stories of 2017

Before we welcome the new year, let’s take a look back at USGNN.com™’s most heavily trafficked stories of 2017.

1. Apogee to Acquire EFCO for $195 Million

The biggest news story of the year was Apogee Enterprises’ $195 million acquisition of the formerly privately-held EFCO Corp. from Pella Corp. in May. EFCO’s management team continued to lead the business following the acquisition close.

• Apogee’s Acquisition of EFCO Closes
• Steven Westfall Named EFCO President

2. Pilkington Factory Damaged by Tornado

Pilkington’s glass factory in Ottawa, Ill., was damaged by an EF-3 tornado in late February. None of the 40 employees on site were hurt during the storm. Pilkington has since said its factory would reopen in December.

• Pilkington to Reopen Plant Damaged by Tornado

3. Aluminum Manufacturer Faces $1.9M in OSHA Penalties

In July, Aluminum Shapes of Delair, N.J., was hit with 51 safety and health violations and proposed penalties of $1,922,895 in the wake of an OSHA inspection. Since 2011, the agency has inspected the facility eight times, issuing $516,753 in penalties for 60 violations. During its 2017 inspection, OSHA inspectors learned that two employees had been hospitalized as a result of separate workplace incidents.

4. Glass Leak Causes Fire at Vitro Plant

A glass leak at the Vitro Architectural Glass plant in Carlisle, Pa., caused a fire in August. The leak was discovered on one of two glass melting furnaces at the facility. One employee was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, according to the company.

5. Permasteelisa to be Sold to Chinese Company

Japanese corporation LIXIL Group sold all of its shares of global glazing contractor Permasteelisa to China-based Grandland Holdings Group Limited in August. The transaction was valued at approximately $550.2 million. LIXIL president Kinya Seto cited differences in management styles for the sale.