Association News: AAMA updates cellulosic composite profile standards

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published two updated standards for rigid thermoplastic cellulosic composite profiles. AAMA 309 provides a means for classifying them, and AAMA 311 establishes minimum performance criteria.AAMA-Gossen_composite

AAMA 309-13, Standard Specification for Classification of Rigid Thermoplastic/Cellulosic Composite Materials, spells out the nine-digit classification system that defines various ranges of properties: resin type, percent cellulose content, specific gravity, impact resistance, flexural modulus, flexural strength, thermal expansion, temperature at which deflection can occur and percent weight change due to water absorption. The resulting class designation number is easily decoded using a table provided in the standard.

This 2013 revision adds criteria for measuring heat build-up in pigmented profiles and a requirement for durability when subjected to fabrication and installation processes.

AAMA 311-13, Voluntary Specification for Rigid Thermoplastic Cellulosic Composite Fenestration Exterior Profiles, establishes the minimum requirements for dimensional stability, screw withdraw, thermal cycling, weatherability, heat resistance, heat build-up and lead content of profiles classified in accordance with the properties described in AAMA 309 as used in windows, doors and skylights. It provides the basis for certification of composite profiles under the protocols of AAMA 109, which is required for certification of completed products under AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS).

AAMA 311-13 additionally specifies in-process manufacturing plant quality control requirements, defining sampling rates and ASTM testing protocols.

“Due to the increased popularity and use of thermoplastic cellulosic composites, resulting in a rapidly growing market share of fenestration products, architects and specifiers are finding these standards useful for verifying product performance, as well as in comparing their properties and performance to those of other polymeric profiles,” says Jack Reed, senior technical service engineer for Arkema, Inc. and chair of the AAMA task group assigned to keep these and other composite standards up to date. “They form the foundation of a quality assurance system for buyers, specifiers and fabricators of these products, as well as a reference point for national code organizations and local code officials.”

AAMA-309-13 and AAMA 311-13, along with other polymeric profile standards, is available in AAMA’s Online Publication Store.

###

Client News: Kolbe windows awarded ENERGY STAR Most Efficient in 2014

Kolbe will be exhibiting at the International Builders Show in booth #C2608

The ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2014 designation recognizes Kolbe’s windows among the most efficient products that qualify for the ENERGY STAR program. Meeting or exceeding ENERGY STAR guidelines in U.S. and Canadian climate zones, Kolbe offers a choice of glass options to fine-tune windows for a project’s geography, seasonal temperatures, surrounding landscape and localized requirements.
Kolbe_EnergyStar_BathInterior
“Kolbe products are designed for today’s stricter building codes and standards for energy efficiency, as well as the energy requirements for green building rating systems,” explains Kolbe’s executive vice president Jeff De Lonay. “You can tailor our products to meet the energy-efficiency level you want and need. We use the latest innovations in LoE technologies in various combinations, so we are able to offer glass that is best-suited to any climate.”

Kolbe_EnergyStar_KitchenInteriorDouble pane insulating glass units with LoE(2) coating, argon gas and a Thermo-Edge stainless steel spacer bar system are standard on most of Kolbe’s products. These elements provide high thermal performance, as well as ultraviolet protection. ThermaPlus LoE glass option enhances the windows thermal performance helping reduce energy costs. Products that are recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR in 2014 also prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting rigorous energy efficiency performance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For even higher energy performance, Kolbe units with triple pane glass can help meet or exceed the insulating values required by ENERGY STAR. Among the windows designated as ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified products in 2014 are:Kolbe_EnergyStar_WinterExterior
* Teutonic™ Series fixed and tilt-turn windows
* Classic Series casement direct set
* Heritage Series casement direct set, double sliding windows, Majesta double hung windows and transoms, and Sterling double hung windows
* Ultra Series casement, double hung, ogee, beveled and tilt-turn direct set windows; tilt-turn picture windows; and Majesta double hung transoms
* Ultra Series EP awnings, casements and casement picture windows
* VistaLuxe™ Collection awnings, casements, casement picture windows and direct set windows
* Windquest® Series awnings, casements and casement picture windows

The ENERGY STAR program uses energy values obtained by window and door manufacturers through the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) program. NFRC ratings are based on the energy performance of the total window or door – both glass and frame.

“Remember, for windows and doors to provide optimal energy efficiency, they must be flashed, caulked and sealed properly at the time of installation,” continues De Lonay. “All of our products are shipped with detailed installation instructions, which emphasize the importance of these final steps to the builder. Once properly installed, the energy-efficient technology built into Kolbe products will further ensure the benefits of a healthy and comfortable living or working environment.”

Client News: Custom-designed entry doors by Kolbe deliver a memorable impression

Kolbe_Entry_Contemporary Kolbe will be exhibiting at the International Builders Show in booth #C2608

From contemporary to traditional, colorful to transparent, towering to expansive — Kolbe’s entrance doors are custom-designed to convey a homeowner’s signature look. Kolbe’s built-to-order options support those with vision. Each entry can be individualized with wide and tall sizes, unusual shapes, rare wood species, distinctive finishes, finely crafted glass and many other selections.

“No other feature on a home makes such a powerful statement and lasting impression as the front entry,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s vice president of marketing. “Homeowners with a respect for quality craftsmanship and innovative design also appreciate the opportunity to add their own mark, matching their home’s presence with their personal style.”

During the International Builders Show, Kolbe will exhibit examples of customized options available on Kolbe’s entrances in booth #C2608:

* Kolbe’s Ultra Series exterior door delivers a stately appearance at 8 feet-tall and 4-feet wide. The door’s extruded aluminum exterior is distinguished with bull nose casing and finished in a Silverstorm mica coating. On its interior, white oak wood is custom-stained to resemble barn boards. Insulated glass features a special pattern froKolbe_Entry_Traditionalm Bendheim. Custom SOSS hinges practically are invisible for a neat, clean look complemented with a black Verona handle set.

* Kolbe’s all-wood Heritage Series exterior door communicates a classic, welcoming entrance flanked with sidelites. Crafted from Alder, the 2-1/4-inch-thick door panels are stained with a custom Brown Cherry. The matching sidelites feature a 3-1/2-inch flat casing with back band and insulated Renova glass. The elegant Emtek Charleston handle set punctuates a luxurious greeting.

###

Client News: Ultra-luxury homes rely on Point Five Windows and Doors for personalized products, services

Kolbe will be exhibiting at the International Builders Show in booth #C2608

LynnstoneServing the luxury estate market throughout the United States, Point Five Windows and Doors focuses on highly customized products for unique, project-specific solutions. The prestigious residences that showcase Point Five’s products reflect the vision and creativity of the country’s top architects, and are located in resort and vacation destinations from Malibu to Aspen to Kiawah Island and the Bahamas.

“Surpassing expectations for customization, we elevate windows and doors to a truly personalized level. Our products match the most imaginative designs envisioned for exceptional homes and grand estates,” says Randy Helzer, Point Five’s executive vice president.

Well known for large-scale units, Point Five offers nearly any shape, size, glass type, exotic wood species, metal materials, colors and finishes, combined with fine-crafted workmanship. Its windows and doors can be tailored to any architectural style or application, including European influence, Modern creations or historic interpretations. It was the first company in the nation to offer custom copper-clad windows and doors as a standard. Today, its exterior finishes include aluminum, copper or bronze cladding with a wide range of factory-applied patinas, as well as all-wood pre-finished products in breadth of paints and stains.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc., Point Five Windows and Doors works closely with the design and building team to understand the project’s exact specifications. The company’s experienced, knowledgeable and professional staff is dedicated to working closely with customers during each phase of a project to ensure complete satisfaction.

“We continue the tradition of unparalleled quality, service and a shared commitment to our customers, our craftsmanship and our communities,” says Jeffrey DeLonay, Point Five’s president. “Our strong, lasting relationships are built, not only with architects and designers, but with builders and homeowners that have made Point Five so successful.”

###

Client News: Kameleon Color paint creates color-changing, iridescent exterior for Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral

Linetec-Valspar_FL_ExplorationTwr1_RipNoel With its shimmering, iridescent exterior, Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral beckons visitors with its unique appearance as its color changes in different light and at different angle. Opened in November 2013, the Port’s iconic welcome center showcases the first use of Valspar’s new Kameleon™ Color mica coating as spray-applied to Firestone Metal Products’ UNA-CLAD™ metal wall panels by Linetec, one the nation’s largest finishers of architectural aluminum.

An integral part of Florida’s Space Coast and Canaveral Cove’s revitalization, Exploration Tower is owned by Canaveral Port Authority. Its opening coincided with the Port’s 60th anniversary of its establishment and the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s landing on Florida’s east coast.

Taking its cues from the shapes and hues of the port, GWWO Inc./Architects designed the $23 million, seven-story, sail-shaped structure to express the common characteristics of “transience, function and imagery.” The building’s southern elevation soars from the water to the sky. It narrows in scale and reduces its exterior coverage until only the steel frame remains to outline the curvature and comes together at a peak 60-feet above the main roof level.

The architects elaborate, “The building’s dynamic form and features – sun louvers, exposed structure and iridescent skin — contribute to a constant sense of movement as the sun plays across the structure, meet functional needs, and evoke imagery of the Port and [Brevard] County. A rocket ready to launch, a surfboard in the sand, a ship’s hull, a rocket contrail; all can be seen in the structure’s striking presence.”

Skanska USA served as the general contractor of the 23,000-square-foot project. Kenpat USA was the subcontractor responsible for the exterior metal façades and wall system. Working closely with Kenpat, Firestone engineered and fabricated the façade’s metal panel system. Radius Track Corporation fabricated the curved structural framing and provided the 3-D building information modeling (BIM) to coordinate the connection points for each panel in the building’s parabolic curve. In total, Kenpat installed 42 pre-fabricated structural panelized units as sub-structure for the cladding, with the largest being 36 feet by 10 feet.

DCIM100GOPROGWWO selected Valspar’s Blue Pearl II color-changing paint to capture the themes of revitalization and change it sought to represent for the Port Canaveral area. Along with its unique appearance, the finish must withstand Florida’s hurricane wind speeds, unrelenting sun and salt spray.

Kameleon Colors offer the same, advanced protection as Valspar’s 70% PVDF Fluropon® product family in rich, pearlescent pigments that shift in color when viewed from different angles. Applied in a three-coat system, Kameleon colors consist of a primer, basecoat and color coat, and are available for both extrusion and coil products.

“When creating a unique design that requires a vibrant color scheme, Kameleon Color is an excellent choice. This innovative, multicolored system uses mica flakes to create a consistent, iridescent look,” notes Tim Tritch, Valspar’s director of sales. The coating utilizes a blend of ceramic and inorganic pigments create this rich look that is both brilliant and subtle.”

Linetec also applied a clear coat over the Blue Pearl II for enhanced durability. As with other 70% PVDF resin-based coatings, Kameleon Colors meet the most stringent, exterior, architectural specification, American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s AAMA-2605. This specification requires paint coatings to meet rigorous testing performance standards, including more than 2,000 hours of cyclic corrosion per ASTM G85 annex 5, and heat- and humidity-resistance. Per AAMA-2605, the coating also must maintain its film integrity, color retention, chalk resistance, gloss retention, and erosion resistance properties for a minimum of 10 years on the South Florida testing site.

“If anyone can spray this and make it look good, it would be Linetec,” said GWWO’s senior associate, John Gregg, AIA, LEED AP, AVS, during a project planning meeting.

Accepting the praise with confidence, Linetec’s paint plant manager Paul Bratz says, “No one has sprayed this before, but our knowledgeable staff was up to the challenge. There was some trial and error during the process. It was critical that each paint run maintained the same parameters. The spray conditions, paint prep and application consistency of the paint itself were all critical. The slightest change could alter the look of the paint.”

To ensure consistency and minimize variation, Linetec modified its existing paint protocol process. Bratz explains, “The amount of paint needed for the entire project was determined and ordered as a single batch at the beginning of the project. Valspar prepared the special mica technology paint all at one time with excellent consistency, taking out the variable of multiple paint batches.”

In addition to the Kameleon Colors’ Blue Pearl II finish on southern seaside elevation, Linetec also applied Valspar’s Fluropon White finish to the northern elevation’s aluminum-framed curtainwall offering views of the bustling port. The entire project was painted in four phases, starting in March 2013 and ending in May.

**
Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral, Canaveral Cove, Florida; http://www.portcanaveral.com/welcomecenter
* Owner: Canaveral Port Authority; Cape Canaveral, Fla.; http://www.portcanaveral.com
* Master planning:
AECOM; Los Angeles; http://www.aecom.com
GWWO Inc./Architects; Baltimore; http://www.gwwoinc.com
* Architects: GWWO Inc./Architects; Baltimore; http://www.gwwoinc.com
* General contractor: Skanska USA Building; Cape Canaveral, Fla.; http://www.usa.skanska.com
* Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti; Washington, D.C.; http://www.thorntontomasetti.com
* Exterior cladding system – installing contractor: KENPAT USA LLC; Apopka, Fla.; http://www.kenpat-usa.com
* Exterior cladding system – manufacturer: Firestone Metal Products; Anoka, Minn.; http://www.firestonemetal.com
* Exterior cladding system – 3-D modeling: Radius Track Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.radiustrack.com
* Exterior cladding system – coatings manufacturer: The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.valsparcoilextrusion.com
* Exterior cladding system – finisher: Linetec, Wausau, Wis.; http://www.linetec.com
* Photographer: Rip Noel, Noel Studios Inc.

###

Client News: Wausau Window and Wall Systems helps Salt Lake City Public Safety Building reach net-zero energy, LEED Platinum goals

Wausau_SLC-PSB_Int2_WayneGillman_webSalt Lake City’s Public Safety Building sets a new standard in creating a functional, energy efficient government structure in stunning Modern architecture. It is the first public safety building in the nation to be designed as a net-zero energy building, generating as much energy as it uses. It also is one of the first public safety buildings designed to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Platinum certification criteria. The newly opened building features Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ unitized curtainwall, windows, light shelves and sun shades.

The $125 million, 335,000-square foot Public Safety Building includes 172,000 square feet of space on four levels above ground, and 143,000 square feet of secure parking below grade. In addition to housing Salt Lake City’s police and fire departments, it functions as the primary disaster/emergency operations center for the area.

The building’s glass façade was a central element of Salt Lake City-based GSBS Architect’s design. The northwest-facing public “face” of the building features a serpentine glass curtainwall that slopes from one wing to the other. The design also called for the curtainwall to cant — or angle — in multiple directions.

In addition to complementing the Modern style of architecture shared by many of downtown’s public-sector buildings, the Public Safety Building’s glass exterior needed to meet seismic and ballistic requirements, as well as contribute to the building’s LEED and net-zero energy objectives.

To address the complexities of the project’s design and engineering needs, general contractor Okland Construction and glazing contractor LCG Façades quickly involved Wausau in the project’s discussion.

Wausau_SLC-PSB_No4_WayneGillman_web “LCG Façades was brought in early in design phase to answer GSBS Architect’s number one question: ‘Can a curtainwall system segment and cant backward at 15 degrees and then change angle, while maintaining the cant through a reverse S curve?’” explained Ted Derby, business development manager at LCG Façades. “We thought with Wausau’s help, we could make it happen. As soon as we received a wire frame 3-D model, we sent it to Wausau, and they came back with a conditional, but affirmative statement that they could make the design a reality. Shortly afterwards, Wausau and LCG Façades entered into a agreement to work together on the project.”

Derby added that once the agreement was in place, Wausau’s engineers visited Utah to view the construction site and meet with GSBS Architects, to ensure that the curtainwall and window system designs were in sync with GSBS’ architectural vision. Once confirmed, Wausau moved into the next phase; applications engineering, fabrication and finishing of the curtainwall elements.

“The care and precision needed to make this complex design a reality was incredible,” said Gene Pagel, Wausau’s vice president of engineering. “Every piece, dimension and angle of the 135 unique curtainwall units located at the center of this building is different. That meant each component of each trapezoidal unit required design engineering and 3-D layout, along with precise and unique machining, fabrication, glazing and even shipping provisions.”

For the Public SWausau_SLC-PSB_No5_WayneGillman_webafety Building’s lobby and main floors, LCG installed more than 32,000 square feet of Wausau’s INvision™ Thermal Unitized Curtainwall, including 19,150 square feet of 7250i-UW Series and more than 13,000 square feet of 6250i-HRX Series. INvision products combine the benefits of natural light and outside views with the recognized performance and recycled content that may aid buildings seeking LEED certification. The selected INvision systems incorporate polyamide thermal barriers that enhance system thermal performance, condensation resistance and energy efficiency.

Maximizing performance, minimizing field labor and allowing designers to choose the ideal system depth, face width and thermal barrier, these unitized curtainwall systems are fabricated for quick, easy installation and are backed with a standard limited warranty of up to 10 years. The unitized systems’ interlocking frame design accommodates seismic, live load and thermal building movements. Structural silicone glazing and sealing are completed in Wausau’s LEED-Silver certified manufacturing center for quality assurance.

Along with the curtainwall, LCG Façades installed nearly two dozen Wausau 4250-Z Zero Sightline casement windows on the building’s upper floors to support the project’s goals for natural ventilation and a connection to the outdoors for occupants. Also contributing to the Public Safety Building’s net-zero energy goals, Wausau engineered and installed Clear Story™ interior light shelves and sun shades to allow light to penetrate deeper into the interior spaces.

“A complete daylighting system provides shading from direct sunlight, glare protection and daylight redirection,” explains Wausau’s government/military market manager, Tom Mifflin, LEED Green Associate. “Lighting accounts for 40% of the energy used in a typical commercial building. Properly executed, daylighting can reduce HVAC peak loads with corresponding reductions in mechanical equipment capacity and carbon footprint.”

Wausau’s aluminum frames, light shelves and sun shades contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Linetec finished these aluminum components in “MC Platinum” using a two-coat, 70% fluropolymer mica flake paint. As an environmentally conscious finisher, Linetec safely captures and destroys the VOCs present in liquid solvent-based paints at the factory before arrival on the building site. Wausau’s finished products comply with indoor environmental quality credits for low-emitting materials with respect to LEED criteria.

Viracon fabricated the high-efficiency, triple insulating glass used in the curtainwall and the low-e, insulated glass installed in the casement windows. In some curtainwall units, three different thicknesses of glass were needed to provide the security required for the project.

Wausau_SLC-PSB_SW2_WayneGillman_webOther design components and practices contributing to Salt Lake City’s net-zero and LEED-Platinum goals for the Public Safety Building include:
* Controllable task lighting to complement daylighting
* Interior building materials with low-VOC contents for improved air quality
* Photovoltaic panels within a glass awning that extends from the main entrance onto a newly created outdoor plaza, generating energy to power electrical outlets that are available for public use
* Rooftop photovoltaic panels to produce power for the building and high-reflectivity roofing materials that deflect heat
* Planted “green” roof areas that reduce the amount of water that enters the storm drain system and keeps the building and surrounding environment cooler, plus other on-site rain gardens and water-efficient landscape design
* Bicycle racks for staff and public use, and reserved parking stalls for low-emissions vehicles
* High-efficiency mechanical systems, including rooftop solar water heating system
* In-floor radiant tubes to assist in heating and cooling the building

The Public Safety Building was funded through a bond approved by voters in 2009. Work began on the building in June 2011 and was competed less than two years later. The Public Safety Building opened in July 2013.

“Wausau’s excellent reputation was a big part of why we chose to work with them,” noted Derby. “They certainly lived up to it with this project. We were impressed with the professional manner in which we were treated from the time we went to Wausau to review the bid together, as well as their thorough preparation of the bid documents, engineering, and project management. All materials were delivered on time and in first-rate condition. In short, Wausau made us look good!”

**
Salt Lake City Public Safety Building, 475 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah; http://www.mocamanage.com/slcweb
* Owner: City of Salt Lake; Salt Lake City; http://www.ci.slc.ut.us
* Architects: GSBS Architects; Salt Lake City; http://www.gsbsarchitects.com
* General contractor: Okland Construction, Salt Lake City; http://www.okland-const.com
* Glazing contractor: LCG Façades; Salt Lake City; http://lcgfacades.com
* Glazing systems – manufacturer: Wausau Window and Wall Systems; Wausau, Wis.; http://www.wausauwindow.com
* Glazing systems – glass assemblies: Viracon, Inc.; Owatonna, Minn.; http://www.viracon.com
* Glazing systems – finisher: Linetec, Wausau, Wis.; http://www.linetec.com
* Photographer: Wayne Gillman Photography

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gsqaMCEkVB0

###

Client News: Kolbe continues its industry leadership as a major employer and successful business

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. continues to steadily grow its business and contribute to the building product industry’s improving economy. Its recent new product introductions have generated increased demand, national industry honors and more local job opportunities.

Kolbe was founded 68 years ago in Wisconsin and has become one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of windows and doors for residential and commercial markets. “We have built our reputation on quality craftsmanship and customization. While other businesses were cocooning during the economic downturn, we were actively investing in our future,” Kolbe’s president Mike Salsieder says with pride.

Leading Kolbe through these challenging times, Salsieder maintains an optimistic vision bolstered with diligently researched data. He continues, “We researched the emerging market trends and developed unique designs to meet homeowners’ desires for contemporDSC_2407-cropary aesthetics and larger spans of glass. We added larger sizes and new configurations, including patio doors that help open interior spaces to the outdoors. We introduced innovative products to meet both residential and commercial buildings’ requirements for enhanced energy efficiency, occupant safety, low-maintenance and longevity. We optimized our existing space to accommodate these new product lines. We kept our focus on continuous improvement, training and involving our team members in productivity and process improvements, and upholding our standards of excellence.”

Seventy-three full-time equivalent positions have been filled since June 2013, according to Ann Micholic, Kolbe’s vice president of human resources. She notes, “We have hired new team members in marketing, field service, human resources, IT, and manufacturing. We currently are hiring for maintenance, manufacturing and sales, and are always looking for strong candidates. We want to ensure a good fit for a long future. We are very proud to have hundreds of associates in our Quarter Century Club, celebrating 25 years of service with Kolbe.”

“Our people are at the heart of Kolbe’s success. Their creativity, drive and commitment are why our company is known for custom craftsmanship, attention to detail, top-notch customer service and superior quality products,” adds KoDSC_2856lbe’s executive vice president Jeff De Lonay.

Recognizing the company’s industry-leading achievements, Builder magazine ranked Kolbe #1 in quality in the wood/wood clad window category. The ranking was determined by the magazine’s readers, which include more than 112,000 builders, architects and other home-building professionals. Kolbe’s ascension to the top of the list in 2014 leap-frogged five other competitive brands in this category.

In 2013, Kolbe also was honored with:
* Three Crystal Achievement Awards from Window & Door magazine for outstanding achievements in marketing
* Inclusion of the new VistaLuxe™ Collection in Architectural Record’s annual Record Products Competition
* The DIY Network show “I Want That” showcasing its innovative door products

###

Client News: Mary Olivier and Tom Minnon promoted at Tubelite, Jim Oberlin joins the Eastern/Midwestern regional sales team

Tubelite_MaryOlivierTubelite Inc. has promoted Mary Olivier to marketing director. Reporting to Olivier, Tom Minnon has been promoted to architectural specification manager. Jim Oberlin has been hired to fill Minnon’s previous role as Eastern/Midwestern regional sales manager providing consultative support regarding storefront, curtainwall, entrances and daylight control systems.

Most recently, Olivier served as Tubelite’s marketing manager and has worked at the company for seven years. As marketing director, she manages Tubelite’s architectural specification and continuing education, public relations, advertising, sponsorships and trade show exhibitions, as well as the website and price book.

Tubelite_TomMinnonWith nearly four decades of industry experience, Minnon has earned many professional accreditations including LEED® Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Certified FenestrationMaster™ through the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). He readily shares his knowledge with architects, specifiers and all those involved with design and construction. Earlier this year, he presented at the national Construction Specification Institute’s (CSI) CONSTRUCT show and represented Tubelite at GlassBuild America and at the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Tubelite_JimOberlinIn addition to leading the Eastern and Midwestern sales team, Oberlin regularly meets with architects and glazing contractors to assist with their current projects’ commercial glazing needs. He joins Tubelite from Oldcastle Building Envelope and draws from nearly 30 years of industry experience. Along with his professional and practical insights from the field, his educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in finance.

###

Client News: Kolbe adds multi-slide door to new VistaLuxe Collection

Kolbe will be exhibiting at the International Builders Show in booth #C2608

Kolbe’s VistaLuxe™ Collection now offers complementary multi-span doors exemplifying the product lines’ contemporary aesthetic. Intended for large openings — up to 24 feet wide and 10 feet tall — these doors help homeowners erase the boundaries between inside and outside living spaces.
Kolbe_VistaLuxeMultislideDoor2
Kolbe’s multi-slide doors either stack open or pocket into the wall. Upon request, these doors also can be manufactured as custom corner units. Square sticking matches the crisp, clean lines of the VistaLuxe Collection’s inswing and outswing doors, casements, awnings, transoms and direct set windows.

The VistaLuxe Collection products showcase a warm, wood interior with a selection that includes sustainably harvested species and bamboo. Minimal, narrow door stiles optimize daylight openings and maximize viewing areas, while maintaining energy efficiency. A range of glass choices assist in addressing different climate zones and performance needs.

The extruded aluminum clad exteriors may be painted in standard, custom and new mica colors, and all are backed with a 30-year finish warranty. Durable anodize finishes also are available in metallic tones. Matching finishes also may be specified for performance divided lites and grilles-in-the-airspace.

On exhibit at the International Builders Show, the VistaLuxe Collection multi-slide door model is comprised of four panels spanning more than 14-feet wide and 9-feet tall and pocket into the wall. Each panel features LoE2-270 glass and is appointed with narrow stiles, a 3-inch top rail and a 5-inch bottom rail. The interior displays cherry wood stained Cherry. The extruded aluminum clad exterior is painted a custom, bright Emerald Green.

###

Client News: Chicago Metallic promotes Cory Nevins to director of marketing, expands team and product offering

Chicago Metallic Company LLC is expanding its North American marketing team and product offering to align with ROCKFON® Group, providing a comprehensive range of quality ceiling tiles, metal panels and grid suspension systems.

The marketing team includes: Cory Nevins, director of marketing; Mark Kemerling, tile and new products manager; Mark Taylor, grid product manager; Pat Wallis, metal ceilings product manager; Gary Madaras, acoustical product manager; and Nancy Henry, communications manager.

Building on a legacy that began in 1893, Chicago Metallic’s marketing team regularly meets with customers and industry leaders to share its collective experience and expertise. The company and its staff are members in the Ceiling and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA), as well as active participants in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Cory NevinsCory Nevins — Director of Marketing

Cory Nevins has been promoted to director of marketing from regional sales manager. Joining the executive team, he reports directly to Jim Moynihan, vice president and general manager. He works closely with the company’s North American leaders of sales, operations, engineering and with his predecessor, Megan Nichols, who moves to director of service, logistics and inside sales. Mike Reynolds assumes Nevins’ previous position as regional sales manager.

With nearly 20 years of sales experience in the building products industry, Nevins joined Chicago Metallic in 2010. His industry knowledge includes a full understanding of ceiling systems and products, plus a strong skillset in sales training and management. He began his professional path with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Throughout his career he has exceeded financial goals and customer expectations.

The majority of Nevins’ work history was with USG Corporation where he began in sales and product management. He was quickly promoted to national account manager where he launched a new marketing platform for the retail ceilings brand. He continued to gain success with both wall and ceiling products as regional/area sales manager for New York where he was involved with such projects as 1 World Trade Center.

At Chicago Metallic, Nevins has been involved with high-profile commercial building projects throughout North America. He lives in Naperville, Ill., with his wife and sons.

 
Mark Kemerling — Tile and New Products Manager

Mark Kemerling’s existing role as product manager has grown with the addition of ROCKFON acoustic ceiling and wall solutions. Drawing from more than 50 years of success in Europe, ROCKFON products use stone wool as raw material to create beautiful, comfortable, safe and healthy indoor environments, while making a constructive contribution toward a sustainable future. In addition to his focus on ROCKFON products, Kemerling leads Chicago Metallic’s new product development marketing efforts.

Like Nevins, Kemerling previously worked at USG Corporation. During his 12 years with USG, he helped launch several new products, many with a strong emphasis on sustainability. His additional work experience includes management, sales, marketing and architectural positions. A licensed architect for nearly two decades, Kemerling earned his B.S. in architectural studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his M.B.A. from Marquette University. He has continued his studies through the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management.

Mark Taylor — Grid Suspension Systems Product Manager

Mark Taylor continues to concentrate on Chicago Metallic’s commercial ceiling suspension systems. These industry-leading grid systems include products for fire-resistant and seismic-mitigation designs, and those for specialty applications addressing sensitive and secure interior conditions, as well as extreme climates in exterior conditions.

Taylor previously worked as a product manager at Robert Bosch Tool Corporation and at Dayton Superior’s concrete wall-forming products and accessories. Gaining a hands-on knowledge of the products he manages, Taylor began his career in the commercial building industry as a carpenter. In addition to field experience, he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Eastern Illinois University and pursued professional development opportunities through the American Marketing Association. Continuing to grow and share his industry knowledge, he also is a member of the CISCA Emerging Leaders Committee.

Pat Wallis — Metal Ceilings Product Manager

As metal ceilings product manager, Pat Wallis is dedicated to matching customers’ exacting specifications for form, fit, finish and function. Chicago Metallic upholds the industry’s highest manufacturing standards for metal panels and planks, open plenum masking ceilings, security metal ceilings, curvilinear and linear metal ceilings, and custom ceiling creations.

Wallis brings extensive product marketing background along with a strong understanding of metal products. His experience includes marketing for Unistrut® metal framing systems and serving as vice president of sales and marketing at MRI Steel Framing, LLC; and working in various sales and marketing roles at Allied Tube & Conduit.

As national sales director for Allied Tube & Conduit, Wallis was responsible for the standard pipe division’s business in fire sprinklers and distribution channels in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Central America. Prior to this, he demonstrated his leadership as an eastern regional sales manager with Dyna-Truss steel roofing products. Earlier in his employment, he worked as marketing services manager for its construction division and for its Tyco Electrical and Metal Products business unit.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and an M.B.A. from Indiana University, Wallis also served as a marketing communications manager for Federal Signal Corp.

Gary Madaras, Ph.D., Assoc. AIA — Acoustical Product Manager

Gary Madaras joins the marketing team as acoustical product manager following three years with Chicago Metallic’s engineering team. He provides acoustical training for Chicago Metallic’s employees, customers and other influential industry leaders.

As a healthcare soundscaper, Madaras runs the Making Hospitals Quiet program at Chicago Metallic. He is member of the Acoustics Working Group revising the 2010 Facility Guidelines Institute’s FGI Guidelines, and chairs the subcommittee on healthcare acoustics for the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics.

He holds a Ph.D. in acoustics and architecture from the University of Florida, a master’s in architecture and acoustics from Kent State University, and most recently earned an M.B.A. from Northern Illinois University’s College of Business.

Nancy Henry — Communications Manager

Nancy Henry joins Chicago Metallic’s marketing team as communications manager. Based in Toronto, she has served as ROCKFON’s marketing manager helping introduce its ceiling tile products to the North American market. With the expanded product offering, her responsibilities also have expanded to ensure brand alignment and consistency across the organization and throughout the industry.

During the last 12 years, Henry has worked as marketing manager at IKO Industries’ roofing products, and for specialty retailers such as Giftcraft Inc. and Bombay & Co., Inc. She studied project management, retail management and marketing at Sheridan College in Ontario.

###