Tubelite is exhibiting in booth #5046 at Greenbuild 2009

Tubelite hires Michael Nicklas as national sales manager

Tubelite Inc. has added Mike Nicklas as a national sales manager helping grow the company’s architectural aluminum products nationwide. As part of Tubelite‘s sales team, Nicklas reports to Steve Green, director of sales, and works in close collaboration with the company’s client development managers, marketing, client services and engineering staff.

Michael Nicklas

“It’s an exciting time at Tubelite with several new product developments launching,” says Nicklas. “We have the high-performance door and framing system, newly added 300ES Therml=Block™ curtainwall, and others targeted for the near future such as our Force Front™ blast-rated system. We are also introducing Ecoluminum™, which is an industry-leading composite, recycled aluminum to support customers’ sustainable building goals. All extruded products will be produced with this billet. These environmentally-sound, energy-efficient products are ideal for commercial projects coast-to-coast.”

Before joining Tubelite, Nicklas served as the architectural sales and marketing manager at JE Berkowitz, LP. An architectural glass fabricator located in Pedrickton, N.J., some of the company’s notable projects include Bank of America Office Tower in Charlotte, N.C.; Comcast Tower in Philadelphia; the new Meadowlands Stadium in Seacaucus, N.J.; and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm Research Campus in Virginia.

In addition to his extensive sales and marketing experience with JE Berkowitz, Nicklas also worked in various sales and marketing positions for 10 years with PPG in the glass and architectural metals groups, and later, with Pittco Engineered Systems, Inc. Prior to his employment with PPG, he earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pa.

Throughout his career, he has been involved with many professional associations, at Tubelite he will represent the company at industry conferences and educational presentations with American Institute of Architects, Glass Association of North America, U.S. Green Building Council, and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Nicklas is a CSI CCPR (Certified Construction Product Representative) and a member of the CSI Philadelphia chapter. He lives in Malvern, Pa., traveling frequently to meet with customers and other industry leaders.

About Tubelite Inc.
Established in 1945, Tubelite has approximately 165 employees and is part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. Tubelite’s headquarters, distribution, warehousing and assembly operations are in Walker, Mich. Its additional facility in Reed City, Mich., houses the company’s aluminum extrusion operation. Learn more at http://www.tubeliteinc.com.
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Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Tubelite Inc. | Comments Off on Client News 11/9/09

Wausau is exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #5048

Battle Creek VA Medical Center renovation ensures patient safety, re-creates historic look while updating for modern performance

In Battle Creek, Mich., the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) serves a 20-county area in western Michigan with an extensive medical center offering both inpatient and outpatient care. In 2009, a renovation project was completed on Building 39, which provides veterans with mental health care services. Wausau Windows and Wall Systems’ psychiatric windows were selected to maintain patient safety, promote wellness and maintain a historic visual profile, while updating the building’s energy efficiency.

The renovation is consistent with 2009 recommendations published under the title, Innovative 21st Century Building Environments for VA Healthcare Delivery (June 2009), which reported, “Evidence exists that demonstrates the potential of several built environment attributes to significantly influence care delivery, patient/resident safety, and health status and outcomes. These attributes include views and connections to nature, access to daylight, natural ventilation, indoor air quality, and various forms of environmental therapeutic positive distractions.”

Lisa May, Wausau’s health care market manager, comments, “While patient safety remains a primary consideration in psychiatric applications, many health care facilities are seeking to create a more home-like and healing atmosphere with natural light and unrestricted views to the outside. Windowless environments or openings with jail-like bars or heavy security screens can feel imposing and constricting, which may not be conducive to positive mental health.”

Veterans Affairs, Building 39, Battle Creek, Michigan

At the VA’s Battle Creek Building 39, Wausau’s psychiatric grade windows invite natural light into every room. Even during Michigan’s freezing winter months, the units’ low-e glass, dual glazing and polyurethane thermal barrier keep patients comfortable in their rooms. These windows are AAMA HC40 rated, meeting the industry’s most stringent testing for wind loads; air infiltration, water and condensation resistance; and thermal performance.

The modern performance stands in stark contrast to building’s original, 1924 design featured steel sash, multi-pane windows. Those windows had been replaced during previous renovations with single-glazed aluminum units, explains Jeff Vliek, who served as the project’s team leader for glazing contractor Battle Creek Glass Works, Inc.

Vliek collaborated with Wausau to customize its standard, 3.25-inch-deep, psychiatric grade window to replicate Building 39’s intended architectural style. For historic integrity, Wausau applied muntins to the windows’ exterior helping achieve the original multi-pane appearance. The aluminum framing was painted by Linetec in a two-coat, 70% Kynar® durable, low-maintenance finish. The color was specially blended to complement the steel frames that remained in the masonry and were re-used during the renovation.

Download a PDF of the full success story by clicking here and see Wausau’s online Project Gallery for more examples of health care facility construction and renovation.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS, Linetec, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News 11/5/09

AAMA releases voluntary specification for multi-bar hinges in window applications

AAMA 904-09, a voluntary specification for multi-bar hinges in window applications has been released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

The document is titled Voluntary Specification for Multi-Bar Hinges in Window Applications and addresses procedures, materials and performance criteria for determining the durability of multi-bar hinges used for opening and closing casement, projected and parallel opening windows. This document originally published in 2001, has been revised, and now includes a new section on parallel hinge testing. Other revisions to the document are the inclusion of illustrations of test units, as well as additions made to the scope of the document. Other minor editorial changes were made.

To order AAMA 904-09, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store at www.aamanetstore.org.

A full news release is available online at AAMA’s online news room.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Client News 11/4/09

Kolbe is exhibiting at Greenbuild 2009 Expo Booth #5008/5010

Kolbe’s “Green Initiatives” brochure describes products and performance
for ENERGY STAR, LEED, other rating systems

Kolbe’s new “Green Initiatives” brochure shares how these window and door products can contribute to sustainable design projects and address environmental concerns with their energy-efficient performance, sustainable wood species, and durable finishes.

Kolbe's Green Initiatives

In addition, “Green Initiatives” describes how these products can help property owners and builders seeking to comply with green building programs including the ENERGY STAR® program, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines, and U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) residential and commercial rating systems.

High-resolution photos and a Word document of the full news release are available in Kolbe’s online press room.

Filed under: Green Goals, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Tradeshow Thoughts | Comments Off on Client News 11/2/09

PMI will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #3746

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute hosts Fall Meeting

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) hosted its Fall Meeting, October 11-14, 2009, at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Va. The theme for the Fall Meeting was “Shaping the Legacy for a Sustainable Future,” reflecting the growing mindset of efficiency and sustainability in the plumbing manufacturing industry.

PMI again put together a top-notch list of guest speakers and topics that both informed and entertained.

For a summary of PMI Fall Meeting’s speakers and activities, please see the news release in the online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Association News 11/1/09

PMI will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #3746

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announces 2010 Board President, Officers and new Board Members

Members of the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) elected Lee Mercer, director of product compliance for Moen Incorporated, board president for the year 2010. He was elected at the 2009 Fall Meeting held October 11-14 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, Va. Mercer succeeds 2009 PMI President, Walt Strader, vice president, strategic technology for Price Pfister (Ret.), who will continue to serve as PMI immediate past president.

Also elected to serve on the  2010 PMI Executive Committee include William Ball, vice president of WCM Industries, Inc. as first vice president; Jack Krecek, vice president and general manager, Commercial Business Unit for Elkay Manufacturing Company as second vice president; Stewart Yang, vice president, engineering, global faucets for Kohler Company as treasurer.

Newly elected Directors at Large include Casey Hayes, director of engineered solutions for Haws Corporation and John Watson, director, technical services for Sloan Valve Company.

Returning Directors at Large include Jeff Baldwin, engineering manager for T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.; Fred Fraisse, vice president of sales for NEOPERL, Inc. and Tim Kilbane, national sales manager for Symmons Industries, Inc. There is one vacant seat on the PMI Board yet to be filled, by appointment.

Please see the full news release available at PMI’s online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Association News 10/31/09

AAMA encourages manufacturers to submit comments on the DOE R-5 Window Volume Purchase Program

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is encouraging window manufacturers to provide comments related to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Highly Insulating (R-5) Window and Low-e Storm Window Volume Purchase Program. This program is intended to serve as a catalyst to ramp up market demand for higher performing energy-efficient windows and includes low-e storm windows.

Windows with an R-5 value (or a U-factor of 0.2) represent the top tier of energy-efficient windows for cooling and heating dominated climates, as well as for mixed climates, available today. Most available ENERGY STAR® windows have an R-value of 3. If R-5 windows were substituted for R-3 value windows, the DOE estimates that homeowners would reap significant savings on their energy bills based upon a 40% reduction in average heat loss through these superior performing products.

The department also reports that low-e storm windows can reduce the average heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%. Storm windows help save even more energy by providing an additional insulating barrier and reducing infiltration. The low-e coatings are effective because they mitigate the loss of heat in the winter and block its entry in the summer.

“Even though the energy benefits of R-5 windows are exponential, their current cost inhibits their widespread acceptance. With the DOE’s goal of a price premium of $4/ft² compared to current typical ENERGY STAR windows, more R-5 windows will be affordable in the marketplace, thus stimulating demand,” said Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO.

“In order to overcome the principal cost barrier of R-5 windows, the DOE Building Technologies Program is making production engineering awards to window manufacturers to drive down the cost and improve the performance of R-5 windows,” as stated on the program’s Web site.

According to the DOE, windows in the U.S. account for 30% loss of building heating and cooling energy. Windows have an even larger impact on peak energy demand and on occupant comfort. In cold and mixed climates, R-5 windows offer significant energy savings compared to other high-performance windows and are cost effective when produced in volume.

“The DOE’s window volume purchase program for R-5 and low-e storm windows provides window manufacturers with an attractive incentive to produce these highly-insulated products,” according to Walker. “The majority of window manufacturers should consider submitting a proposal to be part of the program by the department’s deadline of December 2009.”

A full news releases is available online at AAMA’s online news room.

Please also visit AAMA’s Certified Products Directory, which showcases energy-efficient products.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Client News 10/30/09

Wausau is exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #5048

Historically-Influenced Window Replacement brochure available from Wausau

Balancing the look of previous eras with the performance of today’s energy efficiency needs, Wausau Window and Wall Systems provides an overview of its historically-influenced window products and renovation projects.

“Perhaps no action demonstrates social responsibility and environmental stewardship more profoundly than respectful modernization of a classic architectural masterwork,” observes Steve Gille, Wausau’s educational market manager. “For more than 50 years, Wausau’s staff and products have helped building teams overcome these aesthetic and logistical challenges in university residence halls and classrooms, hospitals and medical centers, government offices and courthouses.”

Wausau's historically-styled windows

Download a PDF copy of the brochure by clicking here, or visiting Wausau’s online literature section.

Download a PDF of the full news release from Wausau’s online media room and a high-resolution image by clicking here.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News 10/30/09

Kolbe is exhibiting at Greenbuild 2009 Expo Booth #5008/5010

Kolbe’s new Windquest EP windows provide top tier energy performance

Exceeding 2010 ENERGY STAR criteria for all U.S. climate zones, Kolbe introduces its new, Windquest Series Energy Performance (EP) windows. Available as casement, awning and studio windows, these low-maintenance, long-lasting products feature a 1.25-inch, triple glazing system.

Kolbe's Windquest EP windows

“These windows achieve energy performance ratings that put them in the top tier in the industry with U-Values of 0.18/.19 and R-values of over 5, along with Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of .23. These insulating values are nearly twice as good as those currently required by ENERGY STAR,” says Mark Harger, general manager of Kolbe‘s facility operations in Manawa, Wis.

He continues, “Furthermore, our units allow for a maximum air infiltration of only .01 cubic foot per minute, which is 30 times better than the industry standard.” Verifying this exceptional performance, Kolbe’s Windquest EP windows are certified to achieve an R-PG50 (residential performance grade) rating and structural DP50 rating.

Read and download the full news release  in Kolbe’s online press room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. | Comments Off on Client News 10/29/09

Wausau is exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #5048

Wausau becomes one of the first manufacturers to achieve NFRC “ACE” certification

Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ design engineers, John Kolbeck and Tom Mifflin, are among the first manufacturers to earn Approved Calculation Entity (ACE) certification through the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC).

“As a front-runner in ACE certification, Wausau can provide a significant comfort factor to our customers, who are struggling to understand new energy code requirements,” says Kolbeck. “While NFRC labels are currently mandated only in California and Washington, we foresee nationwide adoption in the future.”

ACE-certified users analyze performance data for commercial fenestration energy ratings. Accessing NFRC’s Component Modeling Approach (CMA) software tool (CMAST), they review libraries of approved frames, glass and spacer components. These libraries help users configure fenestration products for a project, and allow them to obtain a U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient and visible transmittance rating for those products. Performance values are then compared to the energy requirements of local codes, such as California’s Title 24, to determine compliance.

“Many Wausau products are already listed in NFRC’s Certified Products Directory, applicable to factory-glazed windows and sliding glass doors. CMA ACE certification keeps us at the forefront of emerging industry trends in energy-efficiency of curtainwall systems,” notes Mifflin.

Wausau's high-performance windows

Mifflin, Kolbeck and their colleagues at Wausau also are involved with an industry pilot project for the NFRC commercial labeling and compliance process at the University of California-Berkeley’s Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences. When completed in 2011, the five-story, 200,000-square-foot facility will house 30 research laboratories, several lecture halls, the Henry H. Wheeler, Jr. Brain Imaging Center, and highly specialized instrumentation and containment areas for handling viruses and stem cell cultures. The campus’ Health Sciences Initiative was launched in 1999 to apply state-of-the-art tools in the physical sciences and engineering to the most pressing problems of biomedicine.

Download a PDF of the full news release from Wausau’s online media room.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News 10/27/09