Shared Learnings: U-Factors

by Tom Minnon, LEED® AP, CDT, Eastern Region Sales Manager for Tubelite Inc.

Energy efficiency and occupant comfort are two key criteria in designing green buildings, especially for projects seeking LEED® certification. Contributing to these goals, thermal performance will continue to be an essential factor in the upcoming International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the Architecture 2030 Challenge, which calls for the operation of all new buildings and major renovations to be carbon neutral by 2030.

According to Architecture 2030, the non-residential/or commercial building sector is currently responsible for almost half of the energy – consumption (49%) and green house gas emissions (47%) in the U.S. The greatest percentage of the energy consumption and their associated emissions is attributed to buildings’ operations, such as heating, cooling and lighting.

Windows in these buildings are major contributors to the nation’s gross energy consumption. Energy-efficient building designs must comply with codes and meet owner expectations. Design professionals are concerned with misrepresentation of energy savings. Understanding thermal transmittance in window systems will help to correctly report energy savings.

U-Factor is a measure of:
* Conduction  – heat transfer through a solid, liquid or gaseous material via molecular contact. For example, touching a hot stove. To reduce conduction in windows, add frame thermal barriers.
* Convection – the transfer of heat through the movement of liquids or gases. For example, facing into a cold, north wind. To reduce convection in windows, add enclosed air spaces.
* Radiation – the transfer of heat through space without relying on an intervening medium. For example, the heat of the sun on your face. To reduce radiation in windows, add low-e glass coatings.

U-Factor = BTUs / Square Foot / °F Differential / Hour
BTUs are British Thermal Units, the approximate heat required to raise 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit, such as from 59°F to 60°F.

U-Factor allows the HVAC engineer to calculate peak loads, as well as energy consumption, for any size window, in any climate. When comparing U-Factors, remember that lower is better. For example, 0.18 BTU/ft2-hr-ºF is better than 0.34 BTU/ft2-hr-ºF.

For an apples-to-apples comparison of commercial window systems’ U-Factors, be aware that there are two U.S. thermal testing protocols: American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC). The two programs yield similar, but not identical, thermal performance results. NFRC U-Factors are typically 10% lower than AAMA U-Factors. NFRC was residentially-oriented, so NFRC operable window test sizes are small. Window area and configuration can significantly affect the overall window assembly U-Factor. Smaller test sizes make a huge difference in U-Factor for aluminum windows.

Aluminum remains the framing material of choice for non-residential applications, when all design requirements are considered in balance. Be certain to consider ALL factors – from structural integrity to longevity to stiffness to heat build-up – before deciding on alternative materials.

The three components used to calculate U-Factor for window systems are:
* Center of Glass (COG) – typical value is 0.29 BTU/ft2-hr-ºF (low-e IG)
* Edge of Glass (EOG) – typical value is 0.34 BTU/ft2-hr-ºF (aluminum spacer)
* Frame – typical value is 0.90 BTU/ft2-hr-ºF (thermal break). A frame’s U-Factor includes heat transfer through surfaces perpendicular to the glass plane.

COG is different than “whole window” U-Factor. Whole window U-Factor, which includes frame and EOG areas, usually is required by codes. To calculate total system U-Factor:
* First, we must determine what percentage of glass versus aluminum there is in the opening. Most storefront and curtainwall elevations have between 85% and 90% glass.
* Second, we need to know what the COG. This information is obtained from the glass fabricator.

In the following graph, assuming 85% glass and a glass COG of 0.24, the total system U-Factor will be 0.45.

In addition to noting total system U-Factor vs. COG, be cautious not to confuse U-Factor with R-Value. R-Value is the inverse of U-Factor and commonly used in residential applications. For instance, a U-Factor of 0.50 would equate to an R-value of 2.0. If commercial fenestration can get down to a U-Factor of 0.25, that is still only R-4. Equal to about 1 inch of fiberglass insulation.

The commercial glazing industry is faced with some real challenges in meeting the 2012 IECC. Most of the U.S. Climate Zones will require Total System U-Factors of 0.38 or lower. These new U-Factor requirements cannot be met by a standard, thermally-broken, aluminum-framed storefront system, even one with a glass COG of 0.24. Some manufacturers are responding to this new code by developing new technology, including “double” pour and debridge thermal breaks. (Thermal barriers will be the topic of my next blog.)

In addition to reviewing Climate Zones’ criteria, remember to check that the specifications for U-Factor match the glass and glazing specifications, code requirements and building permit values. Clear specifications and accurate data are essential to optimizing window systems’ thermal performance and to achieving the intended results.

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Tom Minnon, LEED® AP, CDT, is the eastern region sales manager for Tubelite Inc., serving clients from Maine to Georgia. With nearly four decades of industry experience and many professional accreditations, he regularly provides educational and consultative support to architects, buildings owners and glazing contractors regarding storefront, curtainwall, entrances and daylight control systems.

Terry Robinholt joins Tubelite as Central and Southwest regional sales manager

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. has hired Terry Robinholt as regional sales manager for 21 states in the Central/Southwest region. He will work closely with Tubelite’s client development managers to provide selected glazing contractors in the region with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

Robinholt will support the company’s sales team with 40 years of industry knowledge as they continue delivering Tubelite’s approved American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES) programs and assisting the architectural community with product selection.

Based in Edinburgh, Ind., Robinholt joins Tubelite following 27 years with Oldcastle, where he most recently worked as a regional sales manager serving a similar region. “I love this industry. I started at the press and have learned the business by working hands-on in extrusion and finishing, engineering, purchasing, customer service, field sales and management.”

He adds, “While the region is familiar and the relationships I have within it span many years, I am excited to help Tubelite expand its market. The Tubelite name is well known in the market and regarded very highly. I’m glad to be a part of it and enjoy the opportunity to help grow the business. The clients that I’ve met with are very positive about their experience with Tubelite’s dependable products and customer service.”

All of Tubelite’s products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. These include: energy-efficient Therml=Block™ entrances; standard doors, windows, storefront and curtainwall; and Max/Block™ sun shade and aLuminate™ light shelf daylight control systems. These recycled and energy-efficient attributes may contribute to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® Green Rating System™.

Tubelite is a member of the USGBC, the Construction Specifications Institute, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the Glass Association of North America, the Michigan Glass Association, and an approved continuing education provider through the American Institute of Architects. Robinholt will help represent Tubelite as a member of these organizations and in other industry events.

To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite announces new Force Front Storm hazard-mitigating entry doors

Walker, Mich. – Helping protect low- and mid-rise buildings in need of storm hazard mitigation, Tubelite’s Force Front Storm monumental entry door systems have received Florida Product Approval (#14563).

Designed for compliance with High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) Windzones 2 and 3, Force Front Storm doors and frames also are tested to meet Miami Dade large missile impact requirements (ASTM E1886/E1996 – TAS 201) and passed pressure cycling at +100/-100 psf.

Tubelite’s Force Front Storm monumental entry doors feature durable tie-rod construction, wide stiles and heavy-duty hardware. Single doors up to 4-feet-wide and 8-feet-high and pairs up to 8-by-8-feet have been qualified. The units include nominal one-inch insulated glazing with a laminated pane incorporating a DuPont™ SentryGlas® Interlayer. Dry glazing and sealing can be completed at the jobsite.

“Introduced last year, our Force Front products are being specified throughout our service area, especially in the southeastern coastal and southern Texas regions,” says Tubelite’s marketing manager, Mary Olivier.

In addition to impact protection, Tubelite’s Force Front monumental entry door products support facilities’ environmental goals. All of Tubelite’s products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. These qualities may contribute to projects seeking certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite hires Bob McNamara as client development manager serving Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey

Walker, Mich. — Bob McNamara of Robert McNamara Sales joins Tubelite Inc. as client development manager. As an independent sales representative based in Cape May County, N.J., he provides Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

McNamara draws from more than 25 years of experience sharing his knowledge in the glass, glazing and architectural metal’s industry with glazing contractors, architects and other commercial building team members. He has been employed in estimating, project management and sales, as well as in the development of architectural metal products. Throughout his career, McNamara has remained dedicated to the Mid-Atlantic region.

“There is already a strong interest in Tubelite’s Force Front systems. Tubelite offers a range of products to address the extremes endured by our buildings. Hurricane impact performance is very important along the coast, and a requirement of IBC (International Building Code),” says McNamara.

He continues, “The region’s seasonal variability means that temperatures can be -10 degrees in the winter and 100+ degrees in the summer. Thermal performance is a must-have, such as the Therml=Block entrances and curtainwall. Daylighting devices, like Tubelite’s Max/Block sun shades and aLuminate light shelves, help manage interior comfort as well as contribute to energy efficiency. As a nation, we need to do more to be energy efficient, to be green and to be sustainable. This includes conserving resources by specifying products be manufactured with recycled content.”

Supporting these green goals, all of Tubelite’s products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. Helping architects learn more about selecting environmentally-responsible products, Tubelite offers educational presentations available through the American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education System (AIA/CES).

In addition to offering Tubelite’s AIA/CES presentations, McNamara represents the company’s membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the Construction Specifications Institute and other industry associations. He also volunteers on the community hospital board for Jeanes Hospital, part of the Temple University Health System, in Philadelphia.

To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Shared Learnings: Lessons for a New Year

by Tom Minnon, LEED® AP, CDT, Eastern Region Sales Manager for Tubelite Inc.

As we begin 2012, I add blogging to my list of New Year’s resolutions and new skills. In our industry, “What’s new?” is a question we’re constantly asked by architects. Staying current, accessible, relevant and knowledgeable are expectations. These are especially important qualities when discussing sustainable design and environmentally responsible construction.

The challenges, codes and opportunities pertaining to green building will continue to increase in the coming months. For the last several years, sustainability issues have gained momentum and the conversations have gained depth. In my upcoming blogs, I’ll explore considerations and requirements of green attributes in commercial fenestration. Topics are likely to include daylighting, views, natural ventilation, indoor air quality and VOCs, recycled content, maintenance and durability, re-use and restoration, energy-efficiency and thermal performance, as well as specific applications such as in high-security projects or hurricane zones.

For me, the green building conversation and its practical implementation are a way of life. I’ve been working with architectural glazing systems for almost four decades. I earned my Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) professional accreditation when this green building rating system was still on version 1.0.

I also wake up each morning with the knowledge it takes to renovate a 30-year-old house into a water-efficient, energy-efficient home using sustainable materials. I understand what it’s like to sort through a myriad of manufacturers’ claims regarding recycled content, regionally sourced materials, energy efficiency, eco-friendly manufacturing and life cycle analysis (LCA) when selecting building products, interior finishes, sustainable landscaping practices, and renewable energy sources.

Whether prescribing green goals to residential, commercial or governmental project, the complexity will remain, even as established organizations and institutions attempt to simplify it. Two approaching milestones will be the USGBC’s release of LEED 2012, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), which will be available this Spring, and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.

I’m looking forward to sharing the lessons that I’ve learned, and those that I’ve yet to learn, with you. Feel free to add your comments and questions. It’s through our individual experiences that we find the insight in collective wisdom and enrich the value of our industry for a brighter future.

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Tom Minnon, LEED® AP, CDT, is the eastern region sales manager for Tubelite Inc., serving clients from Maine to Georgia. With nearly four decades of industry experience and many professional accreditations, he regularly provides educational and consultative support to architects, buildings owners and glazing contractors regarding storefront, curtainwall, entrances and daylight control systems.

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Tom’s renovated home in New Hampshire and its many green features:

 

John Young serves the Carolinas, Virginia as Tubelite’s client development manager

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. has named John Young as client development manager providing storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems for North and South Carolina, and southern Virginia.

Owner of J&L Young, LLC, Young serves this territory as an independent sales representative, while working closely with Tubelite’s new office in Rock Hill, S.C. He brings 27 years of experience in the glass, glazing and architectural metal’s industry, including six as an independent sales representative.

Prior to his own business in 2005, Young held various positions with United States Aluminum — Corporation as a fabrication supervisor, purchasing manager, estimating manager, customer service manager, field sales, and as a regional sales manager for the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic areas. Given Young’s familiarity with these regions, he notes that he is impressed with Tubelite’s new Force Front™ curtainwall and entry door systems for high security and high wind applications.

Providing complementary performance, aesthetics and environmental attributes, all of Tubelite’s products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. These include: energy-efficient Therml=Block™ entrances ; standard doors, windows, storefront and curtainwall; and Max/Block™ sun shade and aLuminate™ light shelf daylight control systems.

To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite’s products add to Berrien Springs’ new Virtual Learning Academy’s high-tech look and feel

Walker, Mich. — Berrien Springs School District’s Virtual Learning Academy is taking public education to the next level. The recently opened facility, which offers area students both traditional “on-site” education and online courses, features the latest advances in technology, design and materials, including storefront systems manufactured by Tubelite.

The building’s striking exterior, designed by local architects CARMI Design Group, is the first indication that this school is different from other schools in Southwestern Michigan. “We wanted the building’s form to portray the modern style of learning that occurs within its walls,” said Tony Leininger, president of CARMI Design Group. “Tubelite’s range of products and industry expertise gave us the freedom to execute our design concept in a way that other products could not.”

The resulting design features three distinct spaces, sharp angles and generous uses of glass framed in recycled aluminum by Tubelite’s 14000 and T14650 Series Storefronts. Linetec painted the aluminum in Hartford Green fluoropolymer finish, corresponding with the school’s “Home of the Shamrocks” motto.

Designed for low-rise applications, Tubelite’s 14000 Series Storefront durable, flush-glazed system offers optimal strength and thermal performance. Framing members have 2×4.5-inch profiles. Tubelite’s 14650 Series frame offers the same design, assembly and accessories as the 14000 Series’ 2-inch face, but features a depth of 6.5 inches. The additional 2-inch depth on the interior side of the frame provides greater structural properties and allows taller first floor openings.

Inside the 6,700-square-foot learning facility, the futuristic features continue. Visitors enter the building’s lobby, which houses an interactive cyber café, with vending area, café-style tables and chairs, and lounge seating. The structure’s two “pods” include a conference room with interactive whiteboards, high-resolution projectors, image-capturing equipment and other high-tech components, and a state-of-the-art computer lab. In addition to 60 computers, the lab has three large-format projection screens on different walls to support the concept that the “front” of the room is wherever the instructor is at that moment.

The Virtual Learning Academy’s edgy architecture has garnered positive reviews from district staff and the community, and helped the building become the face of the district. But according to Leininger, the most important feedback has come from the students themselves.

Berrien Springs Technology Director Brandon Waggoner has said that the building’s state-of-the-art feel helped the students learn more effectively by making them feel as if they had arrived someplace special.

The $1.8 million Virtual Learning Academy opened for high school students at the start of the fall semester, September 2010, and is now offers enrollment for middle school students.

Berrien Springs Virtual Academy; One Sylvester Avenue, Berrien Springs, Mich.
* Owner: Berrien Springs Public Schools
* Architect: CARMI Design Group. Inc.; Edwardsburg, Mich.
* General contractor: Shelton Construction; Benton Harbor, Mich.
* Glazing contractor: Midwest Glass & Mirror; Stevensville, Mich.
* Glass fabricator: PPG Industries; Pittsburgh
* Storefront systems: Tubelite Inc.; Grand Rapids, Mich.
* Storefront systems’ finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.
* Photos: Joseph Hilliard

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

High-resolution photos available for download: vertical and horizontal.
Include credit line: photo by Joseph Hilliard, courtesy of Tubelite Inc.

Tubelite hires Wayne Storie to serve Maryland, Virginia, D.C.

Walker, Mich. — Wayne Storie, CSI-CCPR, has been named as Tubelite Inc.‘s client development manager serving Maryland, northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. He works closely with glazing contractors and architects in this region to provide information on the company’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

Storie draws from nearly three decades of industry experience working for contract glaziers in the Baltimore area as a project manager and estimator. He was employed with AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc. for more than a decade. Most recently, he worked for as an outside sales representative for Vitro America Inc.

Along with Tubelite’s quality, architectural aluminum products, Storie says that the company’s “delivery program of damage-free guarantee (DFG), on-time and complete, customer service and financial stability will be driving factors in expanding Tubelite’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.”

Developing strong client relations, Storie shares his industry knowledge through architectural consulting and American Institute of Architects’ continuing education series (AIA CES) presentations. He also participates as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Glass Association and the Baltimore chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

Through CSI, Storie received his Certified Construction Product Representative Certification. He also earned an Occupational Safety and Health Administration Certificate. Storie graduated from Maryland’s CCBC-Catonsville with a degree in construction technology.

To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Portrait available for download.

Tubelite names Sage Architectural Products as sales representative in Texas

Todd Joubert

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. announces that Sage Architectural Products, LLC of Austin, Texas, will serve the state’s central and southern region. As manufacturer’s representatives, the firm will provide Tubelite’s clients with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems for commercial building needs.

As the owners of Sage Architectural Products, Todd and Kim Joubert share nearly 30 years of experience in architectural products, specializing in fenestration products for the commercial building sector. “We are impressed with Tubelite’s product selection, quality and service, and its financial strength and stability,” says Todd Joubert.

Prior to beginning their own business, they worked with ACE Glass Co., Inc., a specialty glazing contractor in Little Rock, Ark. Todd Joubert began his career in 1984 with Vistawall. He later worked with U.S. Aluminum and Efco, where he held the title of vice president of sales and marketing for each company.

Sharing their knowledge and experience, Sage Architectural Products provides educational and consultative support to architects, buildings owners and glazing contractors. The company regularly presents continuing education seminars for members of American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). The Jouberts are members of the Texas Society of Architects/AIA, AIA Austin and Austin CSI, and Todd also is certified as a CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT).

The work of Sage Architectural Products in south and central Texas is supported by Tubelite’s new office and team in Dallas, and by Mike Efeney, who covers clients in north Texas and Oklahoma. To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Portrait available for download.

Tubelite names Mike Gilbert to serve Georgia clients

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. hired Mike Gilbert as a client development manager. He will work closely with clients in Georgia to provide storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems that meet their commercial building needs.

Drawing from 27 years of experience in architectural aluminum products, Gilbert most recently worked at YKK AP America Inc. During his 18 years with the company, he focused on serving Georgia’s architects, specification writers and glazing contractors. He has served as an architectural sales representative and brand manager of YKK’s hurricane and blast mitigation line of commercial products an architectural sales representative.

Gilbert says that he’s excited to join Tubelite as the company launches its new hurricane impact resistant and blast hazard mitigating products. “Tubelite has earned a strong reputation for the high quality of their products and also for their reliability, dependability, and on time delivery.” He adds, “Glazing subcontractors are really stretched thin these days. Sending their installers to pick up materials can be a huge loss of time and labor. If the storefront materials will be delivered on the Tubelite truck, damage free guaranteed and on time, that’s one less worry for the day. I am all about keeping it simple and I believe the clients of Georgia will feel the same way.”

Easing the worries of buildings seeking to meet green building goals, Gilbert also is impressed that all of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® Rating Systems in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, low-emitting materials and recycled content.

In addition to the company’s support and membership in the USGBC, Tubelite’s staff shares their knowledge through presentations with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). For more than a decade, Gilbert has provided continuing education through AIA, CSI and other associations and publications. He has been a CSI member since 2004 and also is a CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT).
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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com
Portrait available for download.

Tubelite expands into South Carolina and Texas

Walker, Mich. — As part of its planned market expansion, Tubelite Inc. has opened two offices in South Carolina and Texas and added five, experienced personnel to its team. Both locations are fully operational to support clients’ needs for storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems. These offices also extend support for the markets Tubelite already serves through increased sales representation in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, as well as South Texas.

“Expanding to serve clients in these markets has been part of our long-term strategic plan. This thoughtful approach has positioned us for growth and helped us attract knowledgeable, talented people who deliver the high service levels to our clients,” says Ken Werbowy, Tubelite’s president.

He continues, “Our reputation for dependability is not only embodied by our employees, client services representatives and distributors, it is integral to every aspect of our business — from our factory-controlled extrusion presses and eco-friendly finishing, to lead times that are typically half of the industry average, to our Damage Free Guarantee delivery.”

Werbowy notes that all of Tubelite’s personnel may be reached through the toll-free national phone number at 800-866-2227. A map of local representatives and distributors also is available online at www.TubeliteInc.com.

Serving Tubelite’s clients from the new office in Mesquite, Texas:

* Tony Evans, client services manager — He most recently worked as U.S. Aluminum’s engineering products manager. Prior to this, he worked for 23 years with Vistawall as its national products manager and director of client services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

* Cynthia Waller, client services representative and estimator — She has served in similar roles at U.S. Aluminum, YKK and Oldcastle. She earned an associate’s degree from Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, and a bachelor’s from the University of North Texas.

Serving Tubelite’s clients from the new office in Rock Hill, S.C.:

* Kenny Skaggs, client services representative — For more than 15 years, he worked in the inside sales and customer service department at U.S. Aluminum. He earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.

* Scott Marquess, estimator — He also worked at U.S. Aluminum and draws from 22 years as the estimating manager and inside sales manager. He graduated with a bachelor’s from Troy University in Alabama.

* Adam Swofford, estimator — Working in the glass and architectural industry for 12 years, he most recently served as estimator for U.S. Aluminum. He holds a Bachelor of Science industrial management from Clemson University in South Carolina.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite products help SVSU Pioneer Hall achieve acclaim, LEED

Walker, Mich. — Saginaw Valley State University‘s Pioneer Hall continues to draw praise from students, staff and the surrounding community. Not only was Pioneer Hall the first “green” building on the Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) campus, it was also the first project in the northeastern and mid-Michigan areas to earn Silver certification under the LEED® Green Building Rating System™, thanks in part to curtainwall units manufactured by Tubelite Inc.

Originally built in 1977, Pioneer Hall houses SVSU’s science, engineering and technology colleges. At less than 46,000 square feet, the building was badly in need of additional space to accommodate a growing student body. In late 2005, SVSU officials made the decision to expand and renovate the building.

Led by the architectural firm Wigen, Tincknell Meyer & Associates and general contractor Spence Brothers, the $16 million project began in 2006 and was completed the following year. Pioneer Hall’s 30,000-square -foot addition melded state-of-the-art laboratories, offices and gathering spaces into the building’s existing footprint. The renovation included upgrading materials in both of the building’s two floors and redesigning the layout of the teaching, learning and administrative spaces to take advantage of the natural light provided by the window and curtainwall systems.

Glazing contractor Calvin & Co, Inc. installed Tubelite’s 400 Series curtainwall. Designed for low- and mid-rise applications, the curtainwall’s aluminum framing is manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. The system’s recycled content, high-performance glass for optimized energy performance and thermal comfort, regionally manufactured materials, daylight and views, and low-maintenance, clear anodize finish all contributed toward the building’s sustainability goals and LEED Silver certification.

“It [LEED] is definitely the way construction is going. It means we’re all thinking about the environment in the construction process,” Michael Pazdro, SVSU’s project manager, told the Saginaw News.

Recognizing the design and building team’s efforts, Pioneer Hall was honored in the Environmental Category by the Michigan chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America with a 2008 Build Michigan Award.

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Pioneer Hall; Saginaw Valley State University; 7400 Bay Road University Center, Saginaw, Mich.
Owner: Saginaw Valley State University; Saginaw, Mich.
Architect: Wigen Tincknell Meyer & Associates; Saginaw, Mich.
General contractor: Spence Brothers; Saginaw, Mich.
Glazing contractor: Calvin & Com., Inc.; Flint, Mich.
Curtainwall system – manufacturer: Tubelite Inc.; Walker, Mich.
Curtainwall system – glass fabricator: PPG Industries; Pittsburgh, Pa.
Curtainwall system – aluminum finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.
Photos: Wigen Tincknell Meyer & Associates; Saginaw, Mich.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite introduces ForceFront Blast curtainwall and entry door

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite announces ForceFront™ Blast curtainwall and entry door systems are now available for high-security projects seeking blast hazard mitigation in low- and mid-rise applications.

Providing complementary performance, aesthetics and environmental attributes, Tubelite’s ForceFront curtainwall and entry door products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. These qualities may contribute to projects seeking certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System.

For projects in need of blast hazard mitigation, ForceFront Blast products are designed for compliance with ASTM International standard F1642-04, the U.S. General Services Administration Interagency Security Committee (GSA/ISC) security design criteria and U.S. Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria (DoD UFC) 4-010-01 requirements. The products are tested to meet blast performance of 6 psi peak pressure at 42 psi-msec impulse.

“This new system will complement our current product offering in many of our geographic areas with a high count of governmental buildings, such as the Virginia/D.C. area, the Carolinas and Texas,” says Tubelite’s marketing manager, Mary Olivier.

Tubelite’s ForceFront Blast entry doors feature durable tie-rod construction, 6-inch-wide stiles and heavy-duty hardware. A single door measures 3-feet-wide and 7-feet-high. A 5.5-inch back member reinforces the curtainwall system’s structural performance. The systems include nominal one-inch insulated glazing with a SentryGlas® Plus Interlayer. Dry glazing and sealing can be completed at the jobsite and a variety of anchor options are available to ease installation.

In addition to Tubelite’s new ForceFront Blast curtainwall and entry door systems, all of its products are manufactured using EcoLuminum. These include: energy-efficient Therml=Block™ entrances; standard doors, windows, storefront and curtainwall; and Max/Block™ sun shade and aLuminate™ light shelf daylight control systems.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite connects architects to online specifications’ tools

Walker, Mich. — Assisting architects with specification writing and 3-D design, Tubelite Inc. participates in several online and automated tools. The company’s website connects visitors to product details, technical data and other information on its storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

From TubeliteInc.com, visitors with subscriptions to BSD SpecLink®-E‘s can link to automated specification writing assistance. Also within one click of Tubelite’s homepage, users can access Autodesk® Seek and CADdetails for Building Information Modeling (BIM) libraries.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite AIA/CES course menu

Walker, Mich. — Addressing the architectural community’s professional development needs, Tubelite Inc. offers educational presentations available through the American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education System (AIA/CES). As a leading manufacturer of storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems, the company’s website invites architects and designers to explore its online resources at www.TubeliteInc.com, and to connect with representatives in their area for in-person presentations.

Tubelite’s four, current AIA/CES presentations include:
* Product Selection Guide
* The In’s and Out’s of Architectural Aluminum Doors and Frames
* Green: Architectural Aluminum Products for Commercial Construction
* Modified and Custom Doors

Tubelite also provides the following Health/Safety/Welfare and Sustainable Design (HSW/SD) programs:
* Daylighting and Integrated Façade Design
* Understanding U-Factors

Each of these courses is available as one-hour, in-person presentations. Participants can receive 1.0 Learning Unit (LU) for each program.

To learn more about Tubelite’s architectural resources and educational tools, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite names Glaz-Tech as distributor in Idaho, Utah

Walker, Mich. – Tubelite Inc. announced Glaz-Tech Industries, Inc., has been named as a distributor for the company’s architectural aluminum products, serving clients in Idaho and Utah.

Headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., Glaz-Tech is a wholesale supplier and manufacturer of energy-efficiency glass and aluminum products. Operating across the southwestern states for more than 20 years, the company now offers Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

“Glaz-Tech has made a commitment to offer, mainly ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ products. We are fortunate to have customers who see value in this,” says Gordon Clark, Glaz-Tech’s general manager. He adds, “When working with Tubelite, I feel as though we are on common ground, a team. Quality and service is what I appreciate the most.”

All of Tubelite’s quality, architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. In addition to recycled content, Tubelite’s systems and services can help building project teams pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™ in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

To learn more about Tubelite’s distributors, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com. For specific information on Glaz-Tech Industries, Inc., please see www.glaztech.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite enhances quality and efficiencies of custom entrances with 3-D modeling

Walker, Mich. — Helping create welcoming entrances in new construction, renovations and expansions, Tubelite Inc. has enhanced its custom entrance systems for institutional and commercial projects. The company’s 3-D software modeling tools and computer numeric controlled (CNC) programming offer efficiencies that save materials, reduce lead-times and increase quality. Please see TubeliteInc.com for an informational video.

“The 3-D modeling of these door/frame details let us preview the functionality for hardware attachments prior to touching any aluminum,” explains Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “Once that process is finalized and all potential conflicts have been addressed, the hardware placement is programmed into the CNC for precise, quality manufacturing.”

Olivier continues, “We pride ourselves on our ability to provide consistently short lead-times. The dependability of our products is backed with personalized service and technology to support smooth installation for on-time scheduling and on budget to deliver long-term value. Each door is manufactured to meet the project’s aesthetic, performance and environmental goals.”

Available in a nearly unlimited palette of colors, Tubelite’s architectural aluminum, custom doors may be specified in Narrow, Medium and Wide Stiles, as well as heavy-use Monumental Doors and high-performance Thermal Doors. Universal design details and hardware options further enhance these doors and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable.

All of Tubelite’s custom doors and frames are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly, durable finishes. Each profile extruded for these door products contains a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100% reclaimed aluminum.

Painted finishes are applied using a 100% air capture system and destroy the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a regenerative thermal oxidizer, so there is no adverse environmental impact. Eco-friendly anodize contain no VOCs and its proprietary finishing process sends 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing processes.

Thermal barriers and high-performance glass optimize the doors’ energy efficiency. These durable and environmental benefits of Tubelite’s doors may contribute to projects seeking certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™.

Tubelite’s custom entrance systems can be paired with standard doors, windows, storefront, curtainwall and daylight control systems, such as Max/Block™ Sun Shade and aLuminate™ Light Shelf.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite names Complete Line Glass Wholesalers as distributors in Texas

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. announced Complete Line Glass Wholesalers, Inc., will distribute the company’s architectural aluminum products to clients in Texas. Three of Complete Line’s Texas locations – Grand Prairie, Houston and San Antonio – now offer Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall and entrance systems.

“For nearly 25 years, we have prided ourselves on our service and provided glazing contractors with quality products. Tubelite is a perfect fit in product mix and service. We are very pleased with the partnership,” says Robert “Chico” Perales, Complete Line’s vice president and general manager.

Perales also notes that Tubelite’s environmental focus is important to Complete Line. All of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s recycled content, energy-efficient systems and  support services help project teams pursuing green building certification. The LEED® Rating System™ is championed by the U.S. Green Building Council, of which Tubelite is a member.

Complete Line is a member of the Texas Glass Association, a state chapter of the National Glass Association (NGA). Tubelite will be exhibiting at GlassBuild America, sponsored by NGA, in Booth 2304 from September 12-14 in Atlanta.

To learn more about Tubelite’s distributors, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite names United Plate Glass as distributor for western Pennsylvania and the surrounding Northeastern region

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. announced United Plate Glass Company (UPG) has been named as a distributor for the company’s architectural aluminum products. UPG offers daily deliveries to clients in western Pennsylvania, southwestern New York, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, northeastern Maryland, the northern D.C. suburbs and specific destinations for large projects.

For more than 25 years, UPG has provided architectural glass and aluminum products, as well as in-house fabrication services from its facilities in Butler, Pa. Complementing these strengths, UPG now offers Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall and entrance systems, including custom doors.

All of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s systems and UPG’s technical expertise can help building project teams pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™ in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

“Tubelite is widely-accepted in our sales area,” says Mike Cully, UPG’s president. “Across the Northeast, Tubelite’s products are well-recognized and well-respected. The clients who use these products are very loyal.” He notes that most of these clients are using Tubelite’s systems on low-rise commercial buildings.

Cully continues, “While UPG has the ability to perform high production orders, it has built its name on the creation of quality products regardless of order size. At the core of UPG’s business philosophy is personalized service tailored to the needs of each one of our clients.”

Sharing industry insights and best practices with clients, UPG is a member of the Glass Association of North America and National Glass Association. The company is a certified fabricator with PPG and Guardian Industries SunGuard® Select, a licensee in the Safety Glazing Certification Council and Insulating Glass Certification Council, and an authorized labeler of fire-rated glazing materials for Underwriters Laboratories and Warnock Hershey.

To learn more about Tubelite’s distributors, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com. For specific information on United Plate Glass Company, please see www.unitedplateglass.com.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite hires Terry Britt to serve Indiana, Missouri, Illinois

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. named Terry Britt as a client development manager serving Indiana, eastern Missouri and central to southern Illinois. He works closely with glazing contractors and architects in this region to provide information on the company’s architectural aluminum products and their green building benefits.

Drawing from more than three decades of industry experience, Britt says, “I’m very impressed with the people at Tubelite, their strategic focus and the quality of their complete product line, from standard storefront to custom doors. It’s a great fit with my previous experience and sales territories. I’m excited to help my contacts and colleagues learn more about Tubelite’s offering.”

Britt began his career with PPG Industries’ Dayton, Ohio office in sales and project management. After 16 years, he joined Indiana-based Glasmont Corporation as an outside sales representative for architectural metals and glass product lines. In 1999, he transitioned this knowledge to Arch Aluminum and Glass Co., Inc., where he worked from Indianapolis as an outside sales representative and branch manager. He was named “Branch Manager of the Year” in 2005 and the branch ranked in the company’s top 10 for all 10 years of his employment.

In addition to his successful career, Britt’s education includes coursework at University of Dayton, Ohio; a degree in applied science from Sinclair Community College, Ohio; and many training and professional development programs. He also shares his knowledge at industry events, such as upcoming Glass Expo Midwest; as a church elder in his community; and as a coach of Bantam football and adult softball teams.
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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com
Portrait available for download.

Tubelite names Wholesale Glass Distributor to serve clients in Tennessee

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. announced Wholesale Glass Distributors will carry the company’s architectural aluminum products to serve clients in Tennessee and parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi.

Founded in 1984 and located in Memphis, Tenn., Wholesale Glass is the only independent glass distributor and fabricator in this region. The company has earned a strong reputation for its value-added services and its full-line of insulated and tempered, high-performance glass products.

“We are proud of the very great relationships we have established over the years with our customer base,” says Chet Day, Wholesale Glass Distributors’ president. “Tubelite’s systems are a good fit with our current offering. We’re able to provide clients with Tubelite’s doors, frames and stock lengths on a just-in-time delivery for schools, hospitals, shopping centers, residential applications and other building projects.”

Tubelite’s systems and Wholesale Glass Distributors’ in-house technical and customer service staff also can help building project teams pursuing certification through the  U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™. All of Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. In addition to recycled content, Tubelite’s systems may contribute to LEED criteria in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Complementing these architectural aluminum products, Wholesale Glass also is a certified fabricator of PPG SolarBan® and Guardian SunGuard®.

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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com

Tubelite hires Tom Minnon as Eastern Regional Sales Manager

Walker, Mich. — Tubelite Inc. has named Tom Minnon as eastern region sales manager of the company’s architectural aluminum products, serving clients from Maine to Georgia. With nearly four decades of industry experience and many professional accreditations, Minnon regularly provides educational and consultative support to architects, buildings owners and glazing contractors.

Minnon’s experience in the fenestration industry includes architectural sales in natural daylighting applications, high-performance glazing, solar energy design and architectural aluminum glazing systems with Kalwall Corporation, Kawneer Company and YKK AP.

He earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® Accredited Professional (LEED® AP) Certification. A resident of Derry, N.H., Minnon currently serves as chairperson on the Town Council’s Energy and Environmental Advisory Committee. He and his wife have completely remodeled their 30-year-old home to meet sustainable design criteria inside and outdoors, incorporating water efficiency and re-use, renewable energy and efficiency, as well as recycled and recyclable materials.

Minnon says he is impressed that all of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the USGBC’s LEED Rating Systems in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, low-emitting materials and recycled content.

As members of the USGBC, Minnon and Tubelite share their knowledge through presentations and articles. Most recently, Minnon has been a speaker at Glass Expo Midwest, Glass TEXpo, and the Connecticut Glass Dealers Association. He also has presented at several chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).  In addition to speaking at CSI events, Minnon also is a CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT), CSI Certified Construction Products Representative (CCPR) and past president of the CSI New Hampshire Chapter.

Along with his professional accolades, Minnon studied aerospace engineering and industrial design at Atlanta’s Georgia Tech, and has a mechanical engineering degree from New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, N.H.
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Media contact: Heather West, heather@heatherwestpr.com
Portrait available for download.

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows manufactured with EcoLuminum recycled aluminum

Tubelite Inc. announces its 3700 Series window now are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Presenting the opportunity for natural ventilation, these operable windows are available as conventional, concealed and casement units.
Operable windows offer a seasonal opportunity to reduce energy demands and consumption, while enhancing occupants’ comfort. Coupled with the benefits of maximizing daylight and views, resources with recycled content, Tubelite’s windows may contribute to projects seeking certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System.

“Whether choosing casements; project-in or project-out vent designs — these windows are engineered to let fresh air into the building through a storefront or curtainwall system,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “The concealed vent design is virtually invisible from the outside of the building, with no visible frame.”

Special glazing pocket adapters allow the 3700 Series windows to be easily incorporated with Tubelite’s other framing systems. Because each profile is extruded using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum, it contains a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post-consumer content average of 34%. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100% reclaimed aluminum.

EcoLuminum consumes 95% less energy to produce than that of standard, non-recycled billet. In addition, Tubelite products finished in eco-friendly anodize send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing. Painted finishes also can be specified, applied and controlled in an environmentally-effective manner to minimize, or even eliminate, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These architectural-grade finishes minimize maintenance and further protect the windows for reliable operation.

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows are tested to meet, or exceed, the industry’s most stringent criteria for resisting air leakage, water penetration, forced-entry, while upholding structural integrity. Contributing to its architectural-grade and long lifecycles, these windows are fabricated using mitered corners and screw-spline frame joinery.

These durable, operable windows accommodate up to 1-inch glass thickness. Along with selecting glass that promotes energy-efficiency, the units may be specified with a thermal barrier for enhanced performance and comfort.

Extending occupants’ comfort, screens are available to keep out insects. Those with aluminum frames can be finished to match the windows’ framing. Screens also may be specified with optional wickets for easy access to handles and locks through the inset windows. Other hardware choices may be requested, such as roto-crank handles on casements.

Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows joins the company’s other energy-saving, recycled-content products, which include the Therml=Block insulated door and 300ES Curtainwall, the Max/Block™ daylight control sunshade system, and aLuminate™ light shelves. To learn more about Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems manufactured using the company’s new EcoLuminum finished aluminum materials, please visit www.tubeliteinc.com.

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aLuminate light shelves by Tubelite accentuate daylighting designs

Tubelite Inc. announces aLuminate™ light shelves, supporting U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System criteria for daylighting and views, thermal comfort, optimized energy performance and recycled content. aLuminate‘s reflector extrusions feature a wave-type pattern that diffuses sunlight and projects it deep into the room. Increasing the reach of natural light into an interior space helps reduce the energy demands associated with artificial lighting.

aLuminate light shelves are designed for use with Tubelite’s curtainwall and storefront systems. All of Tubelite’s framing systems, sun shades and light shelves are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly finishes. aLuminate light shelves also are compatible with many other manufacturers’ aluminum framing systems, during new construction or as a retrofit application.

The light shelves are available in 18-, 24-, 30- and 36-inch in-rigger projection depths with horizontal spans up to 60 inches. “They are easy-to-install thanks to a unique, in-rigger bracket that fastens at the interior vertical framing member, and snap-fits with the light-weight reflector blades,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “The bracket system and the light-weight material also makes it easy to remove individual sections for glass cleaning or future renovations.”

Typically, light shelves’ upward facing surfaces are painted bright white for maximum reflectivity and diffusion of sunlight. aLuminate light shelves also may be finished to match, or to accent, adjacent framing materials and décor. If desired, the reflector extrusions’ top and bottom surfaces can be finished in different colors. All of Tubelite’s architectural products’ painted finishes are applied in an environmentally effective manner to control 100% of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC-free and ultra low-VOC finishing options also are available.

Tubelite’s entrance systems welcome students to Denver Public Schools’ LEED-Gold Evie Garrett Dennis Campus

Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis Campus is a testament to the power of innovation, environmental responsibility and community support. The first facility in Denver Public Schools to attain Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for Schools Rating System, it is one of the most efficient school facilities in the State of Colorado. Contributing to this achievement, the E-12 campus features Tubelite Inc.‘s entrance systems manufactured with recycled aluminum and eco-friendly finishes.
Located in the rapidly growing Green Valley Ranch area of northeast Denver, the campus will serve 1,700 students in three separate schools when complete. SOAR K-5 charter elementary school and a second campus of the Denver School of Science & Technology 6-12 charter school opened in September 2010. A third school, Vista Academy, is expected to open in Fall 2011. The campus is named after retired Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Dr. Evie Garrett Dennis, Denver’s first African-American superintendent.

The 35-acre campus hosts four separate buildings totaling 190,000 square feet. Intentionally designed to resemble a small college campus, the grounds include shared space in a new student union and new regional sports complex. The project’s design goals were created through a collaborative group process comprised of members of the Green Valley River community and led by project architects DLR Group.

Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability were important elements of the Evie Dennis campus‘ $43 million design. Two of the four buildings are classified as net zero-energy facilities. Aiding in this, the complex includes some of the newest technologies that reduce the need for energy and other natural resources.

Contributing to the campus’ sustainability goals and aesthetic appeal are entrance systems from Tubelite. Manufactured using EcoLuminum™, Tubelite’s high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite formulated EcoLuminum’s standard billet composition to contain a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. EcoLuminum’s recycled billet consumes 95% less energy to produce than that of standard, non-recycled billet.

In addition, Tubelite products using an eco-friendly anodize finish send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing. Painted finishes also can be specified, applied and controlled in an environmentally-effective manner to minimize, or even eliminate, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These architectural-grade finishes, applied by Linetec, help minimize maintenance and further protect the entrance systems’ rigorous operation.

Engineered to withstand heavy use in schools, public buildings and other high-traffic areas, Tubelite’s T14000 Storefront and Monumental Wide Stile doors were selected by general contractor Saunders Construction and installed by glazing contractor Metropolitan Glass.

“We’ve worked with Tubelite for many years,” says Jim Lynch of Metropolitan Glass. “The promptness of their deliveries is reliable and important to us and to keeping the projects’ on schedule. The installation of the doors went smoothly and was on time.”

The doors’ durable tie-rod construction, five-inch-wide stiles, up to 10-inch-high bottom rails, and heavy-duty hardware meet the school’s performance requirements. The entrance systems’ sightlines complement the overall, architectural balance.

DLR Group’s design also incorporated extensive daylighting as a key strategy to lower utility costs. Wausau Window and Wall Systems® fixed and projected 2250 Series windows were specified to assist with maximizing natural light, outdoor views, natural ventilation and thermal performance. Additional sustainability features within the complex include geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, water conservation, materials with recycled content, enhanced indoor air quality, and optimized operational and maintenance practices.

Technology was also an important component of the Evie Dennis campus. Each classroom offers an interactive whiteboard, touch-screen TVs are scattered throughout the four main buildings, and computer network and Wi-Fi capabilities encourage campus-wide connectivity.

The campus was funded through a $454 million bond, the largest school construction bond in Colorado history. The project was completed ahead of schedule and approximately $6 million under budget, allowing Denver Public Schools to add another school building to the two schools originally planned. Planning for the complex was done in partnership with Denver-based homebuilder Oakwood Homes and the Foundation for Educational Excellence.

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Evie Garrett Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride Street, Denver, Colo.
* Owner: Denver Public Schools; Denver
* Architect: DLR Group; Denver, Colo.
* Contractor: Saunders Construction; Centennial, Colo.
* Developer: HC Development/Oakwood Homes; Denver
* Glazing contractor: Metropolitan Glass; Denver
* Entrance systems -  manufacturer: Tubelite Inc.; Walker, Mich.
* Entrance systems -  finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.

For a high-resolution images, please see http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_DenverPubSchools1.jpg, http://heatherwestpr.com/webimages/Tubelite_DenverPubSchools2.jpg.

Tubelite’s Gerard Schoeb earns LEED Green Associate Certification

Gerard Schoeb, a structural and applications engineer with Tubelite Inc., successfully passed the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) Green Associate Certification.

Tubelite provides storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems to commercial building teams. These products can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the LEED Rating Systems in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, low-emitting materials and recycled content. All of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.

A part of Tubelite’s environmentally-responsible practices and customer support, it is a member of the USGBC, an exhibitor at the national Greenbuild conference, and an active participant in local USGBC chapters. The company encourages LEED education, certification and accreditation.

Schoeb shares his knowledge through presentations and articles. Recent opportunities have included groups and publications associated with the USGBC, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

An engineer in the composites materials field for 18 years, Schoeb’s experience includes quality assurance, product development, manufacturing engineering, and structural engineering. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit and continues to pursue professional development opportunities, such as the LEED Green Associate Certification.

The LEED Green Associate credential, introduced in 2009, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in green building and the LEED building rating system. It distinguishes individuals who support, but may not directly participate in, green building in their regular professional work. This credential is also a prerequisite to pursue the next tier of accreditation, LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty. For more information on the USGBC and LEED, please see www.usgbc.org and www.gbci.org.

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Eco-friendly copper finish enhances EcoLuminum by Tubelite

Tubelite Inc.’s copper anodize finish creates a striking visual effect that retains its bright metallic appearance, while extending the environmentally-responsible, low-maintenance benefits of its storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems. 

Ideal for the Southwestern aesthetic and for historically-influenced design palettes, the copper anodize withstands extreme environments and the trials of time. Providing superior abrasion resistance and durability, the anodize finish is applied and tested to meet all AAMA 611 Class 1 specifications. This eco-friendly finish will not reveal its age with a patina.

Offered as a standard color choice, no custom color-matching is necessary. No clear coat or periodic lacquer treatments are required to preserve its copper color. There are no limits on shapes or quantities and the finish can be applied to both aluminum sheets and extrusions. Once installed, there is no need to worry about run-off stains or galvanic corrosion from copper ions.

The copper anodize creates a soft, matte finish that helps hide small imperfections that may occur on the surface of recycled aluminum. All of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition. EcoLuminum consumes 95% less energy to produce than standard billet.

The eco-friendly anodize finish also reduces energy use and produces up to 90% less waste than traditional anodize processes. The process byproducts from the bath are recyclable. Applied in Linetec’s state-of-the-art finishing facility, the anodize process produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) . No-VOC finishes and secondary billet contribute to projects seeking certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System™.

TubeliteInc.com presents new look, more online resources

Tubelite Inc.’s website, http://www.tubeliteinc.com, showcases a new design helping visitors connect more easily with a broader selection of online resources.

Within one or two clicks from Tubelite’s homepage, users can:
* Read the company’s latest product, personnel and event news,
* View informative videos and a gallery of projects,
* Download product details, technical data and literature,
* Link to Autodesk® Seek and CAD details for Building Information Modeling (BIM) libraries,
* Access LEED® Green Building System support materials, and
* Contact national and local company representatives.
As a leading manufacturer of storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems, the company’s updated website has streamlined its content to better serve a wider range of visitors. Specialty glazing contractors will continue to find reliable information, while the site also welcomes general contractors, architects and designers. Responding to all of these audiences’ interests in green building, TubeliteInc.com highlights EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.

A special section addresses the architectural community’s professional development needs by offering educational presentations available through the American Institute of Architects’ Continuing Education System (AIA/CES). Tubelite’s four, current AIA/CES presentations include:
* Daylighting and Integrated Façade Design
* Understanding U-Factors * Product Selection Guide
* The In’s and Out’s of Architectural Aluminum Doors and Frames
* Green: Architectural Aluminum Products for Commercial Construction
Each of the courses is available as one-hour, in-person presentations. Participants can receive 1.0 Learning Unit (LU) for Health/Safety/Welfare and Sustainable Design (1.0 LU/HSW/SD) for each program.
In addition to the many resources publicly available to visitors, TubeliteInc.com provides password-protected client access to review pricing and shipment dates. Clients with subscriptions to BSD SpecLink®-E’s also can visithttp://www.bsdsoftlink.com/manufacturers/mfrpages/tubelite.htm for automated specification writing assistance. Customized estimating and order tracking are among the planned, future improvements for the company’s website.

Tubelite touts Damage Free Guarantee, short lead-times and personalized service

Tubelite Inc. has promoted its dependability and service for 65 years. The company supports these claims with Damage Free Guarantee to ensure the safe and timely delivery of its storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

“Recognizing the importance of construction project schedules, we’ve built our business around the goal of being the most dependable supplier in our industry. This means quality products; fast, reliable delivery; and easy fabrication and installation,” says Ken Werbowy, Tubelite’s president. “And, it means personal service. We give you the confidence and peace-of-mind to do your job without worrying if we’re doing ours.”

Werbowy continues, “Tubelite is committed to delivering the undamaged product to each client’s business on a consistent day and within the same brief window of time so that they can plan accordingly. The drivers provide advance notification of the confirmed delivery time and assist with unloading. This established delivery schedule, along with a continuous review of inventory levels, allows clients to rely on Tubelite for the best lead-times in the industry.”

Tubelite’s personalized partnerships allow its clients to reduce their on-site storage, minimize wasted time and materials, increase operational effectiveness and maximize workforce efficiency. Beyond its Damage Free Guarantee and managed inventory, Tubelite provides architectural support services, continuing education programs and easy access to the company’s executive team.

Tubelite’s Therml=Block doors manufactured with EcoLuminum recycled aluminum

Contributing to environmental and energy-efficiency goals, Tubelite Inc. offers Therml=Block™ door products with thermal barriers. These insulated doors and frames are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.

“Therml=Block entrances dramatically reduce the transfer of hot and cold temperatures, block interior frost build-up and can be installed quickly,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. She explains, “The door and frame utilize an I-shaped thermal strut reinforced with 25% nylon fiber. When matched with high-performance glass, Tubelite’s Therml=Block entrance systems dramatically improve performance in all categories, including U-factor and CRF. In addition, each assembled extrusion must pass a shear test of 1,000-pound minimum.”

The doors are available in both 4-inch Medium Stile and 5-inch Wide Stile. There also are options for a 4-inch, mid-rail and rabbet stiles for continuous hinge application. The meeting stile on a pair of doors includes Tubelite’s improved, adjustable astragal and standard weathering. The aluminum, thermal doorframe’s exterior face displays a 2-inch sightline and 4.5-inch depth. This new line can be ordered with Tubelite’s standard and custom, anodized and paint colors.

“The door and frames’ thermally-broken construction allows for different finishes to match both exterior and interior color schemes,” says Olivier. She adds that Tubelite’s painted finishes are applied and controlled in an environmentally effective manner. For low-maintenance durability, its eco-friendly anodize finishes send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing processes.

Because each profile extruded for Therml=Block door products is manufactured using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum, it contains a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100% reclaimed aluminum.

Tubelite’s Therml=Block door products join the company’s other energy-saving products, which include the Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall. These curtainwall and entrance systems can be paired with Tubelite’s daylight control systems, such as Max/Block™ Sunshade and aluminate™ Light Shelf.

G. Bowie and Associates serves Southeast as Tubelite representative

Tubelite Inc. announces G. Bowie and Associates as its manufacturer’s representative in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee. Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in commercial building products and services, the G. Bowie team works closely with architects, contractors, consultants, property managers, building owners and developers throughout the Southeast region.

Based in Nashville, Tenn., company founder Gary Bowie is joined by Hunt Dickson. They serve as knowledgeable, educational and technical resources on building enclosure products, including Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

All of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™ a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Recycled content, low-emitting materials, daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency are key criteria where Tubelite’s products can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System.

“Along with its environmental leadership, we’re pleased to represent the company’s dependable products, durable finishes and Damage Free Guarantee delivery,” says Bowie. “Tubelite is a user-friendly, well-organized, good company with a history of success. Its products and people are well-known in the Midwest, and we’re glad to support their reach and reputation across the Southeast.”

In addition to Tubelite, G. Bowie and Associates has a long history representing high-performance products from Wausau Window and Wall Systems and from other manufacturers.

Steve Seeling joins Tubelite as client development manager

Tubelite Inc. has hired Steve Seeling, CDT, as a client development managerrepresenting the company’s architectural aluminum products. In this role, he assists commercial building teams in Nebraska, Kansas, western Missouri and Arkansas.

Seeling draws from three decades of experience in helping owners, designers and installers select windows, entrances, storefronts and curtainwall systems. Most recently, he worked at Traco as an architectural sales representative with a similar territory. Throughout his career, he has contributed to dozens of educational health care, hospitality and historically-significant projects in the region, including facilities at the University of Kansas, University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska.

In addition to his new position with Tubelite, he also serves as an architectural sales representative for Wausau Window and Wall Systems. “Tubelite and Wausau’s products complement each other to offer customers a full range of performance choices for their building envelope,” says Seeling. “Working exclusively with these two companies, I’ll specialize in premium fenestration products; ones that add value through energy efficiency, distinguished style and dependability. When customers understand their options, they can make better-informed decisions to ensure the correct product for their application.”

As an example, Seeling notes that Tubelite and Wausau’s products contribute to customers’ green goals such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™. All of Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Many products also are available with high thermal performance to support buildings’ energy-efficient operations. “Along with the right products, Tubelite and Wausau provide educational programs to help architects increase their knowledge of the total, integrated façade,” says Seeling.

A graduate of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., Seeling earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He continues his professional development with industry associations such as Construction Specifications Institute, through which he successfully completed the Construction Documents Technology (CDT) program.

Tubelite adds Mike Efeney as architectural sales representative in North Texas

Mike Efeney joins Tubelite Inc. representing the company’s architectural aluminum products in northern Texas and Oklahoma.

Located near Dallas in Rockwall, Texas, Efeney shares educational and technical information on Tubelite’s contribution to green goals such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™. Among green buildings’ goals are energy-efficiency and recycled materials.

All of Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s EcoLuminum contains a minimum of 80% reclaimed aluminum.

Efeney is well-versed in LEED criteria and other green building guidelines. Most recently, he worked as a sales manager with Armstrong World Industries, Inc.’s Ceilings – Architectural Specialties. While there, he was responsible for high-end wood and metal products, as well as coordination for nine local representatives serving Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Drawing from nearly 20 years of experience in architectural product sales, the majority of Efeney’s career has been in the glass and glazing industry. After graduating from the University of North Texas, he began working with U.S. Aluminum. He quickly moved from assisting with the customer installation program into territorial sales serving Georgia.

From there, he accepted a position with Vistawall as territory sales manager for North Texas and western Oklahoma. He continued to grow sales and develop strong customer relationships, leading to his eventual role as district sales manager with responsibilities for four local sales representatives, major projects in the southern states, and architectural consultations.

Efeney, his employers and their clients have contributed to such notable projects as the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, American Airlines Center in Dallas, Love Field Airport renovation in Dallas, Tulsa Convention Center in Oklahoma and the renovation of Oklahoma City’ Will Rogers World Airport.

Throughout Efeney’s professional path, he has been an active member of the Texas Glass Association and the Construction Specifications Institute. Also a husband, father and avid cyclist, he enjoys sharing his passion for sports and the outdoors with this family.

Tubelite at AIA Miami 2010

Thank you to everyone that stopped by to visit and speak with us. Our display was focused on Ecoluminum, Tubelite’s industry leading 80% recycled content in all extrusions, and eco-friendly anodized and painted finishes. Energy saving accessories like our MaxBlock Sunshades and aLuminate Lightshelves were also part of the display. Table samples included the Tubelite Thermal Door and 300ES curtainwall system.

Max/Block sunshades by Tubelite support green goals for daylighting, energy-efficiency and recycled material content

Supporting green design and construction objectives, Max/Block™ sunshades by Tubelite® are now manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Along with responsible resource management, Max/Block sunshades maximize daylighting and minimize solar heat gain. These benefits also are key criteria for projects pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™.

“Sunshades help significantly lower buildings’ cooling costs and energy use, while still letting natural light fill the workspace,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “Max/Block sunshades are easy-to-install, aesthetically-and structurally-compatible with Tubelite’s curtainwall and storefront systems — all of which come standard with EcoLuminum finished aluminum materials. They work especially well with Tubelite’s systems on low- to mid-rise buildings such schools, medical clinics and neighborhood offices.”

Complementing buildings’ designs, Max/Block sunshades are available in airfoil, Z-blade and tubular architectural profiles. Each outrigger type can be extended from the building in various projection lengths to provide the desired performance. Blades are attached to the outriggers using simple screw spline connections. The easy-to-install, patent-pending, detachable, mounting bracket fastens at the pressure plate area and allows for the removal of the sunshades’ individual sections for re-glazing applications.

Because each profile extruded for Max/Block sunshades is manufactured using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum it contains a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post-consumer content average of 34 percent. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100 percent reclaimed aluminum.

Protecting and accentuating Tubelite’s aluminum products, painted finishes are applied and controlled in an environmentally effective manner. Enhancing the natural, metallic appearance, eco-friendly anodize finishes send 90 percent less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing processes and ensure low-maintenance durability.

Therml=Block® Thermal Doors and Frames

Tubelite has released a new product line of thermally broken doors and frames. The door and frame utilize an “I” shaped thermal strut reinforced with 25% nylon fiber to provide superior CRF of 56 and Uc of 0.65. Each assembled extrusion must pass a shear test of 1000 lb minimum. The doors have a Medium stile dimension of 4″ with a 4″ top rail and a 10″ bottom rail as standard. There are options for a 4″ mid-rail and rabbet stiles for continuous hinge application. The meeting stile on a pair of doors includes our improved adjustable astragal and standard weathering.

The thermal frame is similar to Tubelite’s 14000 series storefront with a 2″ face and 4-1/2″ depth. This new line can be ordered with our standard and custom, anodized and paint colors.

Details and instructions can be viewed here.

Tubelite offers new Therml=Block curtainwall with EcoLuminum recycled aluminum

Tubelite Inc. introduces Therml=Block™ 300ES Curtainwall, the newest product manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes.
“Our new 300ES curtainwall contributes to superior energy-savings, which supports green goals and rating systems, such as LEED. It’s ideal for schools, medical facilities, low-rise office buildings and other projects up to four-stories-tall,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. “It can be installed from either the building interior or exterior, helping reduce installation time and expense in the field.”

Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall features a 1.5-inch thermal strut and accommodates one-inch-thick insulating glass. The curtainwall system’s high performance provides a low, 0.46 U-Value for thermal transmittance due to conduction and a high 72 CRF for Condensation Resistance of the framing. The aluminum- framed, exterior face displays a 2.24-inch sightline with an overall system depth of six inches.

Olivier adds, “The system’s construction allows for different finishes to match both exterior and interior décor.” Tubelite’s painted finishes are applied and controlled in an environmentally effective manner. For low-maintenance durability, its eco-friendly anodize finishes send 90 percent less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing processes.

Because each profile extruded for Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall is manufactured using Tubelite’s EcoLuminum, it contains a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post- consumer content average of 34 percent. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100 percent reclaimed aluminum.

Tubelite’s Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall joins the company’s other energy-savings products, which include the Therml=Block insulated door and the Max/Block™ daylight control sunshade system.

Tubelite introduces EcoLuminum recycled aluminum extrusions for all of its architectural products

Tubelite Inc. now manufactures all of its architectural, extruded aluminum products with EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. The company developed this industry-leading formulation to support customers’ green goals such as contributing to commercial building projects seeking LEED® Green Building Rating System™ certification.

To maximize the environmental benefits and energy-efficient attributes of EcoLuminum, Tubelite‘s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems are offered in a choice of eco-friendly finishes and a range of high thermal performances and condensation resistances.

“Our products’ superior performance helps building owners and occupants save energy and money, and our EcoLuminum, with its high recycled content and durable finishes reduce waste,” says Mary Olivier, Tubelite’s marketing manager. For example, she notes, “EcoLuminum’s recycled billet consumes 95 percent less energy to produce than that of standard, non-recycled billet. And, its eco-friendly anodized finish sends 90 percent less waste to landfills than traditional, caustic etch anodizing. Painted finishes are also applied and controlled in an environmentally effective manner.”

“We are proud to provide products and services that represent exceptional, energy-efficient solutions without compromising the environmental impact upon future generations,” adds Ken Werbowy, Tubelite’s president. “We actively participate in environmentally-focused associations such as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, Construction Specifications Institute, Daylighting Collaborative, Glass Association of North America, National Fenestration Rating Council, U.S. Green Building Council and others.”

He continues, “We selectively partner with suppliers that share this same passion and collaborate not only on developing and improving energy-efficient fenestration products, but also on creating and utilizing environmentally-responsible methods to produce these products. These methods help us in reducing our overall carbon footprint by dramatically lowering greenhouse gas, solid waste and water use.”

Toward these goals, Tubelite formulated EcoLuminum’s standard billet composition to contain a minimum of 80 percent reclaimed aluminum. This incorporates a post-consumer content average of 34 percent. Special requests for even higher recycled content can be provided, up to and including meeting specifications requiring 100 percent reclaimed aluminum.

Tubelite’s Therml=Block™ 300ES Curtainwall is the newest product manufactured using EcoLuminum. “The design of the system, which features a 1.5-inch thermal strut, results in superior energy-saving performance,” says Olivier. She adds, “The system’s efficient construction allows for different finishes to match both exterior and interior décor.”

The new Therml=Block 300ES Curtainwall joins the company’s other energy-savings products, which include the Therml=Block insulated door and the Max/Block™ daylight control sunshade system.

About Tubelite Inc.

Tubelite is estimated to be the sixth largest U.S. supplier of architectural aluminum products for the commercial glass and glazing industry. Established in 1945, Tubelite has two divisions: the branded products group offers aluminum storefront, entrance and curtainwall products, and the custom aluminum extrusion group offers mill finish architectural quality extrusions for other industries. The company primarily serves Midwest and Eastern markets, and has a reputation for being one of the most dependable suppliers in its industry.

Tubelite has approximately 165 employees and was privately held by management. Its headquarters, distribution, warehousing and assembly operations are in Walker, MI, while the Reed City, MI, facility houses the company’s aluminum extrusion operation.

Apogee Extends Architectural Product Offerings with Purchase of Tubelite Inc.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (December 21, 2007) – Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:APOG) today announced that it has purchased 100 percent of the stock of Michigan-based Tubelite Inc., which fabricates aluminum storefront, entrance and curtainwall products for the U.S. commercial construction industry, for approximately $44 million (plus or minus closing adjustments). Apogee provides distinctive value-added glass solutions for the architectural and picture framing industries.

“The purchase of Tubelite, with annual revenues of approximately $60 million, is part of Apogee’s strategy to grow its presence in architectural markets,” said Russell Huffer, Apogee chairman and chief executive officer. “Tubelite brings a new, high-quality product line to Apogee – storefront and entrance products. The market for storefront and entrance products, which are part of every commercial construction project, is estimated to be more than $1 billion. These products are usually purchased and installed by the same glazing subcontractor that installs curtainwall and windows, two core product lines currently offered by Apogee companies.

“We expect the Tubelite business, which has operating margins consistent with our architectural segment, to be accretive to Apogee’s earnings in fiscal 2009,” said Huffer. “We are pleased that the current Tubelite management team, with its extensive industry expertise and experience, will continue with Apogee to lead Tubelite to even greater levels of performance.”

“We’re pleased to be joining a financially-strong, market leader that we’ve known for a long time,” said Ken Werbowy, Tubelite president. “For many years, we’ve worked closely with Apogee’s Linetec company, which applies paint and anodized finishes to Tubelite’s extrusions, and are happy to be securing our relationship with a finisher known for quality services and quick lead times.

“We’re excited to become a member of Apogee’s portfolio of architectural companies, which are also known for their leading brands, quality products and on-time services,” said Werbowy. “We look forward to working with the other Apogee architectural businesses to further strengthen and grow our market position.”

Apogee funded the acquisition from its existing revolving credit facility.

About Apogee Enterprises

Apogee Enterprises, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a leader in technologies involving the design and development of value-added glass products and services. The company is organized in two segments:

Architectural products and services companies design, engineer, fabricate, install, maintain and renovate the walls of glass and windows comprising the outside skin of commercial and institutional buildings. Businesses in this segment are: Viracon, the leading fabricator of coated, high-performance architectural glass for global markets; Harmon, Inc., one of the largest U.S. full-service building glass installation, maintenance and renovation companies; Wausau Window and Wall Systems, a manufacturer of custom aluminum window systems and curtainwall; and Linetec, a paint and anodizing finisher of window frames and PVC shutters.

Large-scale optical segment consists of Tru Vue, a value-added glass and acrylic manufacturer for the custom picture framing market and a producer of optical thin film coatings for consumer electronics displays.

Tubelite Expansion

The expansion of Tubelite’s assembly, warehousing and distribution operations will be complete by mid-June.

The Company will be increasing its plant space by twenty percent. It will also increase the number of shipping docks by fifty-percent to accommodate its growing needs.

The assembly operation will relocate to the west-end of the facility beginning on June 8th with a completion date of June 11th.

The warehouse and distribution operation will complete its relocation the following week, June 14th through June 18th.

A large portion of the relocation will occur over the weekends involved, minimizing any disruption to production and shipping. All order entry and shipping scheduling has been adjusted to incorporate the downtime required for the relocation.