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Top stories of 2013

January 2, 2014 By Patrick Flannery

janus_1 It's time to bid a fond farewell to 2013 with a look back at the year's top stories. Here's wishing all our readers and supporters a prosperous 2014.

	Duties slapped on Chinese unitized curtain wall imports On Nov. 19, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found that unitized curtain wall modules exported from China "threaten to cause injury" to the Canadian curtain wall manufacturing industry, triggering steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese curtain wall entering the country. The decision made permanent the provisional duties applied by the Canadian Border Service Agency in July 2013. Advertisement
Triple Seal becomes Saand, buys Guardian Rexdale Toronto-based Triple Seal bought the Guardian Rexdale facility from Guardian Industries Canada in July, adding laminated glass to its fabrication product line as well as increased capacity for tempering, fabricating and IG units. Later in the year, the group announced a complete re-branding under the name Saand designed to unite its business units and eliminate confusion associated with overlapping uses of the Triple Seal name.
	Apogee acquires Alumicor Apogee Enterprises announced in November it had acquired 100 per cent of the stock of Toronto-based Alumicor , which finishes and fabricates aluminum frames for window, storefront, entrance and curtainwall products for the Canadian commercial construction industry, for approximately $52 million from majority shareholder Fulcrum Capital Partners and six minority shareholders.
Intertek takes ATI Intertek Group agreed to acquire Architectural Testing in December, one of the largest building products testing and certification companies in North America. Intertek will purchase the company from private equity firm Wafra Partners and the management shareholders for a total cash consideration of $95 million U.S.
	Trulite introduces new CEO Trulite Glass and Aluminum Solutions announced the appointment of a new CEO, Paul Schmitz, last January. Schmitz replaced Jeff Leone who, for the previous two and a half years, was responsible for the successful integration of three companies: Arch, UGC and Vitro. The board thanked Leone for his numerous contributions and for making progress toward becoming an industry-leading glass and aluminum provider.
New trade show for commercial glaziers launched Glass Canada magazine, in partnership with the Canadian Glass Association, the Ontario Glass and Metal Association and top industry suppliers Tremco and Alumicor, has launched Top Glass – a new conference and exhibits event for the commercial glass construction sector. Taking place May 28, 2014, at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., Top Glass will feature seminars certified for continuing education credits, networking opportunities and displays from top industry suppliers.
	Ontario College of Trades stands pat on apprenticeship ratios Saying the present apprenticeship system "works well," the Ontario College of Trades left the apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio for the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician trade unchanged in its ratio review decision made Feb. 19. The ratio in Ontario remains at one apprentice allowed for the first journeyperson employed, then one additional apprentice for every two journeypersons employed thereafter. OCOT regulations regarding apprenticeships came into force April 8. The ratios will be reviewed again in 2016.
Rules tightened on pre-start inspections On September 1, 2013, the government of Ontario repealed section 12.(3)(a) of the Professional Engineers Act, which previously allowed individuals to oversee or carry out certain professional engineering work without having a P.Eng. licence. The repeal will mean that all professional engineering work on industrial equipment and machinery will need to be under the oversight of a licensed professional engineer.
	Allison Beck passes Insulating Glass Manufacturer's Alliance administrator, Allison Beck, passed away on April 23. The IGMA released a statement saying, "It is with great sadness that the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance today announced the passing of Allison Beck, IGMA’s administrator, after a brave battle with cancer. Allison passed away at the Ottawa General Hospital surrounded by her family and lots of love."
Clark visits Garibaldi Glass Day Glazing fabricator Garibaldi welcomed B.C. premier Christy Clark to its annual Garibaldi Glass Day open house in Burnaby, B.C. Clark congratulated Garibaldi on the event and made remarks about the importance of manufacturing to the B.C. economy. About 250 people attended the event to take in seminars and plant tours.
	Zoulek named VP flat glass for Guardian Guardian Industries named Rick Zoulek vice-president for North American flat glass operations in September. Zoulek assumed oversight of all aspects of the North American flat glass business and was tasked to position the company for continued long-term profitable growth. He had established a strong track record of innovation and commercial leadership in growing businesses throughout his career.
Hendrick takes over U.S. Aluminum for CRL C.R. Laurence has announced the appointment of Gerald Hendrick as president of its U.S. Aluminum division. With 30 years of industry experience, Hendrick was brought on to support the continued growth of the CRL-U.S. Aluminum brand. Hendrick had held senior management positions with Assa Abloy and, most recently, Dorma USA, where he acted as president of the entrance systems division and previously senior vice-president of sales. He came to C.R. Laurence with diverse experience and mastery in organizational management, operations, production, sales, and strategy development. He brings a fresh perspective on the glazing industry from his 10 years’ experience as executive vice-president of Atlanta Door Controls, a regional glazing contractor.