Southwall Technologies and Sound Solutions Windows & Doors Form Joint Venture

Southwall Technologies Inc. has announced the formation of Southwall Insulating Glass, a joint venture with Chicago-based manufacturer Sound Solutions Windows & Doors.

The new company will incorporate an automated production system to improve cost-competitiveness and establish broader adoption of Southwall's innovative Heat Mirror® insulating glass. The company is being formed in response to the demand for higher energy efficiency in residential and commercial building, which has created new opportunity for Heat Mirror's superior R-6 to R-20 insulating performance.

"Glass remains the weak link in the performance of the building envelope and is responsible for approximately 30 percent of a building's total carbon emissions," says Dennis Capovilla, Southwall's president. "While higher-performance Heat Mirror insulating glass is available today, the cost of manufacturing has limited its widespread adoption. Southwall is committed to bringing Heat Mirror's performance to the mainstream market by establishing lower cost technology that is suitable for high-volume production."

Sound Solutions, an insulating glass fabricator, believes the united effort will be beneficial to it-and its window manufacturing customers—as well.

"I am a believer in the energy-saving performance of Heat Mirror technology," says Ron Spielman, president of Sound Solutions and former president of Republic Windows & Doors. "Partnering with Southwall is an opportunity to directly address the manufacturing challenges that will enable Heat Mirror to better service the increasing demand for more energy-efficient insulating glass."

The new company will be located in Chicago and is scheduled to begin production of Heat Mirror insulating glass and other high-performance glazing in 2008.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to DWM magazine.