Briefings

Manufacturer news

NRCA members sign agreement

NRCA members Bemo USA Corp., Mesa, Ariz., and Metl-Span, Lewisville, Texas, have signed representation agreements with Coastal Atlantic Associates, Edmonds, Wash., whose metal building products program will cover the Northwest, including Alaska. Bemo USA manufactures metal roof systems, and Metl-Span produces metal roof and wall panels. Both companies have served the Northwest market.

Companies offer single warranty

Perth Amboy, N.J.-based Englert Inc. and Canton, Mass.-based Sarnafil Inc. offer a single-source warranty for projects using Englert's metal roofing products and Sarnafil's membrane roofing and waterproofing systems. Englert will issue the single-source warranty, and it will be backed by both companies.

"We know this has been a critical issue for architects and builders for a long time," says Kevin Corcoran, Englert's vice president of business development. "In the past, manufacturers might have challenged who was responsible for a problem where metal and membrane came together. Now, if there is ever any question, the building owner has a comprehensive warranty, and we and Sarnafil have the resources and the track record to deal with any concerns."

VELUX enters agreement

VELUX America Inc., Greenwood, S.C., has acquired the assets of Thermo-Vu Sunlite Industries Inc., Holtsville, N.Y. The purchase agreement was completed Sept. 14 and includes assets, patents, trade names, inventory and manufacturing operations in Holtsville. The deal provides Thermo-Vu Sunlite Industries' dealers with access to all VELUX America products. In January 2005, the Long Island, N.Y.-based Thermo-Vu distribution center will join the VELUX distribution network.

Firestone phases out PVC

Firestone Building Products Co., Carmel, Ind., has announced plans to expand TPO manufacturing capabilities while phasing out PVC products by mid-2005. To better serve the southern and western United States, Firestone Building Products is reviewing sites for a second Firestone UltraPly™ TPO plant, as well as expanding TPO inventories at existing plants.

"Having gained broad industry acceptance for its many performance and installation advantages, we feel TPO is the future direction of thermoplastic roofing materials," says Michael Gorey, president of Firestone Building Products and chief executive officer of Firestone's parent company, BFS Diversified Products LLC, Carmel.

CertainTeed presents award

David Krehbiel, plant manager of Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed Corp.'s Hagerstown, Md., plant, has received the "Volunteer Recognition Award" from CertainTeed's parent company, Saint-Gobain Corp., Paris. The award recognizes employees and retirees of Saint-Gobain who have made extraordinary volunteer efforts and includes a $1,000 contribution to each organization the employees or retirees serve.

Krehbiel, who has worked for CertainTeed since 1994, won the award for his service as troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America's Troop 4 in Hagerstown.

Steelscape wins award

The American Psychological Association (APA) has presented Kalama, Wash.-based Steelscape Inc. with its Best Practices Honor to recognize Steelscape's team-centered hiring process. Steelscape allows a team of employees to select new employees who will help the team and company function effectively, giving employees a sense of company ownership.

APA's Best Practices Honor program recognizes companies whose innovative programs and policies create a psychologically healthy workplace.

Up the ladder

Howard Deck has been appointed president of CertainTeed Insulation Group.

Alfonso Gonzalez has been named chief financial officer of Steelscape Inc.

Firestone Building Products Co. has appointed Phil LaDuke national account manager and Mark Munley division manager of corporate marketing.

NRCA affiliate news

MRCA presents industry award

James E. Gentry, senior vice president of Kirberg Roofing Inc., St. Louis, received the 2004 James Q. McCawley Award for outstanding service in the roofing industry on Oct. 14 during the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association's (MRCA's) 55th Annual MRCA Convention and Trade Show in Kansas City, Mo.

During his career, Gentry has served on the MRCA board of directors; NRCA board of directors; Toledo, Ohio-based Owens Corning advisory board; and Denver-based Johns Manville advisory board. He is a member of the Construction Specifications Institute and teaches workshops for The American Institute of Architects—St. Louis chapter, as well as the Producers Council Inc.—St. Louis chapter.

Gentry has been involved with organizations such as the Tri-County Builders Association; Building Owners and Managers Association; and Hospital Engineers Association. He also works to promote the roofing industry to local schools.

The James Q. McCawley Award was first presented in 1969 and is named after a man who devoted his life to the roofing industry.

Hawaii group elects officers

The Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii has announced its new officers.

The following officers were elected for a two-year term: president—Steve Maero, president of Rainbow Roofing and Maintenance Co., Honolulu; vice president—Guy Akasaki, president of Commercial Roofing and Waterproofing Inc., Honolulu; treasurer—Charlie Beeck, president of Tropical Roofing and Raingutters Inc., Honolulu; and secretary—Tai Ai, Hawaii branch manager of Alcal Hawaii Roofing & Waterproofing, Kapolei, Hawaii.

Industry online

• Dura-Loc Roofing Systems has upgraded its Web site, www.duraloc.com, to include a feature that allows users to locate a distributor in their area. By filling out a short request form, users will receive a list of distributors, as well as contact information for the distributors.
  
  
• Associated Builders and Contractors has launched its redesigned Web site, www.trytools.org, which offers educational resources and highlights career opportunities and earning potential in the construction industry, including construction management, design and engineering. The Web site also features an educational virtual job-site tour, information about construction toys and games for younger students, and ideas for construction-related activities and materials for teachers and parents.
  
  
• The Vinyl Roofing Division of the Chemical Fabrics & Film Association has launched its Web site, www.vinylroofs.org, which offers information about vinyl roofing applications and solutions. The Web site features sections about cool roof systems; sustainability of vinyl roof membranes; continuing-education courses; fire performance properties; member profiles and more.