STRUCTURAL STEEL INDUSTRY EXPANDS FLORIDA OPERATIONS

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has expanded its marketing and technical support efforts throughout Florida. AISC has added staff in Florida, the Southeast, and its Chicago, IL, headquarters to better serve architects, general contractors, engineers and project owners on their design, development, and construction projects.
Working with steel fabricators and erectors throughout Florida, AISC will work to raise awareness of the many advantages—from design flexibility to cost savings—that structural steel brings to multi-story residential and commercial building projects. AISC will also provide technical assistance, research and education services to Florida architects, general contractors, structural engineers and developers through its Steel Solutions Center.

Roger Ferch, president of AISC, commented, “Expanding our efforts in Florida makes sense from a number of perspectives. Our member fabricators, erectors and steel service centers are seeing a growing interest in the use of structural steel on residential and commercial projects. This initiative will enable us to better support their efforts to serve their clients. And, with Florida one of the fastest growing construction markets in the U.S., it will also help us in expanding structural steel’s share of that market.”

HENDEE OFFERING HIGH-PERFORMANCE SCREENS

Hendee Enterprises Inc., Houston, TX, is offering a high-performance, high-impact and transparent shield that serves as hurricane protection for windows, entryways and lanais in time for what is expected to be another above-average hurricane season.

The Force 12 Hurricane Screens are a see-through mesh used as a damage control application for residential, industrial and commercial properties. Rated for a Category 5 hurricane, the mesh can take a 120 mph wind on one side and turn it into a three mph wind on the other side, the company states.

Installed at an angle away from the building and reinforced with 2,000 lb. webbing, the fabric is tensioned to withstand impact and wind load.

SIMONTON ADDS SLIDING IMPACT DOOR

Coastal area builders and remodelers now have the ability to install in their projects impact-resistant vinyl-framed sliding doors that reach up to eight feet and span an opening of 12 feet. The addition of sliding impact vinyl doors to the Simonton StormBreaker Plus® product come in two- and three-panel configuration in nine stock sizes available in tan or while frames.

The doors are made with one pane of tempered glass and one pane of impact-resistant laminated glass that enable the doors to stand up to fierce weather conditions. If a flying object fractures the glass, the laminated glass will remain intact within the window frame and protect the home from becoming pressurized, the company states.

J & L SHUTTERS INTRODUCES PERMEX HURRICANE SHUTTERS

J & L Shutters, Memphis, TN, introduces PERMEX Hurricane Shutters to the marketplace. The company states that these fully functional shutters are the first and only synthetic exterior shutter to pass the rigorous Dade County, FL, impact and wind load tests.

PERMEX Hurricane Shutters also meet the Southern Building Contractors Congress Institute Standards (SBCCI), which requires that the product withstand 110 mph winds, a company spokesman says.

The PERMEX Hurricane Shutters are offered in a variety of sizes and styles and in 14 colors. A line of hardware also is available for installation.

STO CORP. UPGRADES ATLANTA FACILITY

Sto Corp. recently completed a year-and-a-half project to upgrade and automate its dry production process at its Atlanta, GA, plant location.

“The investment targeted improving employee safety and their work environment, increasing daily production output and eliminating manual tasks,” said David Boivin, Sto Corp. CEO.

Project Manager Kirk LaDuke developed the process concepts, implemented and managed the entire project. The new systems feature state-of-the-art material preparation and transporting, PLC-controlled precision material weighing technology, and state-of-the-art material high-speed packaging including UltraSonic Bag sealing, the company states.

Sto Corp. produces of a broad range of cladding and coating systems for building construction, maintenance and restoration. It also operates manufacturing facilities in Glendale, AZ, and Rutland, VT.

STATE FARM SETTLES KATRINA CLASS ACTION SUIT

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., Bloomington, IL, in January settled a class action lawsuit in Mississippi that will give thousands of policyholders another chance of having their Hurricane Katrina claims evaluated. The action could cost the insurance company as much as $500 million according to one estimate reported in the Chicago Tribune.
State Farm allegedly refused to adequately cover Katrina-related damages in 2005. The deal with Mississippi Atty. Gen. Jim Hood and lawyers for thousands of policyholders resolves a civil lawsuit and a criminal investigation. In exchange, State Farm agrees to reevaluate as many as 35,000 claims. If they choose, policyholders also can have claims resolved through binding arbitration.

SIMU INTRODUCES 6HZ AND 6HZ DMI OPERATORS

Simu, Boca Raton, FL, announce the addition of the Type 6Hz and the Type 6Hz DMI operator to its product offering, which includes a complete range of tubular operators and electronic controls for rolling shutters, retractable awnings, solar shades and rolling doors.

This expanded range brings the Hz Radio system advantages of simplified wiring, built-in cost effective radio control and grouping with no extra controls or wiring for shutters up to 448 pounds in weight (70mm tube). Hz Radio technology is now integrated into both the Type 5 and Type 6 motors in strengths from 44 inch lbs. up to 880 inch lbs.