SEPTEMBER 2010
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™.
AUGUST 2010
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 visit http://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.
AUGUST 2010
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.
AUGUST 2010
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.
AUGUST 2010
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.
JUNE 2010
Steve Seeling joins Tubelite as client development manager
Tubelite Inc. has hired Steve Seeling, CDT, as a client development manager 
representing 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.
JUNE 2010
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.
JUNE 2010
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.
MAY 2010
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.”
Complimenting 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.
APRIL 2010
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.
MARCH 2010
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.
JANUARY 2010
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.
DECEMBER 2007
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.
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.
MAY 2007
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.
