The rumor had been floating
out there for a while. In fact rumors
surrounding both companies are almost like a cottage industry. Now the “rumor” has hit the main stream news. I am talking about PPG and Vitro. PPG selling it’s flat glass division to Vitro. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette acquired anindependent auditors report and then released a story late last Friday night. Obviously this does not mean a
sale is immenient. We don’t know exactly
what sort of report it was as the story doesn’t dig into specifics. But the
fact the Post Gazette ran with this story is very interesting… it now brings this backroom discsussion to
the public. We’ll see if this marriage
happens or if something else swerves in it’s way. In any case this will be one to watch.
Elsewhere…
-- We are halfway through the
year, so let’s do some looking back and some peering ahead. 2016 got underway with some early weather
issues and dropping oil prices. Both of
those items were especially unkind to the great state of Texas. Bird friendly glazing continued to be in the
news and growing in the minds of designers, building owners, and
consumers. Hopefully it will find more
usage as well. Also in the first half of
the year, another successful industry gathering at BEC, ending an increbile run
of success by Jon Kimberlain of Dow Corning in the lead of that event. From
an overall economic side, both residential and non residential starts and put
in place are running ahead of forecasts and the analysts are bullish. The ABI and DMI also looked solid during Q1
and 2.
So now looking ahead, will
oil prices stay low or start to grow?
The bi-annual glasstec in Germany hits in September and I’ll be curious
on where the vibe is there, especially given the whole “Brexit” adventure in
play. GlassBuild America goes a month
later than usual this year and is bigger than ever- bigger floor space, more
exhibitors, and tremendous innovation and networking to be had. That’s in October. I still expect other acquisition news to hit-
(aside from mentioned above) though being a major sellers market, there may be
some delay in any of that happening with valuations a lot higher than folks
would like to pay. Of course no looking
ahead can happen without the one thing that most likely will be life
changing. The 2016 Presidential
election. No words can probably describe
that one accurately…. Anyway it should
be an interesting run to 2016… buckle up!
-- Speaking of GlassBuild, just
a reminder on the Glazing Executives Forum.
Two great keynotes (George Hedley and Ken Simonson) and “Solution
Sessions” that will be well worth your time.
To learn more and join the growing registration list- visit http://www.glassbuildamerica.com/glazing-executives-forum.html
-- The winners of the Glass
Magazine photo contest are out and I loved the winner. A picture of glass after going through a two
hour fire test. Just an awesome shot
overall. This contest was a fun one and
I expect it grow and be even better in the future. Our industry has a ton of great looking and
innovative pieces… let’s keep pounding our chests and show it off!
-- I’m a bit late on this but
congrats to Bobby Hartong and his family, his partner and my brother Steve, and everyone at WA
Wilson in West Virginia on their 175th Anniversary! Yes 175 years… amazing accomplishment and
could not have happened to nicer folks too.
That party in 25 years for the 200th will be a wild one….
-- If you have the slightest
interest in the growing 3D Printing world, this link is for you. A ton of great insight and resources in one
place thanks to Benesch Law and my good pal and industry supporter Rick Kalson.
-- Last this week… interesting article on the Las Vegas
building market and how the tall residential towers are not in the future
plans… I wonder if this same fate awaits Toronto? Eventually there’s just too much. Good piece overall though….
LINKS of the WEEK
Is this really true?
The Waldorf no more?
Totally depressing that the government booted this
issue. The “May contain” label is so
important- so of course they screw it up.
Rough relationship finally reaches an ending I think.
VIDEO of the WEEK
I hate the ESPY’s but am a fan of John Cena. Good work here with SNL fave Leslie Jones.
No comments:
Post a Comment