_COVID-19 News | Glass Magazine

Saint-Gobain to Supply Oxygen Plants in India

Saint-Gobain will supply oxygen plants in India.

OSHA Changes Guidance on Employer-mandated Vaccinations, Recording Procedures

ENR reports that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised previous guidance regarding employer-mandatied COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as guidance regarding the recording of adverse reactions experienced by employees to vaccinations.

NGA Glass Conference Presents Construction Forecast and a Look at the Industry's New Normal

NGA Glass Conference concluded its first virtual event last week, hosting over 400 registrants. The three-day conference offered insights and education to the glass industry.

NSG Group Ramps up Antiviral Coating Research

The NSG Group is fast tracking its research into producing glass with an antiviral coating, as it looks to help specifiers find new ways of reducing the transmission of viruses within buildings and transport, say company officials.

Şişecam Group Develops 'V-Block' Technology Against Viruses and Bacteria

Şişecam Group developed an invention with the goal of contributing to the battle against the pandemic

Economic Update: Recovery is underway, but expect a slow return to normal

Leading indicators of the health of the commercial construction market shows it is still struggling amid the coronavirus-induced pandemic and has a long, potentially tumultuous, road to recovery.

PPP Deadline Extended to August

President Trump signed legislation on July 4 extending the deadline for small businesses to apply for Payment Protection Program loans to Aug. 8, reports The Hill.

Industry Groups Applaud Decision to Reject OSHA Temporary Standard Around COVID-19

Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore and National Association of Home Builders CEO Jerry Howard issued the following joint statement on the D.C. Circuit Court's decision to reject a lawsuit brought by the AFL-CIO…

PPP Loans Eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral

President Trump signed into law H.R. 7010, the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020,” on June 5, which modifies certain provisions related to forgiveness of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program and allows loan forgiveness recipients to defer their payroll taxes.

How to Reopen the Workplace: Part 2, Safe Factory Solutions

Manufacturers can institute measures to contain the coronavirus by identifying individuals who might be infected; prevent spread by instituting social distancing and other safety policies, and cleaning work areas; and comply with privacy protections to protect employee identities.

DOL and IRS Extend Timeframes for Some Employee Benefit Plans

The Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service have extended timeframes for some group health plans, according to a joint notice.

OSHA Releases Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of COVID-19

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a memorandum providing interim guidance for enforcing the requirements of recording cases of COVID-19, which will go into effect on May 26.

How to Reopen the Workplace: Part 1, The Office

As state stay-at-home orders are lifted, many employees may be returning to the office. “Preparing Your Office and Employees for Returning to the Workplace,” a webinar presented by the American Society of Association Executives, offered further insights from consultants and professionals for…

PPP Update: Loan forgiveness, audits and more

The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program offers much-needed emergency financing for companies affected by the COVID-related economic downturn. However, the program has introduced numerous questions among business owners, many of whom are now concerned about available…

Lamatek Manufactures Adhesive Backed Foam for Face Shields and PPE

Lamatek Inc. of West Deptford, New Jersey began manufacturing adhesive backed foam strips for brow liners on PPE face shields early in March, when it became clear that there was not enough PPE for healthcare workers and first responders.

Roto Frank Will Not Attend BAU

Roto Frank Fenster-und Türtechnologie will not attend BAU 2021 in Munich, Germany, according to a company statement. The plan was to focus on property-specific hardware solutions for aluminum facades, windows and doors at the trade fair, say officials.

Adelio Lattuada Starts to Reopen

Officials at Adelio Lattuada announced on the company website that they will begin the process of reopening the company.

Guardian Glass Cancels Participation in glasstec 2020

In light of the current coronavirus pandemic, and consistent with its focus on the health and safety of its employees and preferred partners, Guardian Glass decided not to participate at glasstec 2020, scheduled to take place in Dusseldorf, Germany, Oct. 22-23, 2020.

Float Glass Faces Economic Strain: What We’re Watching

Along with the rest of the glass industry, float glass manufacturing has felt the effects of COVID-19, from supply chain issues, to potential closures due to state stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders.

MI Windows Closes Two Milgard Production Facilities

MI Windows and Doors plans to close the Milgard manufacturing facilities in Aurora, Colorado, and Grand Prairie, Texas, over the next few weeks in response to the weakened economic conditions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the company.

Emergency Financing: Options for urgent, short-term and mid-term funding

During an April 22 webinar from the National Glass Association, financial expert Marco Terry, managing director of Commercial Capital LLC, provided an overview of emergency financing options for companies. Terry noted urgent funding available for companies in addition to options for short- and mid-…

Glaston Production Facilities Maintain Full Operation

Despite conditions caused by COVID-19, all Glaston production facilities in Finland, Germany, Switzerland and China have successfully maintained operations, say company officials.

USO Receives Donation from the Friese Foundation for COVID-19 Response

The Friese Foundation donated $100,000 to the USO. The donation, which comes during the COVID-19 pandemic, is meant help the organization to continue its mission of providing service members and their families with essential resources and services.

OSHA Issues Alert for Manufacturing Safety Amid the Coronavirus

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect manufacturing workers from exposure to the coronavirus.

HHH Tempering Resources Releases Service Update

HHH Tempering Resources released an update on ongoing services, on its website. HHH is designated an essential business by Washington and Pennsylvania, according to the announcement.

AIA Officially Cancels 2020 Conference on Architecture

The American Institute of Architects officially cancelled the AIA Conference on Architecture 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tracker Follows Impact of COVID-19 on Contractors

The Farnsworth Group and Home Improvement Research Institute partnered to provide manufacturers and retailers with updates about COVID-19's impact on the home improvement industry.

NGA Announces April 22 Webinar, 'All about SBA Loans'

In an upcoming April 22 webinar from the National Glass Association, financial expert Marco Terry will provide insights on emergency financing options for companies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Vitro to Shut Down Float Line for Automotive Glass

Vitro Automotive will close one of its raw-glass production lines at its Meadville, Pennsylvania, plant effective June 10, affecting 108 positions.

Associated General Contractors Stages National Safety Stand Down

The Associated General Contractors staged a national safety stand down, involving 31,000 workers, according to AGC and reported in Engineering News-Record.

SageGlass Employees Return to Work

SageGlass employees will return to work at the company’s Faribault, Minnesota, plant after spending four weeks at home, as reported on Faribault.com.

American Institute of Architects Creates Database of COVID-19 Building Projects

The American Institute of Architects, partnering with Kansas University Institute of Health + Wellness Design, created a COVID-19 ArchMap, an infographic database providing information about healthcare facilities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LiteSentry Team Available to Customers during Pandemic

LiteSentry officials report their team is available as they work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Binswanger Glass Produces Intubation Boxes for Front-Line Healthcare Workers

Binswanger Glass is producing intubation boxes for hospital Intensive Care Units, to aid in the battle against COVID-19, say company officials.

FHC Supplies Protective Guards, PPE

Frameless Hardware Co. is manufacturing free-standing glass guards, which do not require mounting holes.

Former AGC Glass Europe CEO Philippe Bodson Dies of COVID-19

Philippe Bodson, former CEO of AGC Glass Europe, passed away on April 4 as a result of the coronavirus at the age of 75.

Binswanger Glass Installs Glass Guards for Essential Businesses

Binswanger Glass is installing temporary glass sneeze guards in several business in Topeka, Lawrence and Manhattan, Kansas, according to reporting on wibw.com.

Co-operation Negotiations in Glaston's Finnish Units End

Glaston’s co-operation negotiations concerning temporary layoffs in the company’s units in Finland have ended, according to a company release.

Dodge Momentum Index Eases Back in March

The Dodge Momentum Index declined by a scant 0.6 percent in March to 146.5 (2000=100) from the revised February reading of 147.4.

Map of Essential Construction Mandates

Architect Magazine developed a state tracker, breaking down which states deem construction as essential, non-essential, or do not provide any current guidance.

FGIA Summer Conference Moves Online

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance summer conference scheduled to take place June 22-25 at the Fairmont Millennium Park in Chicago is being transitioned from an in-person event to a virtual event occurring during all or part of the original conference dates.

Constructconnect Map Shows Which States Classify Construction as Essential

Constructconnect created an interactive map of the U.S. that shows the status of construction of construction activity in each area, given state, city and county measures to close nonessential businesses.

President Trump Signs Stimulus Package into Law

President Trump signed into law the $2 trillion stimulus package, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, March 27, as reported in the New York Times. The measure was approved unanimously by the Senate on Wednesday.

New York Classifies Some Construction as Nonessential, Halts Projects

As of Friday, March 27, some construction work in New York will be deemed nonessential, based on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s remarks on WNYC radio, reported in the New York Times.

Minnesota-based Erdman Automation Will Remain Open to Provide Essential Services

Leadership at Erdman Automation issued a statement.

MY Shower Door / D3 Glass Manufactures Protective Guards in Response to COVID-19

Amid deep safety and health concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, Southwest Florida-based MY Shower Door / D3 Glass is building glass health guards that can protect businesses, their employees and the community, say company officials.

Keep in Touch During the COVID-19 Crisis, from Max Perilstein

During tough times, it's critical to keep in touch with your networks, says Max Perilstein of Sole Source Consulting. Share resources, experiences and more.

Infograph Breaks Down State-by-State COVID-19 Policies

Politico released a guide to the current policies put in place in all 50 states to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Ontario and Quebec Temporarily Close Non-essential Businesses

Canada’s provinces of Ontario and Quebec ordered non-essential businesses to close as of Tuesday, March 24, as reported by AP News.

Cricursa Donates Protective Gear to Local Hospital

Cricursa is donating protective gear to healthcare workers at the nearby Granollers General Hospital, in Barcelona, Spain. The hospital has made an urgent call for materials.

Don’s Mobile Glass Remains Open as Essential Business

Officials from Don’s Mobile Glass issued a letter to customers regarding the company’s operations during COVID-19, noting the company will remain open as an essential business.

4 Things Glaziers Can Do Today, amid COVID-19 Disruptions

In a March 19 webinar from the American Subcontractors Association, Brian Wood, partner with Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP, offered tips for subcontractors as they navigate construction market disruptions caused by the coronavirus.

Glaston Initiates Employee Cooperation Negotiations Regarding Temporary Layoffs in Finland

Glaston Corp. initiated employee cooperation negotiations regarding possible temporary layoffs in its Finnish units. The potential layoffs concern all employees in Finland, approximately 180 people, say company officials.

Bringing Calm to Customers during COVID-19, from Chris Phillips

Glass installers who are working in customers’ homes during the coronavirus outbreak have an opportunity to bring a sense of calm through professionalism and quality workmanship, says Chris Phillips of Showcase Shower Door.

AGC Reports Construction Delays for Member Companies

A survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors, and reported in Engineering News-Record, shows that 28 percent of the Association’s members have stopped or delayed construction projects amid COVID-19 concerns.

OSHA Issues Guidance for Employers Recording Workplace Exposure to COVID-19

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued guidance for employers recording workplace exposures to COVID-19.

Dodge Data Chief Economist Projects Steep Losses Due to COVID-19

GGI Provides Update on COVID-19 Precautions

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brad Thurman, vice president – sales and marketing, fabricated glass, at GGI issued a statement on behalf of the company.

Motivating Employees During the COVID-19 Crisis, From Dustin Anderson

How can glass companies keep employees motivated and engaged in the face of the coronavirus outbreak? Dustin Anderson of Anderson Glass in Waco, Texas, offers his #glazier perspective.

Building Trades Employers Association Calls for Mayor de Blasio to Keep Construction Sites Open

The largest construction contractor association in New York City is calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to follow the lead of other major cities like Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Francisco and the State of New York in defining construction as an essential service and exempting the industry from work…

Organizers Cancel Glass TEXpo

Glass TEXpo ’20 has been cancelled due concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was scheduled to be held May 1-2 in San Antonio.

M3 Glass Implements Precautions, Social Distancing in Response to COVID-19

Leadership at M3 Glass responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with a prepared statement.

Industry Perspective: How can glass companies pivot during the time of coronavirus? From Dustin Anderson

When the phones stop ringing due to coronavirus, what can companies do to pivot and diversify? Dustin Anderson of Anderson Glass in Waco, Texas, offers a glazier perspective on finding new business during the crisis.

Industry Perspective: The Business Impact of Coronavirus, from Dustin Anderson

Dustin Anderson of Anderson Glass in Waco, Texas, offers a glazier perspective on the business impacts of the current coronavirus health and economic crisis. Anderson will be posting regular videos discussing the impact of coronavirus on business and sharing ideas about how companies can best…

Industry Companies Adjust Policies, Schedules in Response to Coronavirus

In response to the conronavirus outbreak in the U.S., businesses—including those in the glass industry—have been tasked with changing the way they operate to ensure safety and health of employees and customers.

Soft Tech Implements Response to COVID-19

Soft Tech leadership has implemented precautionary measures in response to COVID-19, including asking staff to work from home.

C.R. Laurence Alters Will Call Service Practices Until March 30

C.R. Laurence altered its Will Call service practices until March 30, according to a statement released by the company. The statement cited concern for the health and welfare of employees, and the guidance on the enhanced guidance from authorities on social distancing.