Advanced steel-glazing systems from Wrightstyle, the Devizes-based steel and fire-resistant glass specialist, have been incorporated into a range of large span, fire-resistant and blast-protection systems now being launched in North America and Canada.

The partnership with Hope’s Windows, the USA’s pre-eminent manufacturer of custom steel windows, steel doors, security windows, and fire-resistant curtain walling, is a significant endorsement of the UK company’s long-term research and design developments.

Hong Kong sales agent appointed

Wrightstyle has also appointed a Hong Kong sales agent to support its growing operation in the Far East. The company, which has recently supplied specialist systems to a number of government, transport, medical, and commercial buildings in Hong Kong and Singapore, has appointed Billy Kung, whom – through nearly 20 years of business experience – has been involved in many of Hong Kong’s most prestigious building projects. Billy Kung is highly respected in the building sector, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Wrightstyle is currently completing a major project for an international bank in Hong Kong SAR and recently completed specific Hong Kong fire tests, at the prestigious HOKLAS-accredited RED Fire and Façade Research Centre.

The US glazing systems are being marketed by Hope’s Windows as the 7000 Series thermal break and fire-resistant curtain wall and roof systems, and are also incorporated into the Liberty500 blast resistant system – one of the most advanced systems in the world.

Hope’s Windows, founded in 1912 with headquarters in New York state, has representation throughout the US, and also regularly supplies its residential, commercial and institutional systems into Canada.

The Wrightstyle / Hope’s Windows partnership follows a series of successful joint fire-tests with Intertek Testing Services in Madison, Wisconsin. These tests ensured US fire-test compliance for 60min curtain wall, 120min curtain wall, and 2hr low-temperature rise single and double doors, to compliment Wrightstyle’s other international test certifications.

The addition of US test certification was not only a vital component in the partnership with Hope’s Windows, but reflects the increasing globalisation of the specialist glass and glazing market, as specifications for fire and bomb resistant glazing become more widely common in North America.

“Our partnership with Hope’s Windows in the United States, and the appointment of an Asia-Pacific sales agent to support our continued growth in the Far East, reflect a growing recognition of our specialist systems’ superior performance,” said Denis Wright, managing director of Wrightstyle.