Historically, polished wired glass established the benchmark for the design of fire-resistive glazing assemblies. Saint-Gobain’s earliest fire-rated glass roots date back to circa 1900, when the company began making inlaid wired glass with polished surfaces. But the glass industry and building codes continued to evolve and new product performance levels came about.

In 1980, Vetrotech AG of Switzerland was established expressly for the development and introduction of PYROSWISS, the original clear monolithic soda-lime-silica fire rated glass. By combining fire protection, high mechanical strength, and float glass quality, PYROSWISS represented the beginning of a new generation of “multi-functional” products. More than 20 years later, this founding philosophy remains sound and has become the industry norm for PYROSWISS and its imitators alike. In 1978, the first European tests of CONTRAFLAM, a clear gel-filled glazing product, were conducted, and in the USA at Underwriters Laboratories in 1982. This product continues to be used in a variety of applications throughout the world. In 1993, SWISSFLAM, an intumescent interlayer based product was introduced bringing even greater fire protection. Vetrotech, with over 20 years of experience in the fire-resistive market, is clearly a pioneer in this rapidly growing market segment. In 1995, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain International AG was formed as a result of acquisition by the Saint-Gobain Group. This division is dedicated to the development and research, production, marketing and sales of Fire Protection and Special Glass. By combining the attributes of both companies, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain has been able to maximize resources, eliminate duplication of efforts, and improve market effectiveness. In 2000, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America was formed so that the company could have a stronger presence in North America. Now offering a complete range of products to the North American market with reduced lead times. This division compliments Saint-Gobain’s long presence in North America, dating back to 1831, when it opened a glass sales depot in New York. Throughout the 20th century, Saint-Gobain has continued to increase it’s presence in the North American building products industry from investing in numerous cast glass companies, acquiring Norton Industries and Ball-Foster to its partnership with CertainTeed. In 2005, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America moved into a new 33,000sf state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain's proven approach has been to act as specialists in fire rated glass by providing dedicated customer service, technical support, marketing and product application support throughout international markets. Vetrotech Saint-Gobain looks forward to another century of technological advances offering clear wire free aesthetics that balance cost and performance against design and code requirements.

Contact the fire rated glass specialists at Vetrotech Saint-Gobain today. Put their centuries of experience to work for your project.

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