Vetrotech Saint-Gobain and Forster Profile Systems continue their enduring partnership

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2022 marks the 12th year that Vetrotech Saint-Gobain in North America and Forster Profile Systems have paired up to deliver the highest levels of fire protection with award-winning VDS® fire-rated framed assemblies, in a collaboration that extends around the world.

Decades of Experience

VDS, or Vetrotech Design Solutions, is a complete line of code-compliant, fire-rated system assemblies—glass and framing together to ensure safety—including curtain wall, windows, transoms, partitions, smoke barriers and fire-doors. In 2010, Vetrotech partnered with Forster, pairing their precision steel profile systems with Vetrotech’s fire-rated glass manufacturing presence and experience in developing and manufacturing award-winning systems solutions; providing a unique range of UL Certifications for almost any application.

“When visiting Vetrotech in Washington state recently, I expected to find a world-class fire-rated glass producer,” said Willi Luechinger, CEO of Forster Group. “But perhaps what impressed me most is the engineering knowhow and fabrication experience with Forster systems that has been accumulated over time.”

Comprehensive Solutions

VDS’s comprehensive system, complete with door hardware, saves teams from ordering each component separately, accommodates any standard US fire-rated door, and guarantees that any design meets all code requirements. All this, together with Vetrotech’s fire-rated glazing expertise, speaks to quality that comes from decades of global experience. In 2021, VDS products received a Product Innovation Award from Architectural Products magazine.

“Contraflam fire-rated glass is the core component any VDS Forster fire door or framing system,” said Kevin Norcross, General Manager of Vetrotech in North America. “We are the primary producers, and not just distributors. The Contraflam we make here in Washington state is tailored to our market needs, and integrated into complete code compliant VDS system assemblies; American manufacturing and Swiss precision make an unbeatable combination.”

In-House Testing and Expert Support

With an in-house ISO 17025 accredited fire-resistance test laboratory recognized by UL, Vetrotech can support its customers to swiftly and efficiently bring tested and certified fire-rated glass and system solutions to meet even the most challenging project requirements. This complements Vetrotech’s technical support and design assist services which can add value to the construction team by ensuring compliance and bringing value engineering to large or complex projects—even those that push the boundaries of possibility.

“Forster and Vetrotech enjoy a strong collaboration in the test lab as well,” said Arndt Bröcker, Head of Sales in North America for Forster Profile Systems Ltd. “Several times each year, all over the world, our techno-commercial teams work together to bring fire rated application solutions to the customer.”

Flexibility and On-Site Savings

With engineering and primary manufacturing at Vetrotech’s North American production facility, in-house teams can help design and react quickly to any changes customers may make, shortening lead times and increasing flexibility for design changes.

Over years of experience, Vetrotech has engineered its own proprietary field assembly methods with the installer experience in mind, because service, quality workmanship and labor savings help customers protect their margins—no small feat in today’s market.

“Forster and Vetrotech has grown together in the North American market for more than a decade,” said Reto Cometta, CEO of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain. “Their precision-engineered profiles are the backbone of our US-made VDS systems. Our unique contribution has been adapting a set of America-specific solutions, ensuring both building code compliance and a positive customer field experience.”

2022 marks the 12th year that Vetrotech Saint-Gobain in North America and Forster Profile Systems have paired up to deliver the highest levels of fire protection with award-winning VDS® fire-rated framed assemblies, in a collaboration that extends around the world.

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