The week’s business headlines

Gains expected for solar cell industry in next decade
Architects and building owners will demand more building integrated photovoltaics to offset ever-rising energy costs in coming years, predicted Tom Djokovich, president and chief executive offer of XsunX Inc. in Aliso Viejo, Calif. He spoke Feb. 14 during a Wall Street Analyst Forum in New York.

“In the next five, 10 years we're going to see a lot of exciting changes and growth in building materials—the use of photovoltaics in building materials … in building design, and … to create onsite energy production to increase building efficiencies,” Djokovich said during the forum.

To read a complete transcript of Djokovich’s presentation, click here.

Isra Vision opens UK facility after acquisition
Isra Vision, a German manufacturer of industrial image processing, started a branch location in London, according to a Feb. 15 company release… read more

Name change on the horizon for Kyro Corp.
The board of directors for Finland’s Kyro Corp. will propose to shareholders at its March 13 meeting that the company’s name be changed to Glaston Corp., according to a Feb. 15 company release.

Glaston Technologies is the name of Kyro’s main business area that includes Finland-based Tamglass and Italy-based Bavelloni … read more

Emirates Float Glass signs agreement with gas suppliers
Officials from Emirates Float Glass of the United Arab Emirates signed a 15-year nitrogen and hydrogen supply agreement with Air Products & Chemicals, a worldwide industrial gases company based in Allentown, Pa., and Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Hashim Gases & Equipment, according to a Feb. 15 article from AME Info.

The two companies will build and operate an industrial gases facility in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, with nitrogen and hydrogen products going to Emirates Float Glass, according to the article … read more

GlasWeld launches online discussion forum
Officials from GlasWeld of Bend, Ore., launched an online discussion forum for industry professionals to share information, techniques and best practices about glass repair, according to a Feb. 13 company release… read more

Packaged Home Solutions buys hurricane window and door manufacturer
Packaged Home Solutions Inc. of Cincinnati acquired Al-Vent Architectural Products Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., according to a Feb. 14 PHS release.

PHS completed the acquisition of the hurricane window and door company in January, and has been operating it as a wholly owned subsidiary… read more

Select Glass Industries to build plant in UAE
Select Glass Industries of Dubai is set to build a $24 million facility in Ras Al-Khaima, United Arab Emirates, according to a Feb. 15 report from Middle East News Analysis.

The plant will produce 30,000 tons of glass per year and employ 180 workers, according to the article… read more