Kawneer announces strategic partnership with Forster Profile Systems

Kawneer Co., Norcross, Ga.,entered intoa strategic partnership with Forster Profile Systems, Switzerland, a manufacturer of steel and stainless steel framing systems for fire-rated and non-rated applications, according to a March 2 release.Through this exclusive partnership agreement, Kawneer will distribute Forster’s framing systems through its customer network. By uniting two world-class leaders, this alliance leverages the strength of the Kawneer brand and enables the company to provide total glazing solutions in North America.

Through combining its current range of world-class products and systems with the quality and functionality of Forster’s steel and stainless steel framing systems, Kawneer is positioned to be the market’s single source for virtually all glazing solutions. Kawneer is the first supplier in North America to offer a complete range of both aluminum and steel glazing solutions, according to the release. “Providing customers with resources to help them grow their businesses is a priority for the company and is especially important in today’s volatile economy,” said Bob Leyland, vice president, commercial operations, Kawneer North America, in the release. “This new partnership offers our customers a tremendous opportunity to expand their businesses. As we face the future head-on, we look forward to the possibilities that this alliance with Forster will bring.” Kawneer’s Steel Framing Systems from Forster provide Kawneer and its customers access to the most comprehensive interior and exterior steel and stainless steel framing systems for both fire-rated and non-rated applications. The increased structural value of steel enables architects to access monumental projects beyond the capability of aluminum. For fire-rated applications, available systems include: Forster presto entrances and framing systems; Forster fuego light entrances and framing systems; and Forster thermfix vario steel curtain wall systems. Options for non fire-rated applications include: Forster unico steel thermally insulated entrances and framing systems; and Forster unico steel thermally insulated windows. All steel frames will be fabricated and shipped knocked-down. On fire-rated applications, a complete package of fabricated frames and glass will be provided. "Kawneer has a long history of success and has been able to distinguish itself in the market by leading the way with forward-thinking products and systems," said Dr. Edgar Oehler, chairman of the board of directors and CEO, AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holding AG, in the release. "Partnering with Kawneer allows Forster Profile Systems to unite with a top company and bring our products to a different market. We look forward to this alliance with Kawneer and to the future of the industry.”