Crystal Windows Launches New Architectural Window Line Award-winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems again expands its high-end window offerings with the introduction of the new aluminum outswing projected Series 8700 windows. Available in casement, awning, and fixed styles, these new architectural windows excel in thermal performance and comply with the latest stringent energy code requirements of New York City and other jurisdictions. With a 3-¼” jamb depth, the Crystal Series 8700 windows are suitable for both new construction and replacement applications involving mid-rise, high-rise, multi-family, office, hospitality, or institutional properties. “The slim sightline contemporary geometry of the Series 8700 windows represents the best in modern, sophisticated, environmentally sustainable window styling,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and R&D Manager. “While European-inspired in design, the Crystal Series 8700 is proudly manufactured in America, with American materials, and by skilled American workers.” The Series 8700 aluminum windows feature state-of-the-art polyamide strut thermal break technology, delivering enhanced energy efficiency. Strength for the windows is improved through the use of heavy-duty extrusions and corner-keyed frames. Visually, the minimal sightlines – 2’ for fixed and 2-15⁄16” for operable windows – maximize vision glass, daylighting, and aesthetic appeal. As such, the new Series 8700 line represents a step up in thermal efficiency, structural performance, and sightlines from the current Crystal Series 8500 window line. Test ratings for the Series 8700 windows are outstanding, with structural ratings of AW-PG100 for the outswing casement and fixed styles, and AW-PG85 for the awning style. With appropriate insulated glass packages, low U-values of 0.18 for the fixed style and 0.29 for operable styles can be achieved. These values surpass the requirements of New York City and other municipal and state energy codes. Additionally, using laminated glass options, the window line can attain acoustic performance ratings of STC 42 and OITC 34. All three of the Crystal Series 8700 window styles come standard with 1” double glass insulated glass units (IGUs). A 1-¼” IGU option is available, as are triple glass, monolithic, and bird-deterring glass options. Low-E glass and argon gas are also available. To achieve any desired design and complement a wide variety of façade materials, all the Crystal Series 8700 windows are finished in an array of standard and custom color sustainable powder coat paint, to AAMA 2604 (standard) or AAMA 2605 (upgrade) criteria. Other finishes are also available. In addition, the window’s polyamide strut thermal break readily facilitates two-tone (different interior and exterior) color schemes. “Crystal offers many functionality and safety options for this new product line across all styles,” said Leung. “For example, units can be specified with opening limit devices, ADA compliant hardware, and between-the-glass grids, with a simulated divided light grid option to be introduced soon.” The Crystal Series 8700 windows are compatible with the company’s full range of panning, receptors, subsills, and other installation accessories. To further facilitate installations, a 1.5” face fin (aka casement fin) frame is an option. Combinations of Series 8700 windows can be assembled using internal impost mullions and the common master frame option. Larger groupings or more complex arrangements of units can be combined using mullions, either factory- or field-assembled at the jobsite. “The new Crystal Series 8700 window line was designed to provide architects and developers with versatile, stylish fenestration for today’s luxury properties,” said Leung. “Going beyond current codes, this window series offers energy and structural performance for long-term viability. It is a great choice for projects across the country.”
Crystal Windows Launches Redesigned Website National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently launched its redesigned corporate website, CrystalWindows.com, with new features to enhance the experience of visitors to the website. The new website has completed reorganized content, new product photography and images, an expanded project gallery, greater product resources and documentation, and easier means to contact the company for sales and information. Besides English, the new website content is available in Spanish and Chinese through the click of a translation button, with more languages planned in coming months. “Last year, Crystal embarked on a journey to rebrand and update its marketing materials across the board,” said Steven Yu, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We engaged MarketSmiths, a branding agency based here in New York, for the effort. They started by creating a new logo, which we introduced last year, and since then they have worked with our marketing team to completely redesign our website. The results are impressive and reflect the extraordinary level of products and services Crystal has to offer.” Navigation on the website is faster and more intuitive, and it has been tailored for several key audiences: architects and engineers, general contractors and trades, and owners and developers. Product information is prominent, with new lifestyle photography showing the products installed as well as standalone product images. Product literature is organized with everything needed in one location, including installation accessory information and “how-to videos” to facilitate minor installation adjustments. Another focus of the new website is simplifying ordering and order tracking. A newly redesigned contact form easily directs inquiries to the right department or sales representative. For construction professionals, tracking orders is easier, with the production status of each order updated every hour. Translated versions of select product manuals and guides are available in Spanish and Chinese; other languages are planned in the future. For homeowners looking to buy Crystal products, Crystal will recommend local dealers to assist them, since the company does not sell directly to homeowners. Crystal has an extensive network of dealers and has included focused content for them on the website. Fenestration firms looking to join Crystal’s dealer network can complete a special contact form to learn more. “The information now available on the new Crystal website has been streamlined for greater efficiency, with greatly enhanced visual appeal,” said Yu. “We believe our customers and members of the design and construction community will find the new website exciting, more informative, and much easier to navigate.”
Crystal Windows Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer John Christie, Experienced Financial Leader, Joins National Manufacturer National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to welcome Mr. John P. Christie to its leadership team as the new Chief Financial Officer. He joins Crystal Chairman and founder Thomas Chen, CEO Jeffrey Smith, and President Steve Chen to guide the company in its future growth and expansion. “John comes to Crystal with vast experience in the financial aspects of construction, building products, and manufacturing,” said Jeff Smith. “He has served as CFO for multi-national manufacturers, investment companies, and construction firms, providing strong leadership for vital corporate functions. John will build on Crystal’s track record of success and position the company for ongoing growth and prosperity in the future.” Christie will be responsible for all accounting, budgeting, financial, and IT operations of Crystal Windows and its subsidiaries. Crystal operates five manufacturing facilities across the country and has 750 employees. The company is expanding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas with a new manufacturing facility and has additional expansion plans in North Carolina. “I am excited to join this award-winning company at this time and help shape its strategic direction,” said Christie. “Crystal has a great record of steady growth and financial stability, and I will build on that. My focus will be on increasing profitability and cost efficiencies across all operations and enhancing cash flow to ensure Crystal is well positioned for its expansions in the coming years.” Prior to joining Crystal Windows, Christie was CFO for Keystone Sports Construction in Pennsylvania, implementing financial management and profitability analytical tools for greater strategic oversight. He was CFO for Universal Atlantic Systems, a national security systems provider headquartered in Pennsylvania, establishing internal control systems and measures to improve profitability. Christie was CFO for Fleetwood Acquisition Corporation, a global manufacturer for the retail construction industry headquartered in Pennsylvania, and he held senior managerial accounting positions with the exterior products division of CertainTeed Corporation in Pennsylvania. In addition to accounting and financial oversight, Christie led IT and Human Resources functions at previous companies. Christie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Villanova University (Villanova, PA), and an MBA from West Chester University (West Chester, PA). Throughout his career he has specialized in key areas such as profitability, best accounting practices, staff professional development, and cost reduction strategies.