Crystal Windows Brings OPUS Masterpieces to the Market Award winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems continued its product line expansion with the recent launch of the high-end aluminum OPUS lines. Introduction of the elite OPUS windows and doors catapults the firm into the upper echelons of window manufacturers. Three major model lines, each with several styles of windows and doors, are initially offered with the OPUS products, with more to be introduced in the coming months. “Born in Belgium, Built in America,” the Crystal OPUS products are the result of a strategic partnership with Reynaers, a leading European fenestration system designer and extruder. An “Official US Certified Fabricator for Reynaers”, the Crystal OPUS aluminum window and door fabrication as well as insulated glass assembly is all performed at Crystal’s American factories by its skilled American workforce. All three of the new OPUS window and door model lines, SL38, ML8 and MP, are noted for their narrow sightlines, slim but strong frames, robust high-performance thermal breaks and several designer options for frame profiles. With clean lines, crisp details, and precise finishes, each Crystal OPUS product is a work of art. The OPUS windows and doors are perfectly tailored for high-rise luxury properties, elite institutions, superior commercial buildings, as well as unique premium homes. From grand historic restorations and lofty towers to cutting-edge modern projects, the Crystal OPUS windows and doors are perfectly suited for all applications. “The introduction of the OPUS window and door product lines opens the door for Crystal to serve the highest tiers of the fenestration market,” said Steve Chen, CEO for Crystal. “This expansion of the product line means Crystal will truly be able to supply all types of projects with products that range from modest residential window replacement jobs to ultra sophisticated luxury high-rises and elite residences.” First among the three new Crystal OPUS lines are the 3-⅞” jamb depth Crystal SL38 aluminum models. With a slim design and narrow sightlines, its minimalist aesthetic can replicate the iconic industrial look of steel frame windows. Available styles include fixed, casement, hopper, awning, and a terrace door, with a choice of four frame profiles: functional, classic, cubic, and ferro. The SL38 window products are top performers across the board. The casement window is rated AW-PG100. Polyamide insulating thermal struts provide outstanding performance with U-values as low as 0.23 with double glass IGUs and 0.16 for triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation ratings are 44 STC and 35 OITC. The Crystal SL38 aluminum terrace door has a 4-5∕16” frame depth and is CW-PG40 rated. Thermal performance achieves U-values of 0.30 with double glass and 0.25 with triple glazed IGUs. Acoustic ratings are STC of 38 and OITC of 34. Available with several frame profiles, the SL38 terrace door also offers a “zero threshold” option. The new Crystal OPUS ML8 aluminum windows and doors have a 3-7∕16” jamb. This flagship quality model line offers great thermal and acoustic performance, as well as countless design options. The Crystal ML8 line strikes the right balance between sleek aesthetics and strong function. All the Crystal ML8 windows and doors use polyamide insulating strut thermal break technology. The ML8 windows are available in several styles – fixed, in-swing casement, project-out hopper, project-in awning, and even a center-pivot – with four frame profile options. Key aesthetic features of the ML8 window line include hidden operating sash sightlines, concealed hinges and drainage, and glass corner options. Outstanding structural, thermal, and acoustic characteristics are demonstrated with an AW-PG70 rating for the casement style, U-values of 0.23 with double glass and 0.16 with triple glass, and STC of 50 and OITC of 44. The aluminum ML8 swing terrace door offers numerous great performance, function, and aesthetic features. Available in sizes up to 5’-7” wide and 10’ tall, the ML8 terrace door utilizes a “soft operation” integrated closer in the head, concealed hinges, and low and zero ADA thresholds. Optionally, the door’s pivot point can be adjusted out from the jamb for unique functionality and style. The AW-PG70 rated terrace door’s thermal performance can reach U-values of 0.26 with double glass and 0.20 with triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation performance ratings are similarly excellent with STC of 43 and OITC of 35. The new Crystal OPUS MP Lift-Slide door is rated AW-PG60, has a 7-⅛” jamb, offers outstanding strength and performance, and is readily compatible with the ML8 products. The door features a zero threshold, multiple nesting panels and tracks, and can be fabricated in sizes up to 9’-10” wide and 12’ tall. Insulated or monolithic glass sizes range from ⅝” to 2-⅜” thick. The polyamide thermal strut design can deliver U-values of 0.30 for double glass and 0.21 for triple glass IGUs. With top strength, durability, thermal performance, and using premium recycled aluminum extrusion materials, the MP door is an exemplary sustainability performer. The Crystal OPUS model line frames are currently available in a variety of colors in a standard AAMA 2604 powder coat finish, with an optional upgrade to AAMA 2605. Future plans call for the color choice, for large quantity orders, to be expanded to hundreds of colors. All finish coatings meet strict European standards and receive the “Qualicoat Class 2 Coating Certified” official quality label. The Crystal OPUS products receive a full US warranty from Reynaers, which is only available through US-based certified fabricators like Crystal Windows. As such, the installed OPUS windows and doors receive on-site and virtual technical support from Crystal and the US-based Reynaers technical assistance teams. Additionally, Crystal supports design and construction professionals through all stages of their OPUS projects, from initial consultation for concept, design, and product selection, all the way to job delivery, installation training, and inspection.
Crystal Windows Celebrates 35th Anniversary National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is marking its 35th anniversary since the company started. The company was founded by Taiwanese-American immigrant Thomas Chen, who came to the United States at 27, speaking no English and with no formal education beyond high school. After spending his first few years here working for others in a variety of jobs, Chen launched Crystal Windows in a small commercial garage in Queens, NY, in 1990, and the rest is history. Today Crystal Windows has over one million square feet of production space in five major factories across the country and employs more than 750 workers. “I started Crystal Windows because I believed home and building owners deserved a quality replacement window that was affordable and would last,” said Chen. “Today our team continues that tradition, designing and producing a broad array of new products that meet today’s stringent energy codes and deliver high quality, all in the most cost-effective manner.” The first event commemorating the 35th anniversary this year was held on Saturday, May 3, for Crystal employees, their families, and other guests. Approximately 800 people attended a celebratory gala in Queens, featuring music, dancing, and a traditional multi-course Asian banquet. Several elected officials also attended to congratulate Crystal on its achievements, and New York Governor Hochul’s Regional Director Aaron Ambrose presented a citation of accomplishment to Crystal Chairman Thomas Chen and CEO Jeffrey Smith. Crystal’s original product line consisted of a simple aluminum replacement window for the New York City apartment house market. Today, Crystal offers over 25 lines of vinyl, aluminum, and uPVC commercial vinyl windows and doors for residential and commercial applications all over the nation. Already extruding vinyl window components in-house, the company vertically integrated further in 2003 with the purchase and expansion of its Union, MO, aluminum profile extruder Gateway Extrusions. Besides launching three additional window production facilities, Crystal has also expanded its in-house engineering, design consulting, product testing, and field services to meet the demands of complex new construction projects requiring custom solutions. Crystal has supplied its quality products for some of the most notable projects across the country, including: the historic OMNI Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC; the expansive city-within-a-city development Harbor Point in Stamford, CT; top security Point Loma Naval Base in San Diego, CA; hotel chains Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt; and universities in New York, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Missouri. “Crystal has a long history of strong growth for more than three decades and the company shows no signs of stopping,” said CEO Jeffrey Smith. “There are many new products in development, and plans are underway for new production facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in North Carolina. These new products and plants will help Crystal meet its future growth in exciting new markets.”
Crystal Windows Welcomes New CEO National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to welcome Mr. Jeffrey D. Smith to its leadership team as the new Chief Executive Officer. He joins Crystal Chairman and founder Thomas Chen and President Steve Chen to guide the company in its future growth and expansion. “Jeff brings a stellar track record of leadership, running large profitable businesses, and strong customer relationships to Crystal,” says Chairman Thomas Chen. “From start-up 34 years ago until today, Crystal has flourished. Jeff is very highly regarded in our industry, and working with our dedicated employees, he will build on this strong foundation of success and position Crystal for exciting growth and continued prosperity in the coming years.” “I am thrilled and honored to join a company whose culture is committed to product excellence, superior customer service, and an unwavering commitment to its employees,” said CEO Jeffrey Smith. “My approach is quite simple: continue striving for the highest product quality and best-in-class service to our customers, ensure production operations continue efficiently and sustainably, and seize opportunities to advance the company.” Since its inception in 1990, Crystal has progressively grown to be one of the largest window manufacturers in North America. Now with over 1,000,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space at five facilities and over 750 employees across the country, and with one of the broadest product lines in the industry, the company continues its growth and success. With new products in the pipeline, new production capabilities coming online, and expansion opportunities being realized, the company is poised for even greater achievement. “While Crystal has established its prominent national presence in the building products industry through times of both economic boom and challenge, we want to take the company to even greater heights,” said President Steve Chen. “Jeff is the right executive with the right experience to make that a reality.” Smith brings a wealth of broad building materials industry experience to the role of CEO. He has held top leadership roles as President and CEO of Trussway Manufacturing of Houston, Texas, High Industries of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and most recently as Senior Vice President of Multifamily Components for Builders FirstSource, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, one of the nation’s largest building material dealers and manufacturers. Smith also brings to Crystal a well-rounded background of progressively responsible roles in management, engineering, and manufacturing operations from respected leading brands, including Colgate Palmolive, GAF Materials Corporation, and CertainTeed Corporation. While at CertainTeed, Smith held operations leadership roles in the company’s roofing and siding divisions, most notably running the company’s vinyl siding and window lineal extrusion operations. Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ), and an MBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX). Throughout his career he has specialized in key areas such as lean manufacturing, quality improvement, sustainability, new product development, and sales growth.
Crystal Pennsylvania Receives a Visit from US Congressman Cartwright Crystal Window & Door Systems recently welcomed US Congressman Matthew Cartwright of Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District to tour its northeast Pennsylvania production facility, located north of Scranton in Benton Township. As a business constituent in Congressman Cartwright’s district, Crystal was pleased to have the Representative meet its dedicated workforce in Pennsylvania and see its products and manufacturing equipment. “Crystal was delighted that Congressman Cartwright could visit our facility in Benton Township and see firsthand the fabrication of our quality window and door products made by our skilled employees,” said Thomas Chen, Chairman. “Our team was proud to describe the window manufacturing and insulated glass assembly processes and answer his questions.” Crystal recently added several vinyl product lines to the roster of products fabricated at its northeast Pennsylvania factory, as well as expanded insulated glass unit assembly, including triple-pane units. The company also invested in several pieces of new equipment to accommodate these additional products and future planned products. During the visit with Congressman Cartwright, Crystal presented its general plans for further development on the property with additional production and warehouse space. Crystal’s Pennsylvania facility is currently a 336,000-ft2 building on a 226-acre site adjacent to Highway 81. Additional warehouse and production space will be needed as the company further integrates operations with Crystal’s New York factory and continues to add product lines to meet future demand. “I am glad that Congressman Cartwright and his team learned more about Crystal and our plans to continue to grow in northeast Pennsylvania,” said Chen. “We are proud to be part of the vibrant manufacturing community here in this district, and the understanding and support of elected officials is very important.”
Crystal Windows Presents at Mid-Atlantic Architect Workshop National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems will be a featured presenter at a virtual workshop for architects and other design professionals focusing on the Mid-Atlantic region. Hosted by The Architect’s Newspaper, the forum is part of the media outlet’s online CE|Strong series of continuing education programs, including live virtual workshops, online courses, and other resources. The June 16, 2021, workshop theme is solutions for High-Performance Facades. Crystal will be a featured speaker in an upcoming continuing education forum on facades for architects and other design professionals. The forum is part of The Architect’s Newspaper CE|Strong continuing education platform. “During 2020, Crystal really ramped up its online program delivery to architects, engineers, and others in the design community to stay connected with our market,” said Steven Yu, Marketing Manager for Crystal. “The participation has been tremendous for each webinar and has enabled us to reach many more architects across the country. This CE|Strong Virtual Workshop is another great way for Crystal to communicate critical technical fenestration information to architects and specifiers.” Vincent Grieco, Crystal’s Technical Sales Manager, will present Specifying Windows, Doors, and Skylights Using Performance Standards. He will cover how to use window and door standards and codes to specify product type, performance level, and key performance attributes. Grieco brings his extensive experience with major commercial fenestration projects, installation techniques, and product specification to his educational presentation, giving architects participating in the workshop many examples and addressing common challenges they are likely to face. The CE|Strong Mid-Atlantic Virtual Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET), with the one-hour Crystal presentation beginning at 1:00 PM (ET). Participants in all sessions earn AIA continuing education credits with five presentations and interactive discussions on a variety of façade materials, including windows. While the forum focuses on the Mid-Atlantic region, participants from all regions are welcome. For more information on registering for the workshop, visit www.cestrong.com/workshops.
