14/02/2006 - smartglass international

Smartglass International Ltd was launched at Plan Expo in Dublin recently following the amalgamation of Smartglass Ireland and Vision Smartglass UK. Smartglass International Ltd has moved to new premises in Kilcoole Co. Wicklow housing a dedicated manufacturing facility, showroom and administration centre.

Managing Director John Browne comments; “We are delighted to open our new facility where we will manufacture electronically controlled LC (Liquid Crystal) and SPD (Suspended Particle Device) EC (Electrochromic) Smartglass products for sale in the European and Middle Eastern markets. Our LC Smartglass is proving very popular with architects, specifiers, glazing companies and developers who are seeking to add the option of privacy or transparency at will. Uses for our LC Smartglass are growing and we now see strong demand for internal partitions, external windows, teller screens, doors and advertising displays.” When switched from (on) clear to (off) opaque the LC Smartglass allows privacy while also becoming a high quality rear projection screen. The liquid crystal interlayer in our LC Smartglass catches projected media offering TV quality when used as a rear projection screen. When used in shop windows the user can maintain clarity during certain periods allowing the public to view inside the shop, then the windows can be turned opaque creating a window sized TV quality screen on which to advertise.
 

We have recently introduced Inner -light LED Smartglass to allow specifiers to choose embedded LED lights for glass panels such as stairs, backdrops, balustrades, signage, table tops and more. Our dedicated manufacturing plant also produces speciality glass laminates to include, tempered safety laminates, fire rated laminates, ad glass, design glass etc.

Smartglass International recently completed some high profile projects such as the Nissan Micra Convertible car launch where technical Director Bob Hudson designed a container sized all glass box incorporating 150 individually controlled LC Smartglass panels allowing viewers to glimpse differing parts of the car. While the roof retracted the whole box turns clear allowing a complete view of the car. Sponsoring breast cancer awareness UK the Smartglass box tours 20 major cities throughout the UK where it is displayed in prominent outdoor areas such as Convent Garden in London.

Smartglass International recently completed the Guinness Storehouse refurbishment project in Dublin where large amounts of specialised glass were installed for use in what is Ireland largest tourist attraction with over 800,000 visitors per year. This project included installation of large curved Smartglass projection screens suspended from the ceiling, privacy windows, glass walls, 6 meter high all glass display cases and interactive displays.

Commercial Director, Kevin Root comments “that with an increased emphasis on light, privacy, solar control, advertising and security; demand for our products continues to grow. We have invested heavily in our new plant and staff and will continue to add new products through extensive R&D programmes. With offices in Ireland, England, Hong Kong and soon Dubai we and expect rapid expansion and look forward to a healthy future. Our specialist design and installation team can install any project regardless of size and complexity.”