Exterior Technologies Inc. (EXTECH), based in Pittsburgh, is celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary. The company has acquired 20 patents throughout the company’s history and created many systems to serve its customers’ industries and applications.
EXTECH has produced a variety of building products including daylighting systems, suspended ceiling panels, wind-driven, kinetic wall systems, and custom facades. The company’s building materials have been used on iconic buildings on college campuses, Times Square in New York City, and landmark buildings across the United States.
EXTECH was founded in 1975 as a subsidiary of Voegele Co. Inc., a family-owned and operated roofing business in Pittsburgh. Originally, EXTECH was named Industrial Air and Light Inc. The company primarily made industrial windows, skylight systems, and products used in contracting work done by Voegele.
EXTECH’s first products were two industrial windows: a sliding window and a top-hinged window. After receiving patents for both, EXTECH began manufacturing fiberglass panel daylighting systems, which led to the company’s shift to architectural polycarbonate panels.
Kevin Smith, AIA, president at EXTECH, says, “We believe adopting new technologies is essential to creating superior product design, and we pledge to deliver our best work through on-site fabrication, constant education, and close client partnership. But what makes the technology and materials come to life is the collaborative, creative approach vital to producing beautiful, functional, and healthy designs. Working alongside owners, architects, contractors, and other highly skilled and talented professionals to impact the built environment is both humbling and satisfying.
“Fifty years is a milestone, to be sure,” Smith says. “But to us, it always feels like we’re on the brink of something new and exciting. The design and construction world is always evolving. EXTECH plans to continue the forefront.”
Visit EXTECH’s website to view a gallery of the company’s systems’ applications, including its top-hinged polycarbonate windows, translucent walls, canopies, facades, translucent interior walls, and glass block systems.
