SmartGlass International (SGI), a licensee of Research Frontiers Inc., said at the end of June 2009 that it has signed an agreement with Research Frontiers to expand the geographic territory where it …
SmartGlass International (SGI), a licensee of Research Frontiers Inc., said at the end of June 2009 that it has signed an agreement with Research Frontiers to expand the geographic territory where it can offer its line of SPD-SmartGlass architectural products. SPD-SmartGlass controls the light, glare and heat entering a room or vehicle windows, skylights, sunroofs and more. Under the agreement, SGI can now sell these products, which include windows, doors, solar shading screens, curtainwalls, skylights and roof-lites, worldwide outside of North America. As part of this expansion of the agreement with Research Frontiers, SmartGlass International and the Schott Group have also signed an agreement enabling Schott to sell SGI“s SPD-SmartGlass products worldwide, except in North America. Sales in the UK and Ireland will continue to be handled by SGI, who currently has manufacturing and sales offices there. A similar partnership has been in place for SGI“s LC SmartGlass (liquid crystal privacy glass) that has a positive effect on both SGI“s production capabilities and Schott“s worldwide sales and distribution network. With the announcement at the end of June, both companies are expanding the scope of their operations offering high-performing SPD-SmartGlass products and benefits to the international market. Managing director of SmartGlass International John Browne said: “The global glass industry is entering a new era where high-performing smart glass products will satisfy longstanding market needs and new ones ranging from energy efficiency to distinctive aesthetics. There is unquestionably a rapidly growing demand for smart glass and our company is committed to achieving a global leadership position in the industry. The move to our new factory, our agreement with Research Frontiers, and the concurrent expansion of our sales and distribution agreement with Schott, reflect our strong belief that SPD-SmartGlass is a strategically-important technology offering tremendous functionality and other benefits to the user with excellent sales potential.” Joseph M. Harary, president and chief executive officer of Research Frontiers, said: “The growth of SmartGlass International“s smart glass business over the years reflects its vision, dedication of resources, and competency. Their SPD-SmartGlass sales and distribution agreement with Schott and its worldwide coverage and reputation for advanced glass products, along with SGI“s newly expanded manufacturing facilities, represents a formidable combination that will bring the benefits of SPD-SmartGlass to a wider geographic area to better serve the world“s needs for advanced SPD-SmartGlass.”