As one of the champions of Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC)’s landmark expansion, Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG glass) is donating glass for both the interior and exterior renovations, which will help enhance the design, functionality and sustainability of this project. As a longstanding partner and supporter of PGC, Vitro representatives were thrilled to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and hot pour event on March 23, 2023.

Produced entirely in Pennsylvania, Vitro’s donation includes Solarban® 72 Starphire® glass for exceptional light transmission and solar control performance. Additionally, this is the first Pittsburgh-area project to include one of Vitro’s newest products, VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), for world-leading insulating value on a scale previously unachievable with conventional glazings. Additional partners on this project include glass fabricator, United Plate Glass, and glazier, Southwest Aluminum & Glass Co., Inc., both located in Western Pennsylvania.

Through its forward-thinking and progressive strategies and approaches and its commitment to its people, plants and communities, Vitro has reinvigorated the glass industry in Western Pennsylvania and across North America. This historic renovation project marks yet another milestone in the long history of glass in Pennsylvania and, once completed, will have a significant impact on the Pittsburgh community and surrounding region.

“Vitro is proud to have earned its reputation as an environmentally progressive glassmaker and a leader in sustainability in the building products sector,” said Ricardo Maiz, President, Vitro. “Our research and development center in Pittsburgh is the leading driver of innovation at Vitro, and, of the 300-plus patents to the credit of that research lab, most are related to reducing the environmental impact of buildings and producing glass more sustainably.”

Maiz added, “We continue to reimagine the future of architectural glass and we’re very pleased to be doing so right here in western Pennsylvania. Our vision is to raise the industry standard and provide architects and building owners high-performing, sustainable and attractive glass technologies for the buildings of tomorrow.”