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If you take a look at the buildings that have helped define the major metropolises of the world, chances are, you might be looking at a façade developed by Permasteelisa . The global company has put its mark on several of the United State’s most well known structures by developing building envelopes and claddings.

Permasteelisa has become a top engineer, manufacturer and installer of architectural envelope systems, as well as interior partitions and furniture systems. The company, headquartered in Vittorio Veneto, Italy, operates in four continents through more than 60 companies located in 27 countries, and 20 directly or indirectly owned plants.

Permasteelisa’s North American operations started in 1997 as an interior operation specializing in the turnkey interior fit-outs of retail stores and commercial spaces. One year later, under the name Permasteelisa Cladding Technologies Ltd., it began its building envelope operations, and developed branch locations in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Minneapolis, Chicago, Miami and New York City, Johnson City, Tenn., and Corona, Calif.  

In March 2008, Permasteelisa Group consolidated all U.S. subsidies to form Permasteelisa North America as a way to keep its competitive edge. “We are trying to become more consistent in our operations and we are trying to run the operation the same way across North America and we are trying to standardize the operation worldwide,” Vice President of Operations Carlo Eisner notes.   

Permasteelisa’s U.S. operations’ mantra is: the more complicated the project, the better. In the 10 years the company’s exterior division has been in operation, it has garnered the attention of top commercial developers and contractors, completing work for the Bank of America, the Times Square Tower, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Modern Art. It has also worked in close collaboration with renowned architect Frank Gehry on dozens of projects. “The big-name architects and general contractors got to know us from our global reputation; we’ve been used in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East,” Eisner notes.

Close Collaboration
Prior to producing product, Permasteelisa collaborates with the architect and construction management team during preconstruction meetings to review the schedule and expectations for the building.

“We want to be on the same page before we design anything in any detail,” Eisner explains. “Instead of sending out our drawings for review, we prefer to sit together and make suggestions on the building.”

The frames supporting the façade are usually made of steel and aluminum. Claddings can be made from a variety of glass, ceramics, copper, titanium, stainless steel and marble or granite materials. Material is chosen based on its ability to meet requirements for heat transmission, weight and ease of assembly to ensure the building meets expectations for light transmission, insulation and soundproofing.

Communicating with the project team, as well as the company’s own vendors, has proven beneficial when it comes to estimating project costs. Since the frame and cladding materials have risen in price, Eisner says it secures purchasing contracts with its suppliers as soon as possible.

“We’ve received notices from a lot of our vendors that prices have gone up along with fuel surcharges,” Eisner says. “Basically, what we’re trying to do is secure material as soon as we get the contract awarded. It’s one thing to shake hands, but it’s also backed by a letter of intent.”

Well Designed
Permasteelisa is known for the quality design and service it offers to architects and owners, and it continues to commit itself to the research and development of new systems, Eisner says. “We see our design and engineering departments as the core of the company,” Eisner notes. About 150 people work in the North American operation’s design department. The company is further supported by a central research and development department in Holland.

“Although its main R&D operations are overseas, Eisner says, “there are people that provide input from all over the world through regular technical meetings to come out with new things and stay ahead of the competition,” Eisner adds.  

Innovative products include bomb blast-proof, sound-proof, ventilated and solar shaded and energy-efficient façade systems.

In April, the company launched its lean initiative, starting in the machine shop with the intention that it will reach other departments as efficiencies are perfected.