FROM ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

1. We have a design concept and would like to understand how your materials can help achieve it, or provide a solution for a particular technical issue. What can you do to assist us?
2. We have project where we have encountered budget constraints and must now "value-engineer" the design. How can you assist us?
3. Are you able to provide technical input on a complex new design we are working on?
4. We are interested in learning more about your materials and solutions. How do we obtain more information?
5. Is there anything our specification writer must do differently when using your materials on a project that is applying for LEED certification?
6. We are working on a project out of the country. Are you able to supply material to other countries outside of North America where you are located?

FROM CONTRACTORS

1. We sometimes obtain products on a "supply and install" basis. Can Formglas offer this service?
2. Which trade typically installs Formglas products, especially the pre-finished materials?
3. How do I obtain pricing for a job we are quoting, or have secured already?
4. What is your typical lead time? How can we reduce it?
5. How is your material shipped?
6. How can you help us during installation?

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FROM ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

1. We have a design concept and would like to understand how your materials can help achieve it, or provide a solution for a particular technical. What can you do to assist us?
   Formglas regularly works with architects and designers at the design stage to understand their vision and help bring concepts to reality. We are pleased to discuss material and installation options, technical performance attributes, provide details and use 3D software where required to validate or streamline a design approach. More often than not, the earlier we are asked to contribute, the more likely we can provide a useful solution.


2. We have project where we have encountered budget constraints and must now "value-engineer" the design. How can you assist us?
   We are pleased to review drawings and material options previously specified in order to identify opportunities to substitute materials, simplify construction, speed up installation, and ultimately save money. Where we can provide a Formglas solution, we will identify and cost it for you. Where we see a solution that is more suitable than a Formglas solution, we will say so. Honest, forthright advice is what we are known for, even if it does not result in use of Formglas materials or solutions on a given project.


3. Are you able to provide technical input on a complex new design we are working on?
   Yes, we are happy to review drawings and identify opportunities where use of a Formglas solution can address a technical challenge. We do not charge for this service, but if asked to develop 3D models or other technical documentation, or must fabricate a proof of concept mock-up, charges may apply. Our hope, however, is that our input results in Formglas being specified in the project, and that we will earn the opportunity to be part of it.


4. We are interested in learning more about your materials and solutions. How do we obtain more information?
   Formglas has an international network of factory-trained local representatives who can discuss your project requirements, and meet with your team to provide technical information, physical samples and a Specifier's kit. If a Formglas company representative is unable to attend, we can participate through web-based video conference or conference calls. Where a local representative is not available in your area, a member of the Formglas corporate team would be pleased to speak to you and provide information as required.


5. Is there anything our specification writer must do differently when using your materials on a project that is applying for LEED certification?
   Certain materials are made from different formulations or are fabricated differently to meet particular LEED or technical requirements. Whether a project is applying for LEED certification, any specific or nice-to-have requirements should be communicated in the specification so that Formglas (and other bidder) can at the time of quotation take into account specific requirements.


6. We are working on a project out of the country. Are you able to supply material to other countries outside of North America where you are located?
   Formglas has supplied materials to over 32 countries. We regularly work with local and international architects and designers, and have strong networks of contacts and experienced contractors who we can recommend, in different geographical locations globally.

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FROM CONTRACTORS

1. We sometimes obtain products on a "supply and install" basis. Can Formglas offer this service?
   Because Formglas supplies to a global market, it is not always economical or practical to transport people from the factory over long distances to job sites where they may have to wait on other trades. Often, given local laws and business requirements, we may not be able to offer installation, even if we would like to. There are certain situations in North America where a Formglas "supply and install" solution may be possible. Otherwise, we would be happy to recommend proven contractors that we have worked with in the past.


2. Who installs Formglas products, especially the pre-finished materials?
   It is recommended that interior material be installed by interior fit-out trades including drywall or carpentry professionals (most of our interior materials are specified under CSI MasterFormat Division 9, and are installed by trades who commonly work with products in this Division). Similarly, our pre-finished QuarryCast®, MetalCast®, Woodgrane™ and Concreet™ products, and other factory-finished materials, are best installed by finish carpenters or specialty installers.
   For exterior materials - GFRC-L, FRP and CorniceStone™ - they are usually installed by carpenters or erecting contractors.


3. How do I obtain pricing for a job we are quoting, or have already secured?
   Prices are quoted on a project-by-project basis. As a custom manufacturer, price is normally comprised of tooling and material costs, and is influenced by quantity, complexity, lead time, and factory finishing (if specified). Requests for pricing are best submitted by sending an e-mail to estimating@formglas.com. Be sure to provide the name of the project, its location, relevant plans, sections, and quantity take-offs (if available). Please clarify when the quotation is required, and your complete contact details. A member of our estimating team will contact you to acknowledge receipt and clarify any issues once they've had the opportunity to initially review the details you've provided.


4. What is your typical lead time for an order? How can we reduce it?
   We always manufacture to order. Therefore, we do not maintain an inventory of products ready to ship. Lead time depends on the size and complexity of an order, plant capacity, and the customer's project schedule, but is always contingent on the receipt of approved shop drawings by the architect. Lead times are always calculated from the time approved drawings are received by Formglas. We will work closely with the project job site to establish and meet critical deadlines. Typically, products can be shipped to a project work site in three to ten weeks after shop drawings are approved. Specific lead-times are quoted, based upon the then current factory schedule, by a member of our Estimating Team at the time of Quotation. Partial shipment can be arranged to meet difficult or short lead times.
   Lead times can be streamlined by ensuring that Formglas has the most current version of the architectural drawings, either as an unlocked PDF file or a DWG file. From these drawings, we can prepare our own shop drawings. Lead time can also be reduced by ensuring prompt turnaround of the approved Formglas shop drawings by the architect.


5. How is your material shipped?
   In North America, products are generally shipped crated in 40 foot trailers, but sometimes, certain components can be shipped uncrated. Interior materials typically arrive at job sites after the building is closed in. In all cases, crates should be stored in a safe, clean and dry environment. For overseas shipments, materials are crated and either containerized by Formglas if the volume permits, or consolidated by forwarders to meet customer requirements.


6. How can you help us during installation?
   Support from Formglas can be offered in a variety of ways. On a self-service basis, our shop drawings provide very clear details showing installation sequence, substrate preparation and fixing details. Additional information may be available via our Website (installation instructions and videos). The project designer who prepares shop drawings can answer specific questions, as can our in-house material development team. For an additional charge, Formglas provides site services with experienced factory approved technical representatives who can offer guidelines and information to installers, or demonstrate certain installation techniques. This support can accelerate installation time and ensure the highest quality of installation. Please contact Formglas for more information about site services available for your project.

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