Special-Lite Joins WDMA, Enhancing Standards in FRP and Window and Door Industry
Based in Washington, DC, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) welcomed Special-Lite as one of its newest members (as of April 2024).
WDMA defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry. It advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to deliver greater value to their customers.
“As an innovator and industry leader in fiberglass and FRP, we look forward to bringing our expertise to this fantastic organization. Special-Lite shares the WDMA’s commitment and passion for education, supporting industry members, and ensuring high-quality architectural products,” said Alex Esposito, VP of Product Engineering, Sales, and Marketing at Special-Lite.
The WDMA also recently filed an ANSI Project Initiation Notification (PINS) to propose the development of a new standard for commercial fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) doors and frames. This standard will set performance attributes for FRP doors and frames. It will also fill an industry gap for industrial-built doors intended to withstand moisture, chemicals, and damage caused by extensive use.
FRP doors are used in educational facilities, healthcare, wastewater treatment facilities, pool areas, food processing, dairies, zoos, veterinary offices, and other industrial and commercial buildings. FRP doors and frames are incredibly versatile where door performance in harsh environments is essential where other door types may fail in this type of environment.
Esposito will contribute to developing this new FRP standard and serve on the association’s Architectural Door Council.
Other Special-Lite employees, including the commercial door manufacturer’s Senior Manager of Technical Services, engineers, and its Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement, will also serve on various WDMA committees covering exterior codes and standards, regulatory and legislative affairs, and more.