Once again 3M is one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with John Price, marketing communications supervisor for 3M.

Window Film magazine: John, why did 3M choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Price: As a leading industry innovator, 3M understands firsthand the imperatives of not only keeping up with industry trends, but leading them. This means making a continuous effort to foster curiosity, evolve automotive applications and expand the capabilities of our employees, distributors and technicians. We are proud to support the IWFC in their similar efforts to educate those technicians, company owners, managers and suppliers who participate in the event and equip them with the latest tools and knowledge to stay at the cutting edge of their craft.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Price: An event like the IWFC is important because it gives professionals in the industry a chance to compete and learn from one another. The unique trade and peer-to-peer education is unrivaled when it comes to swapping techniques. It’s also useful for participants to discuss consumer feedback together because it helps identify developing needs in the marketplace which can ultimately be explored and addressed by companies like 3M and those others in attendance.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from 3M at the 2013 show?

Price: 3M is very excited to display its new Scotchshield Automotive Security Film which provides a powerful deterrent to smash-and-grab theft. Skilled car thieves can require as few as three seconds to break into a car. The new 3M Scotchshield Automotive Security Films are designed to keep glass in place upon breakage and have undergone rigorous testing to confirm that they will hold windows together and slow down a thief attempting to enter a vehicle. Overall, this new film is a great addition to our automotive window film line, offering customers increased theft and damage protection in addition to benefits like solar heat rejection.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Price: The IWFC is a great opportunity for dealers and distributors to gain a better understanding of the state of the industry. What are the latest trends? Where is the industry heading? What’s the next big breakthrough coming down the pipe? By staying in the know and on top of their game, they can continue to have a direct hand in shaping the future of the industry, growing their business and helping keep window film products top of mind for consumers.

Window Film magazine: Does 3M have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Price: Yes! Practice, relax and have fun. You can learn a great deal from these competitions, even just by watching others, so it’s important to take it all in and enjoy the experience.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

3M’s Renewable Energy Division provides window films for residential, commercial, government and automotive use serving customers all over the world.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

I’m working, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard to consider it “work” when you’re staying at a four-star hotel near the beach. As an aside, there is a sign posted in the lobby that you aren’t allowed to take photos or ask for autographs of any guests. This of course means I’ve been on celeb watch, with my camera and notepad handy. Just in case you’re worried I’m enjoying myself a little too much, here’s what I’ve been up to this week.

After flying in Monday to attend the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) 2013 Spring Committee Meeting, I toured the first net-zero building in St. Petersburg and stopped by the Madico Window Films plant to catch up with everyone and take a tour.

Fun side note, Madico played a large role in helping reduce the energy expenditures of the net-zero building. Angie Leonetti, marketing manager, even shared a few exciting updates. The company was filmed for an upcoming episode of TLC’s How It’s Made (the air date hasn’t been announced) and even has plans to assist with the construction of St. Petersburg’s first area net-zero residence. I’ll have more information on both of those as soon as there are more details.

Tuesday, I attended another day of NFRC meetings where members discussed U-factor and Lisa Winkler of Eastman’s Performance Films division led the discussion about solar heat gain codes. I was even able to grab dinner with my grandparents who live in the area (such a cliché, right? My grandparents live in Florida).

After the board meeting for NFRC wraps up Wednesday I’m planning to see the sights! I’m spending my entire afternoon checking out the Tampa area just so I can make sure you guys have plenty of fun things to do while you’re in town for this year’s International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). It’s a hard life.

For my final day in Florida, Thursday, I’m heading down to Sarasota to see AntiFog Systems and Accent Distributing to get an update on the state of the industry in Bay-area Florida.

After spending a few days here I can’t wait to spend a few more with all of you at this year’s IWFC. It’s been a real stress to devote almost a whole week to researching the area for all of you, but I guess someone has to do it.

Suntek has announced its investment of more than $20 million to expand its manufacturing facility and global master distribution center while Madico invested several millions in upgrades to improve energy conservation and process efficiency.

Suntek’s new Martinsville, Va., plant will bring 60 jobs to the area.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell says, “It’s always a great day when we’re talking about good new jobs coming to Southern Virginia. This project represents [Suntek’s] second major expansion in less than one year, speaking volumes about the company’s thriving operation in Henry County. [Suntek] has the opportunity to purchase an existing shell building in the same industrial park as its headquarters and manufacturing operation to use immediately as a national distribution center for its high-demand products. This additional property also secures available space for future manufacturing growth, ensuring the company’s continued success and commitment to Henry County and Virginia.”

“The new Martinsville site will provide essential warehouse and office space, establish a world-wide master distribution center and create a world-class facility for anticipated future factory expansions,” said Steve Phillips, CEO of Suntek in a statement to Window Film magazine.

Madico has also invested millions in its St. Petersburg, Fla., manufacturing facility.

“Madico Window Films is committed to quality improvements and plans to continue additional upgrades in the near future,” says Shawn Kitchell, vice president of manufacturing for Madico. “We are currently striving to achieve the Class 1000 clean room standards for our manufacturing lines as well as installing automated conveying systems for material transport throughout our facility.  As is evident by the recent investment in our facility, we take producing the highest quality products very seriously and will never stop looking for new ways to improve.”

Facility improvements that will be completed during the renovation include the installation of temperature-controlled bulk storage tanks for adhesives and solvents, new high energy mixing equipment, an upgraded clean room environment, an upgraded on-line optical scanner, a new hard coat thickness measurement system, installation of on-line color and visible light transmission (VLT) monitoring equipment, upgrades to slitting machines, updates to drying and pollution abatement systems, new equipment  including a gas chromatograph to ensure proper adhesive curing and a particle analyzer to prevent contamination, and a total overhaul of the raw material receiving and storage facility including a cantilever racking system which reduces the risk of product contamination.