Protective curtains can withstand large projectile impact and winds in
excess of 155 mph
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that
its high-strength Spectra® fiber, commonly used in bullet-resistant body armor,
is a key component in novel curtains that can protect windows and doors during
hurricanes.
Honeywell Spectra fiber enables the roll-down curtains, sold by North
Carolina-based John Boyle & Co. to homeowners as Storm-A-Rest™, to resist
high winds and resulting debris. They also are extremely lightweight, weighing
only two and a half ounces per square foot. John Boyle is a recognized leader
in the manufacture and distribution of industrial awning and marine
fabrics.
According to the curtain manufacturer, Storm-A-Rest is approved under the
State of Florida’s building code for Wind Zone 4, which includes the area
within one mile of the state’s nearly 1,200-mile coastline. The new curtains
meet or exceed requirements for winds in excess of 155 mph and for impact from
large wind-borne projectiles. It is estimated that 7.3 million homes are within
the hurricane zone.
“Florida has adopted some of the country’s toughest building codes following
Hurricane Andrew in 1992,” said Joe Gelo, business director for Honeywell’s
Advanced Fibers and Composites business. “This application demonstrates yet
another example of how Spectra fiber’s strength can help end-use products
perform in harsh environments.”
Atlantic hurricane activity normally peaks in early to mid-September,
according to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. The
official hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Because the new curtains incorporate Spectra fiber, they are non-corrosive
and UV-resistant. As they are highly translucent, the curtains allow daylight
into a home – a helpful feature during power outages. They also are engineered
to stop wind-driven rain.
Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a
patented gel-spinning process. In addition to armor, Honeywell produces Spectra
fiber for industrial applications such as fishing line, rope and marine
cordage.
Homeowners can easily install the curtains using standard fasteners without
special tools. They can be easily fastened to wood, brick or concrete surfaces.
The curtains are available in more than 350 Sunbrella®-brand accent patterns
and come with a five-year warranty.
Honeywell made the announcement at the 2008 International Builders' Show®,
which is attended by more than 100,000 industry professionals. The company also
is featuring its non-ozone depleting Enovate® blowing agent used in
energy-efficient closed-cell foam, which is used to insulate walls, ceilings
and roofs worldwide, as well as solar water heaters in China. This material was
recently applied to repair the roof on the Louisiana Superdome following
Hurricane Katrina. The roof is guaranteed by the manufacturer, BaySystems North
America, a subsidiary of Bayer MaterialScience LLC, to resist hurricane force
winds.
Storm-A-Rest™ is a trademark of JHRG LLC
Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.
Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $4.9 billion,
global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials,
including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and
composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and
chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.
Honeywell International is a $36 billion diversified technology and
manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and
services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive
products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township,
N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London and Chicago Stock
Exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial
Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For
additional information, please visit http://www.honeywell.com
This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than
statements of fact, that address activities, events or developments that we or
our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur
in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are
based on management’s assumptions and assessments in light of past experience
and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant
factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results,
developments and business decisions may differ from those envisaged by our
forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements are also subject to
risks and uncertainties, which can affect our performance in both the near- and
long-term. We identify the principal risks and uncertainties that affect our
performance in our Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Contacts:
Robert Donoho
(973) 455-4114
robert.donohoe@honeywell.com
