60 http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=381&mname=ArticleGroup Wagner Blog en-us http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14974&mname=Article February 2, 2010 5:04 PM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14972&mname=Article January 24, 2010 5:44 PM Tony When the building codes require that handrail return to the wall, I don't think this is what they had in mind. LangDetectpt>en GoogleDicC exigido, necessário, requerido, obrigatório, preciso, reclamado, pedido http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14971&mname=Article December 26, 2009 9:53 AM Tony From www.businesscurious.com -- very complimentary story on our adventure in the Festivus Poles business. Here's an excerpt. Kind of neat in and of itself, but what’s even more interesting is the story behind The Wagner Companies, the Milwaukee-based parent company of www.festivuspoles.com, and a manufacturer of products for metal fabricators and a producer of custom products — primarily for handrails. Wanting to know more, I contacted Tony Leto, their Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Not only was Tony gracious enough to send me a video clip about the product, he agreed to be interviewed by yours truly right before their Christmas party. Turns out that behind what sounds like a rather ho-hum manufacturing business whose jobs would have ended up outside Shanghai a long time ago, lies a pretty cool business philosophy and sophisticated marketing machine not typically found in the B2B world. Tony’s responses about their Festivus Poles reveal some simple, yet powerful lessons (emphasized in bold) about how to succeed as a 21st-century business, even -- or perhaps especially -- if you are are manfucturer in the heart of the Rust Belt. The biggest takeaways ? Read the whole article http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14970&mname=Article December 23, 2009 9:23 AM Tony Today is Festivus. It is our dubious achievement to be known as the world's leading manufacturer of Festivus Poles. We started this in 2005 and thought it would be a fun thing to do. While we expected it to be popular for a year or two, it only continues to grow and we continue to have fun. While we were concerned that we would be accused of commercializing the holiday, I'm pleased to report that we had an online conversation with Dan O'Keefe the other day and we asked him the question. Milwaukee: We do get accused of having commercialized Festivus but we're having way too much fun to stop at this point. Since the aluminum pole was not a part of your "heritage", who actually came up with that one? Dan O'Keefe: Commercialize away. It does not involve the birth of a Savior of mankind and thus you are not cheapening anything with mere commerce. Jeff Schaffer came up with the pole. Brilliant guy. Just launched 'The League'on FX. Watch it. Dan O'Keefe was a writer on "Seinfeld". His family actually celebrated Festivus as he was growing up. His experiences became the basis of the holiday episode of the popular show that was first aired in December 1997. His book, "The Real Festivus" is available from Amazon.com. For more information on what we have done with Festivus go to www.festivuspoles.com or check out our Facebook fan page. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14969&mname=Article December 23, 2009 9:22 AM Tony Memorial Day Monday, May 31, 2010 Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2010 Friday, November 26, 2010 Independence Day Monday, July 5, 2010 Christmas Friday, December 24, 2010 Monday, December 27, 2010 Tuesday, December 28, 2010 Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Labor Day Monday, September 6, 2010 New Year Thursday, December 30, 2010 Friday, December 31, 2010 As always, you can enter orders and view pricing, inventory, and your account information 24/7 at our e-commerce site -- www.shopwagner.com. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14968&mname=Article December 23, 2009 9:21 AM Tony The December Wagner Pipeline is now available for viewing. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14967&mname=Article December 17, 2009 11:04 AM Tony I spent last week in New York City doing architectural CEU presentations on building codes and the use of architectural metals. One update that was provided to me was the the city of New York's new code now requires a top railing on all glass railing. Again, it is critical that you confirm application of codes in your local area before specifying products. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14966&mname=Article December 11, 2009 7:51 AM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14965&mname=Article December 11, 2009 7:07 AM Tony Doing architectural presentations around the country on building codes, I'm still seeing much confusion regarding the issue of glass railing without top rails. I see installations everyday with nothing on top of the glass but the code does not permit this. Why else would there have been an addition to the code in the 2009 cycle specifically including an exception to allow no top rail if laminated tempered glass is used? This week, I've been in New York City and one of the firms mentioned that the new New York City code specifically states that a top rail is required at the top of a glass guard. At the same time, the state of New Jersey has take the position that as long as a handrail is in place, a top rail is not required. As always, check with your local jurisdiction to confirm their interpretation of this issue. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14964&mname=Article December 3, 2009 4:12 PM Tony Installed by: Waner Construction Company Inc. 8950 Barrons Blvd, Unit 103 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14958&mname=Article November 25, 2009 11:49 AM Tony You can view our November newsletter online. Happy Thanksgiving to all! http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14954&mname=Article November 13, 2009 3:56 PM Tony Our newest item for the holiday season -- Festivus in a Box Contains everything you need for a mini Festivus celebration. For more information go to festivuspoles.com http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14952&mname=Article November 3, 2009 9:19 AM Tony Those of you who know Steve Engebregtsen, know that he has a penchant for Hawaiian Shirt Friday. So, given that Halloween fell on a Friday this past week, what could be better at Wagner than dressing up as Steve. Here's the result. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14951&mname=Article October 29, 2009 9:20 PM Tony Our October newsletter is now available for viewing http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14950&mname=Article October 28, 2009 1:45 PM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14941&mname=Article October 27, 2009 2:09 PM Tony Decking & Railing Demand Expected to Increase to $3.1 Billion in 2010 Despite 40% Decline since 2006 According to New Principia Study Read the rest of the article. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14940&mname=Article October 14, 2009 9:17 AM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14932&mname=Article October 12, 2009 9:42 AM Tony Lumenrail install by Carrano's Railings and Welding, 107 Winthrop Ave, New Haven, CT 06519. (203) 498-8292 http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14931&mname=Article October 8, 2009 4:37 PM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14930&mname=Article October 7, 2009 3:28 PM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14928&mname=Article October 7, 2009 3:01 PM Tony Stainless steel has always been the metal of choice in hospital and food service applications. However, recent tests have shown that copper and its alloys (i.e., bronze and brass) have natural antimicrobial and self-decontaminating properties and may make them better suited for use on touch surfaces that are potential reservoirs of infection. Studies have shown that copper, brass and bronze can quickly and efficiently eradicate several different pathogens -- including E. coli and MRSA -- which are the source of many hospital acquired infections. To view more information on this ongoing study, check out the Copper Development Association's website. 6 vs. 24 hours on stainless steel 1 vs. 6 hours on copper http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14927&mname=Article September 29, 2009 4:31 PM Tony from http://www.wsmv.com/community/21140698/detail.html NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Nashville Arts Commission is looking to local artists to help design some unique bicycle racks that will be placed throughout the city. They are looking for designs inspired by Nashville's history, culture or natural features. Artists who live within 200 miles of Music City can submit up to three designs each. Five designs will be chosen and artists will receive $2,500 to construct it. Working together, Metro Arts and Metro Public Works identified five locations around downtown for the art, including Church Street and Capitol Blvd across from the Nashville Public Library, Farmers' Market East and West entrances, the Northeast corner of Demonbreun Street and 16th Avenue South, the Fulton Complex (formerly Howard School) on 2nd Avenue South, and Commerce Street between 4th and 5th Avenues. Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, who created the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee last year, said the bicycle rack project has multiple benefits for the city. "This effort does two great things at once - beautifies our city with the addition of public art and encourages more people to use bicycles for transportation," Dean said in a press release. "We're building upon the success of our bike lanes and greenways that already exist, and using artist designs to add character and cultural significance to locations throughout downtown and our neighborhoods." Although the project marks Nashville's first such bicycle rack art endeavor, other cities such as Austin, Texas, Portland, Oregon, and New York City have commissioned bicycle rack public artwork that adds personality to their communities. Learn more about the project by visiting the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission Web site. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14926&mname=Article September 29, 2009 2:29 PM Tony Check out our latest Online Pipeline -- Wagner's newsletter. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14924&mname=Article September 24, 2009 1:23 AM Tony Palermo is very good about honoring famous people by naming streets and piazzas after them. Along with traditional Italian names are names such as John Lennon, Abraham Lincoln, Menahim Begin, Anwar Sadat and . . . http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14923&mname=Article September 20, 2009 2:40 AM Tony http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14922&mname=Article September 18, 2009 2:44 AM Tony Erice, Sicily -- Great view but questionable guard. In particular because it was located about 40 steps from a playground. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14915&mname=Article September 9, 2009 8:59 AM Tony Wagner has been involved in preparing components for installation of rails at City Center in Las Vegas for some time now. The installs are now moving forward and the reports from the field are that they are pleased with the flexibility provided by the Wagner components custom designed for this project. We're looking forward to the final photos. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14910&mname=Article September 7, 2009 4:13 PM Tony The J.G. Braun Collection is part of the permanent exhibition at the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14909&mname=Article September 4, 2009 4:34 PM Tony We're still waiting for summer to arrive here in Milwaukee but it looks like Autumn is just about here. Have a great weekend everyone. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14905&mname=Article September 2, 2009 4:03 PM Tony Now that even Wagner has a blog, you know that online networking is becoming more and more mainstream. With that in mind, keep these elements in mind to stay safe while you are networking online. Be skeptical. Treat every social networking link with caution - especially the ones promising a link to a video. Guard your personal information. Use privacy settings to restrict who can see your sensitive information, or consider omitting all personal information from your profile. Choose passwords wisely. Use different passwords for each of your sites; select a randomized combination of numbers and letters. Have antivirus and antispyware protection. Even if you think you're not infected, scan your machine for dormant viruses with a free scan; and protect your PC with an Internet security suite that includes antivirus, antispyware, and firewall technologies. Always install updates. If you're already using antimalware software, be sure to install updates which include the latest malware definitions; do the same with updates to your operating system. Remain vigilant. Malware authors are continually writing new programs to avoid detection, so pay close attention to suspicious behavior. Also be aware that some hackers have been known to drop infected thumb drives in parking lots. Their goal is to have unsuspecting passers-by pick them up and insert them into their own USB ports. Once that happens, the virus transfers and infects the computer. Number 6 above is critical to avoiding problems. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14900&mname=Article September 1, 2009 11:00 AM Tony No Festivus Pole at the Washington State Capital this year http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14895&mname=Article September 1, 2009 8:40 AM Tony GlassBuild America Georgia World Congress Center Booth 324 Atlanta, Georgia September 30 - October 2, 2009 www.glassbuildamerica.com/about.htm Visit Booth 324 to learn more about PanelGrip http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14894&mname=Article August 31, 2009 9:49 AM Tony Sort of defeats the purpose of a guard railing. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14891&mname=Article August 30, 2009 5:11 PM Tony From streetfilms.org Greg Raisman of the Portland Office of Transportation takes Streetfilms on a tour of bicycle parking facilities in Portland, Oregon. Watch the video and learn the pros and cons of on street bicycle parking (a bicycle corral) vs a sheltered bicycle parking oasis. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14890&mname=Article August 30, 2009 12:59 PM Tony From: http://jonathanturley.org/2009/05/18/descent-into-crime-montreal-woman-handcuffed-and-thrown-into-cell-for-failing-to-hold-escalator-handrail/ Bela Kosoian, 38, is a handrail felon. The mother of two was taking an escalator down to the Montreal subway on her way to Université du Québec à Montreal, where she studies international law. She ended up handcuffed and held in a small cell for not holding the handrail on the escalator. A subway cop spotted Kosoian’s dangerous descent into crime around 5:30 pm and told her to hold the handrail. The Georgia-born Canadian did not hear or respond to the first instruction. The officer told her again and she replied, “I don’t have three hands.” The officer demanded identification and Kosoian argued with him. The officer then handcuffed and confined her. She then was given a $100 ticket for the handrail violation and a $320 ticket for obstruction. This bizarre story sounds all too familiar for D.C. residents given the recent arrest of a school girl for eating french fries on the subway. It is part of a general trend toward the criminalization of conduct in America, including a not just public transportation but public schools. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14889&mname=Article August 30, 2009 12:30 PM Tony ArtMetal is a social networking web site where artisans, academics, art lovers, and the general public can experience, share and collaborate within the metal arts. This creates an exciting environment for innovative self-expression and discovery for you, the individual. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14888&mname=Article August 30, 2009 11:21 AM Tony Handrail at the entrance to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Boston where yesterday's funeral for Ted Kennedy was held. Looks like 3" OD brass tube railing which would not meet current graspability or code requirements. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14886&mname=Article August 29, 2009 1:55 PM Tony Here's to the man who invented stairs And taught our feet to soar! He was the first who ever burst Into a second floor. The world would be downstairs to-day Had he not found the key; So let his name go down to fame, Whatever it may be. Oliver Herford (1863-1935) http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14885&mname=Article August 28, 2009 10:18 AM Tony From: http://www.williamlockwood.com/japan/2008_05_01_archive.html A monkey licking the handrail of a slide. Go figure. There was a sign posted saying "Don't run down the slide. Please only slide down the slide." I have to wonder who first ran down the slide and broke something. In any case, the slide was pretty cool. It had about 15 feet of drop and about 20 feet of horizontal displacement. And a monkey licking it. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14884&mname=Article August 27, 2009 7:34 PM Tony Handrail down to the underpass at the train station. Paraparaumu, New Zealand from http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcrooked/3627560982/ http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14883&mname=Article August 27, 2009 1:50 PM Tony Taken in Tomsk, Russia http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14882&mname=Article August 27, 2009 1:26 PM Tony Found at http://platformeight.wordpress.com/tag/platform-8/ The work “Handrail” is part of an ongoing design research on human movement and the interfacing guidelines of space. The work is aiming to provoke handrails primal function and their loyalty to the architectural structure. The three dimensional manipulation in the object’s operative design allows new sensual experience through touch and motivates new alternative movement in space. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14879&mname=Article August 26, 2009 10:44 AM Tony One more item of key interest in the ICC code proposals is RB52: R312.3 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not have openings from the walking surface to the required guard height which allow passage of a sphere 4 inches 2 ½ inches (102 mm) in diameter. Exceptions: 1. The triangular openings at the open side of a stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard,shall not allow passage of a sphere 6 inches 4 inches (153 mm) in diameter. 2. Guards on the open sides of stairs shall not have openings which allow passage of a sphere 4 3/8 inches 2 ½ inches (111 mm) in diameter. This is one of the photos included in the submission The proponent states that the 4" openings "could result in death" but without any supporting data. I will update as the code review process moves along over the coming year. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14878&mname=Article August 25, 2009 9:18 PM Tony The ICC has just posted code proposals for review. On first glance, there are proposals to eliminate the Type II definition for handrail, require a 1/8" radius on handrail edges, and non round handrail sections must have a minimum 1" cross section. If you are having trouble sleeping, you can review the proposals at http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/2009-10cycle/ProposedChanges.html The CTC will have it's first meeting to review these proposals in Chicago, Sept. 8 and 9. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14877&mname=Article August 25, 2009 3:09 PM Tony From lookydaddy.com http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14876&mname=Article August 25, 2009 2:42 PM Tony Glass railing installation by Santigo Metal Mfg, Corp, Puerto Rico T.(787)769-5373 f.(787)257-3955 recepcion@santiagometal.com http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=14874&mname=Article August 25, 2009 12:43 PM Tony Being super aware of building codes as they relate to railing, I'm always taken with bad design and code violations on rails on TV and at the movies. Beautiful spiral staircases with no railings at all, over sized rails, openings so large an adult can step through them -- much less a child. Even Star Wars was rife with safety issues. There was a funny take on this at core77. "Why doesn't Luke wear a seatbelt? Shouldn't lightsabers have certain basic safety features? Why does the Death Star have an open tunnel leading directly to a combustible central reactor? And why does the Emperor have a dangerously deep open shaft right next to his throne, with no handrail of any sort? (I'd at least put yellow tape around the edge of it.)" I must say, I have often thought the same thing as I've watched various space ships barreling towards a crash landing while the crew on the bridge does their best to avoid injury by clutching the arms on their chairs. Just look at the original Enterprise. No graspable rails to step down into the seating area, guard is below 42" in height and no infill. And no seat belts on the chairs. Where's OSHA when you need them? http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=6320&mname=Article August 21, 2006 3:01 PM Tony Before there was an R&B Wagner, there was a Wagner Iron Works. One of the items the company was known for was a hydraulic loader. While Wagner no longer manufactures these loaders, many of them are still out there and we often get calls regarding parts and information. We have found a copy of an original owner's manual --circa 1950 -- and it is now available online for viewing or download. Click here to view the Wagner Loader Owner's Manual. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=6194&mname=Article July 19, 2006 10:33 AM Tony Well at least photos of your railings jobs outta' be in our catalog. . . Wagner is beginning work on the 2007 Master Catalog to be published in January 2007 and we would like to feature photos of Wagner products in a wide variety of completed projects. Images should be high-resolution digital images, prints, or color slides. All images should be: minimum of 300 dpi Full Color fabricated primarily from Wagner products Clean and in focus Well lit Attractive shots with no visible flaws Releasable -- the photographer must be willing to give Wagner rights to reproduce the image E-mail your images to hbischmann@mailwagner.com or mail them to: Heidi Bischmann; Advertising Manager; The Wagner Companies; P.O. Box 423; Butler, WI 53007-0423. http://www.wagnercompanies.com/site/Viewer.aspx?iid=5917&mname=Article April 26, 2006 2:50 PM Tony The original Wagner Style B formed handrail bracket (#3418) has been redesigned to adjust the vertical clearance from the underside of the handrail to the horizontal arm of the bracket. The Style B formed handrail bracket offers a 1-1/2" horizontal and vertical clearance to meet code requirements and the recommendations of the newly published Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). The 2004 ADAAG states the space between a wall and a handrail must be 1-1/2 inches minimum. Additionally, there is a requirement that "horizontal projections shall occur 1-1/2 inches (38mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. Wagner's new formed bracket will meet both of these clearance requirements. Wagner Style B brackets are available in steel, satin stainless steel and satin muntz.