National Enclosure Company and MERO Structures Announce a Strategic Business Alliance and First Joint Project in the U.S.
July 29, 2010

National Enclosure Company LLC has formed a strategic business alliance with MERO Structures Inc., the new American division of German-based MERO-TSK, a company with international experience in the design, engineering and development of advanced facades and structures. Together, National Enclosure Company and MERO Structures, Inc. will pursue opportunities to provide technologically-advanced structures and facade systems in the United States to commercial developments.

"The ability to provide architects and developers in the United States with access to the authentic MERO-TSK technology is distinctive," says Paul Becks, executive vice president of NEC. "The international reputation for MERO-TSK is enviable and this strategic business alliance represents the first time that commercial and institutional developers in the United States can fully execute their advanced structures and facade system designs using the most proven technology."

The first official joint effort for this new strategic business alliance will be the Cleveland Museum of Art's Phase II renovation and expansion, a contract valued at $ 7 million. NEC was involved with Phase I renovations reporting to Panzica/Gilbane, the construction manager for this project, and MERO-TSK was a supplier to NEC. Moving into Phase II initiatives, the partners of the new strategic alliance are working as one team to execute the Museum's renovation.

According to the announcement, the $350 million Rafael Vinoly renovation and expansion of the Cleveland Museum of Art will realize a renovation of the landmark 1916 Beaux-Arts south building and the 1971 Marcel Breuer designed north building. The Museum size will increase from 389,000 square feet to 592,500 square feet.

For Phase II of the renovation and expansion, which is currently underway, NEC and MERO Structures, working with Panzica/Gilbane, will oversee the facade system for the new west wing that will contain additional gallery space, a spacious new cafe and restaurant and workrooms for museum staff. In addition, Phase II calls for the construction of a new north wing that will contain additional gallery space, an innovative, interactive Lifelong Learning Center, an expanded museum store and offices for museum staff.

Completion of Phase II elements are projected to be in 2012-2013.

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