US-based Centria – a leading manufacturer of architectural metal wall and roofing systems used in commercial and industrial projects – says that its Formawall Dimension Series insulated metal composite panels can provide exceptional design freedom for exterior wall construction in new as well as retrofit projects.

“The durable steel skins provide impact resistance and strength for increased span capability. The Formawall Dimension Series panels feature a foamed-in-place rigid insulating CFC (chlorofluorocarbons)-free foam core, which eliminates the occurrence of moisture, and subsequent mould development,” says a company spokesperson.
“The one-piece design permits complete, thermally-efficient, high-performance exterior walls. State-of-the-art joinery provides superior weather resistance with no exposed sealants. The unique design of the horizontal joint is pressure-equalised and provides uninterrupted air, water, and vapour barriers. These lightweight panels are also easy to install and minimise foundation loads,” he adds.
Available in a selection of design options and a wide range of profiles, these panels may be installed vertically or horizontally. Design options for the Formawall Dimension Series line includes variable profiles, reveals, thicknesses and finish options including stainless steel and ‘Duracast’, which offers the look and feel of precast. Windows, louvres and sunshades, all designed for seamless integration, create a complete building exterior system, the spokesman explains.
Concealed clips and fasteners provide a sleek exterior appearance and long clean sight lines. Adding to the design and integration options is a broad selection of coating colours.
“Centria’s high-performance coatings require minimal maintenance and offers maximum protection to meet demanding environmental conditions.
“Our Dimension Series panels and design and integration options have been specified for a variety of commercial and industrial structures including stadiums, offices, schools, manufacturing plants, medical centers, airports, and hotels,” adds the company spokesperson.
Established in 1906, and based in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, Centria is described as a multi-faceted resource for architectural metal wall and roof systems for both new and retrofit commercial construction projects around the world. The company also specialises in electrical cellular floors and is a world-class coil coater, coating a wide range of products for customers in a number of different industries. It aims to combine engineering expertise, manufacturing and fabrication capability and practical construction experience to meet aesthetic and functional building challenges.
Centria has an international network of certified dealers and installers, a manufacturing facility in China and a strong sales and technical support teams to provide quality products and services for architectural and construction firms worldwide. Its international sales offices are located at Dortmund in Germany, serving Central Europe; Dubai in the UAE, serving the Middle East and India; and Shanghai and Singapore, serving Asia and the Pacific.
The company’s Formawell Dimension Series insulated metal composite panels were recently exported from Centria’s US headquarters to its sales office in Shanghai in China for the new Chengdu Banknote Printing Company’s manufacturing facility where the country’s legal tender is printed. The complex is a large, state-owned enterprise that includes manufacturing facilities for banknote printing, paper-making, and gold and silver refining.
Over 45,000 sq ft of the Formawall Dimension Series panels finished in aged copper, were specified for the manufacturing facility, including nearly 40,000 sq ft of flat dimension series panels and 6,500 sq ft of Dimension Series-60, an interchangeable profile panel.
“The China construction market is expanding, and we have seized this opportunity for significant growth,” explains LeRoy Thompson Junior, president of Centria. “We manufacture select product lines in our China manufacturing facility which is extremely beneficial, and we are also able to export any of our other product lines from our manufacturing facilities in the US.”