‘Down-under’ barbecue launches SeaShell Awnings

An Australian-born product line of sustainable, self-retractable shade products made its debut at a new facility in Carlsbad, Calif., in August with an Aussie-style grand opening barbecue. SeaShell Awnings USA™ hopes to create 300 jobs by 2010 making the energy efficient awnings. The products shade outdoor living areas from intense California sun, reducing heat costs, peak energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions, meeting U.S. Green Building Council standards. The awnings’ umbrellalike 90-, 180- and 360-degree designs self-retract in 30-35 knot winds. It is the second Australian product brought to the U.S. by John Hanley, founder of Vista’s Solatube tubular skylights. For details, visit www.seashellawningusa.com.