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May 15, 2012
Many window and door manufacturers, as well as suppliers of glass and other components, will be in Washington, D.C., this week exhibiting at the AIA 2012 Expo. It promises to be an interesting showcase of new products and technologies targeted at the commercial, institutional and high-end residential markets.
It is these segments of the window and door business where architects typically play an...
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May 15, 2012
Window and door specialty retailers look to invest in efficiencies
The degree to which window and door companies were impacted by the economic downturn may vary significantly, but it’s a safe bet to assume that every single one was affected in some way, shape or form. Today—looking to brighter days ahead—many companies are still trying to do more with less, fighting the necessity to pass price increases on to their customers and trying to take...
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May 14, 2012
Manufacturers may be ready to invest in new equipment again
Window and door manufacturers are retooling, with equipment suppliers reporting more activity of late. New machinery purchases are still limited by the wide availability of used equipment—and many companies remain cautious about the market outlook—but investment in production operations appear to be on the rise.
Opinions are definitely mixed on how big that increase may be. “We...
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May 14, 2012
This article accompanies our main equipment market overview in the June/July issue.
Last year, GED Integrated Systems introduced the Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System, an automated line for producing triple-glazed units at a competitive cost. Featuring unique capabilities such as “touchless” handling of the center lite of the triple-lite IG, the line has received positive...
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May 11, 2012
Charles O. Everly—a friend to many in our industry and a prolific contributor to its advancement—passed April 8, 2012 at the age of 81 after a long illness. Charlie’s dedication to the codes and standards arena will not be forgotten, as he was instrumental in promoting industry positions and facilitating the understanding of complex code provisions and enforcement challenges....
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May 10, 2012
American Vision Windows sets sights on solar, garage doors and window coverings to thrive during the recession
American Vision Windows started selling windows, but the business has evolved in recent years, diversifying with the addition of a broad array of product lines. The expansion in product offerings, however, hasn’t changed the company’s focus—American Vision remains a home improvement company, working with owners to increase the energy efficiency and value of their homes....
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May 10, 2012
Quanex Building Products has begun an initiative to better inform our customers of changes in programs and legislation in Washington that may impact the fenestration industry. We are investing in lobbying and dedicating resources to actively develop our influence with key members of Congress and departments, such as the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
We have...
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May 9, 2012
In recent weeks, I’ve been chatting with a few people in the industry about operations challenges they’ve tackled in the last year or so. Sure—money is tight all around. But some companies are carving out the budgetary space to explore efficiencies and add capabilities. From sales and marketing to scheduling to installation and service, window and door companies are still...
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May 9, 2012
Triple-glazing and R-5 products aren’t for everyone, but some manufacturers see opportunities with these products
New Energy Star criteria are likely to improve window energy efficiency numbers across the board, but numerous manufacturers offer triple-pane and R-5 type windows exceeding those expected levels already. Most see a growing market for such products too, with much of the demand is driven by dealers.
Manufacturers like Ply Gem report that more dealers are opting for higher-...
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May 7, 2012
The International Code Council Group A hearings concluded this week, with the organization making plans to allow remote voting in coming code change cycles. The hearings also saw votes on a number of American Architectural Manufacturers Association proposals covering such matters as threshold heights, wind load provisions and flashing.
The ICC has established a goal of fully implementing remote...
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May 9, 2012Triple-glazing and R-5 products aren’t for everyone, but some manufacturers see opportunities with these productsNew Energy Star criteria are likely to improve window energy efficiency numbers across the board, but numerous manufacturers offer triple-pane and R-5 type windows exceeding those expected levels already. Most see a growing market for such products too, with much of the demand is driven by dealers. Manufacturers like Ply Gem report that more dealers are opting for higher-... more »