W&D Weekly - September 12, 2007 | Vol 2, Num 36
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GlassBuild Provides First Look
at Many New Products
Window and door makers made their way to GlassBuild America: the Glass, Window & Door Expo, this week, and were greeted by a larger show than in past years...
Atlanta—Window and door makers made their way to GlassBuild America: the Glass, Window & Door Expo, this week, and were greeted by a larger show than in past years. Official attendance figures aren’t available yet, but activity on the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center suggested that while caution may reign, manufacturers are still interested to look at ways to add new options to their lines or lower their manufacturing costs.
Veka featured a storm tunnel in its display to showcase its new alternative for hurricane markets.
Vinyl extruders featured a variety of new products. Royal was featuring new trim packages designed to enable window fabricators to offer upgrade options to builders and homeowners. Deceuninck featured its new generation of impact product designs.
Interlock USA was showing a new self-latching lock that’s triggered by a magnet. Several hardware suppliers, including Vision Industires, also featured new automated locks.
Preferred Engineering showed a new design that offers not only a retractable insect screen, but a retractable solar screen as well.
New exhibitors brought a range of new products to GlassBuild. One example is Plastic Technology, which showed its Innofoam protective material for shipping and handling window and doors.
VINYL PRODUCTS
The show has featured a wide variety of new product introductions—one of the most unique being the WISP (window integrated storm protection) system developed by vinyl extruder Veka Inc. and garage door maker Wayne Dalton. An alternative to impact windows, the system combines a standard vinyl window installed into a vinyl receptor, which incorporates a Wayne-Dalton’s impact-resistant Fabric Shield that rolls up into the receptor frame when not in use. Said to be cost competitive with impact windows, the system provides a higher level of water resistance under storm conditions, explained Veka’s Steve Dillon.
The system can be operated manually, but is also available with electronic features to operate via remote or even the Internet, noted Fred Higgins of Wayne-Dalton. The technology, adapted from electronic systems developed for the firm’s garage doors, enables people to operate the shutters and prepare for a storm, even if they don’t live full-time in a home.
The show featured several other vinyl extruders with new products. Deceuninck North America was showing its latest generation impact window design. The company’s Phil Morton reported increasing demand from fabricators for such products. Code requirements are one reason, he noted, but a number of vinyl window makers see growth opportunities in selling higher performance and new capabilities for sound control and enhanced security.
Mikron Industries used the show to highlight color capabilities for its vinyl products, but also featured a new replacement version of its composite window design. Also targeting vinyl fabricators was Royal Mouldings, which was featuring several new trim packages designed to create a variety of enhanced looks on windows. Royal’s Kaye Evans said the complete packages make it simpler for fabricators to offer these upsell options.
HARDWARE
The show also produced a number of hardware introductions. New Zealand-based Interlock, which has been developing custom hardware for a number of manufacturers in the U.S., made its North American show debut featuring a new automatic lock incorporating a magnet to engage automatically, even when the window isn’t closed in a perfectly aligned position, according to the suppliers. The lock, which can be used in hung and slider windows, is also unique in that it is placed not on the top of the sash rail, but on the vertical face.
Automatic sash locks continue to attract interest from more vinyl window manufacturers, said Dan Gray of Roto Frank of America, which was also showing its own new automatic sash lock. It’s a feature that consumers see a real benefit to, he noted. “They know how often they close the window and then forget to lock it.” Ultra Hardware was also introducing a new automatic lock at the show.
Coming from England, Mighton Products was showing a number of new products targeted at high-end wood window manufacturers. Designed to provide higher security and enhanced energy performance in a traditional wood look, its EcoTilt system conceals non-wood parts and also provides full tilt functionality. The company has found a niche in the North American market already with its Fenestrator, noted the firm’s Richard Papa. Targeted at seniors and others that may have a hard time opening a hung window, the hardware provides an option to add a crank operator to wood, aluminum and vinyl products.
Preferred Engineering Products continues to expand its line of retractable screen products and window hardware, showcasing new window designs that not only incorporate retractable bug screens, but also retractable solar screens. It also showed a window that offered the third option of a retractable black-out fabric, where further light control might be desired. One of the company’s customers is already selling the solar screen product in the Texas market, reported Preferred’s David Goldenberg, where it’s being well received by homeowners.
EQUIPMENT
Traditionally, GlassBuild is a big show for window and door manufacturers to look at the latest in window manufacturing equipment. Given market conditions, some suppliers were a bit more cautious bringing new machines to display, but there were new introductions. Urban Machinery, for example, was showing a new line corner cleaner, one of a number of new units targeted at window manufacturers now looking to replace and or upgrade individual machines (see our Day One report on WindowandDoor.net for more discussion of machinery trends).
Haeco showcased its new Versa-Glaze 1500, which uses linear servo controls to consistently provide a uniform bead of sealant as the operator slides the profile along a smooth-top table. “What this allows, especially for people getting into wet glazing, is that they can do it at a low cost,” explained Brandon Rediger, marketing manager. “It also allows for consistent application on specialty shapes, which is a really unique niche.”
Billco Manufacturing featured a prototype of its new Titan glass washer, scheduled to make it to the market in the first quarter of next year. Representing a complete re-design of the company’s washer, the model was engineered with easy maintenance in mind, including features like stainless steel panels, individual brush motors for improved part life, and quick-change plastic bearings. “Pretty much everything in there is designed for maintenance,” said Billco’s Danielle Allemang.
Lisec’s large display featured a variety of the glass processing equipment, including a compact version of its flexible spacer applicator. “It’s still very good for us to show our capabilities for the IG sector,” said Manfred Lesiak, marketing and event manager. Lisec’s compact applicator is designed to work with various products. “For sure, the demand is growing,” he noted, pointing to flexible warm edge spacer systems from suppliers like Edgetech and Truseal.
Atech Machine used GlassBuild to tout its new relationship with Turkish equipment producer Murat Machine—featuring an automated four-point welder in its booth. As its customer base grows, Atech wants to be able to meet their expanding needs, says Murat Cil, sales manager. “We are adding the new upscale equipment to capture some of the market at the high end,” he continued. “We started with traditional equipment, but as our customers grow, they might want a four-point welder and a higher technological level.”
Manufacturers had an opportunity to look at some new systems, as well as machines in Atlanta. FeneTech was showing its new WebCenter, a standalone online sales package for window manufacturers. “The start of FeneVision was on the shop floor,” said Ron Crowl, president. “Now we’re extending it all the way through the supply chain.”
WTS Paradigm was showing its new TrackPoint software module integrating with inventory and materials management with the company’s CenterPoint and MasterPoint applications. The system tracks materials across multiple locations with support for item transfers, material labeling, purchase order creation and forecasting.
The Atlanta show featured a range of other new introductions from other exhibitors, including new exhibitors like Plastic Technology, which showed its InnoFoam, an extruded polyethylene product designed as an alternative to corrugated cardboard in packaging windows and doors. Texas-based Luna Piena came to show its new TableauxIG, a decorative composite material offering the look of wrought iron at a significantly lighter weight. Look for further coverage in the October issue of Window & Door, as well extensive product coverage online at WindowandDoor.net.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail us and share your thoughts.
Bystronic to Move Headquarters
Bystronic, the supplier of glass and IG processing equipment, will move its headquarters to a recently-opened facility in Colorado...
Bystronic Glass Inc., the supplier of glass and IG processing equipment, will move its headquarters to a recently-opened facility in Aurora, Colo. The company is currently based in Hauppauge, N.Y.
Aurora provides a more central location, offering better access to Western markets, said Claus Rieger, company president.
“We feel that the area will help us further develop many important market regions while simultaneously enabling us to provide fast service,” he said.
The company has not yet provided any details about when the move will occur.
Bystronic Glass Inc. is wholly owned by Bystronic AG in Switzerland.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail us and share your thoughts.
GlassBuild Speaker Helps Companies Strategize in Current Economic Climate
Comparing your business with economic trends, practicing diversification, and understanding the phases of business were the themes of “Building Profits into Tomorrow”...
Comparing your business with economic trends, practicing diversification, and understanding the phases of business were the themes of “Building Profits into Tomorrow”, a seminar presented by Jeff Dietrich of the Institute for Trend Research, Tuesday at GlassBuild America.
“As the U.S. economy goes, so goes your business,” said Dietrich, pointing to Florida, which at one point believed it had “beaten the market” but today is experiencing worse recession than the rest of the nation. He explained how a business can compare its historical and rate-of-change data with information such as U.S. Industrial Production and Home Improvement Production Spending to maintain a clear picture of where it fits in the grand scheme, thus improving forecasting and strategy.
Dietrich also encouraged window and door companies to watch not only year-to-year, or 1/12, data, but also 3/12- and 12/12-month moving totals, which helps remove volatility from the figures and offer advanced notice of what’s happening, when compared to national and global economic data.
Diversification was recommended as means to deal with the current economic climate. “There are a host of new companies who entered the window and door business within the past 10 years and are not prepared to handle this downturn,” he contended. He suggested non-residential construction, particularly office and retail construction, as a good place to dedicate at least a small portion, though not all, of a company’s attention. “Build your safety net,” he advised.
The Institute has identified the “four phases of a business” cycle, with which companies can assess its current activities and determine where it stands in the cycle to strategize and protect itself if it discovers it’s in a dangerous situation.
Speaking briefly about China, Dietrich attempted to reassure attendees, declaring, “the impact of the global economy is very real,” defining a number of factors he believes will create a “leveling effect” to the current boom from China. He did exhibit a degree of respect, however, noting “they’ve achieved [growth in the manufacturing industry] in 20 years what took most countries, including us, a century.”
Finally, Dietrich addressed the importance of energy efficiency. He cited countries like China and India that have booming populations but are only beginning to use oil-fueled transportation such as automobiles. The cost of oil, he contends, will only increase. “We are developing alternative energy fuels, but are 10 years away from true independence [from oil],” he said. “If you’re looking three-and-a-half to five years out, and you haven’t addressed energy efficiency, you do not have a strategic plan for your business.”
Dietrich summarized his presentation noting the U.S.’ long-time ranking as the largest contributor to the world’s gross domestic product (currently 27.7 percent, trailed by Japan with 9.3 percent) and how it positions us with a very good foundation to branch out in new directions and explore new opportunities.
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail us and share your thoughts.
- Realtors Predict Drop in 2007 Home Sales
from Yahoo! Finance - Next In Line For Subprime Hit: Bonds?
from CNN Money - KB Homes Not Laughing About Hurricane Katrina Follies in Louisiana
from BloggingStocks
...
Realtors Predict Drop in 2007 Home Sales
from Yahoo! Finance
A trade group for real estate agents on Tuesday lowered its forecast 2007 existing home sales for the seventh-straight month, predicting a drop of 8.6 percent from last year. The National Association of Realtors' revised monthly prediction calls for U.S. existing home sales of 5.9 million in 2007, down from 6.5 million last year. The forecast was below last month's prediction of a 6.8 percent drop... read more
Next In Line For Subprime Hit: Bonds?
from CNN Money
Could the housing market's woes spread to bonds held in mutual funds by millions of ordinary investors? Some experts - and hedge fund investors who have made big bets that the mortgage crisis will worsen - are saying that's exactly what will happen. Some bond funds that invest in riskier short-term debt already have been whacked by soaring default rates on bonds backed by subprime loans made to borrowers with weak credit... read more
KB Homes Not Laughing About Hurricane Katrina Follies in Louisiana
from BloggingStocks
Amazing as it might seem the State Legislature of Louisiana has seen fit to recreate Yossarian's nightmarish experience in "Catch-22" by killing legislation that might have helped house some folks in New Orleans in a more expeditious fashion. You might have read or heard that KB Homes has been trying to develop various projects in and around New Orleans since soon after Hurricane Katrina departed... read more