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Vol. 2, No. 1
4
EDITORIAL
Rough waters ahead for the Canadian window and door business?
20
VANTASTIC
A look at this year’s new offerings in commercial vans.
6
FUTURE FRAMES
Advances in profile extrusion technology could make your profiles lighter, longer-lasting and less expensive. 10
24
BUILDING THE PERFECT SYSTEM
A case study in custom fenestration software development.
FENESTRATION CANADA 2013 AGM
St. John’s, N.L., provides the unique backdrop.
Employee engagement is the key to Lean success. by Dave Peters
Your guide to who’s who in the window and door industry.
WINDOW AND DOOR PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Sliding door systems, skylight louvres, aircraft snips and more.
Trouble in paradise
Future unclear, ask again later.
We Canadians have been feeling pretty good about ourselves since the beginning of the U.S. Great Recession in 2008 and the apparently permanent fiscal crisis that has paralyzed Europe. Our recession was short and shallow, and our recovery the strongest of the G7. Our politicians and bankers have often felt empowered to wag fingers at officials in other countries – a most un-Canadian thing to do. Yet the fallout from these ongoing woes may be about to bite here in unexpected ways, and in ways that disproportionately affect residential window and door makers.
First, take a look at just how we managed to avoid the worst effects of the American collapse. Yes, we avoided the banking crisis because our more prudent rules prevented our banks from writing bad mortgages. But our governments also cranked up spending to stimulate economies and rescue hard-hit regions. Now they are trying to rein in the deficits they wrote into their budgets then, which has led to the end of programs like the Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Correcting public budget deficits has often been accomplished in this country simply by not increasing spending then waiting for economic growth to refill the coffers. Good idea, except GDP growth in Canada is somewhere below two per cent right now and consumers are groaning under record levels of household debt. The Bank of Canada helped create that situation by keeping interest rates low in an attempt to – you guessed it – stimulate the economy to protect us from the Great Recession.
Low interest rates and restrained government spending – sounds like a perfect recipe for a surge in corporate investment leading to increased sales in domestic and foreign markets. But Canadian companies are sitting on piles of cash (economists tell us) and not making the investments that might drive increases in market share. Why the timidity?
You can probably answer that question, with
by Patrick Flannery
reference to the top part of this page. In the domestic market, there is all that household debt standing in the way of renovation budgets. And if the Bank of Canada decides to try to restrain debt by raising interest rates, housing prices may collapse in places like Toronto and Vancouver, where many think they have been running too hot for too long.
Your business depends on strong and rising housing prices to fuel homeowner confidence, and on sustainable household debt levels to support spending on big-ticket items like new windows. Homebuilding is still OK, and whether or not there are bubbles in the big markets is controversial. But high debt means slow renovation sales, and slow sales of your highestmargin products. In this environment, it is not hard to see why window and door providers might join the general austerity movement for the time being.
Any number of changes could unlock this situation. Our saviour in the past has always been a stronger American dollar, which could follow a revival of the American economy and manufacturing generally. Our exports would become more competitive, government finances would rebound and people would start to have more money to play with. Federal politicians tell us they are close to a free trade agreement with the European union. This could benefit you at both ends of your business plan: less expensive profiles and glass from Europe, and access to huge European markets for your products.
However things go, you should find some material here in Fenestration Review to help your business. Our cover feature takes a look at the latest science around PVC profiles and gives you a sneak peek at what extruders might be able to deliver in the years ahead. Some of your top suppliers have offered up their products for your perusal on page 26, and we tell the story of Duxton Windows and Doors’ journey to develop a custom software product for fenestration fabricators. I hope to get your feedback on this, the first spring issue of Fenestration Review.
FUTURE FRAMES
A look at what is coming in PVC profile technology.
When PVC window and door profiles gained acceptance in Canadian construction, they revolutionized the industry and set some of today’s most recognizable fenestration fabricators on their paths to success.
by PATRICK FLANNERY
PVC is now by far the most popular material for window and door frames of all kinds, accounting for almost 60 per cent of all new fenestration installed in the North American market. But the technology is not standing still. In June, PVC suppliers and extruders will get together at Profiles, a business and technology conference in Philadelphia. There, they will hear about the latest advances in polymer material science and profile manufacturing processes. Fenestration Review contacted some of the experts who will be presenting at Profiles for this sneak peek at the future of your shop’s most important supplies.
ACRYLIC BLEND
Paul Van Rheenan of Dow Chemical has been working on acrylic/PVC blends and has come up with a capstock he says delivers the low cost, impact resistance and hardness of PVC with the resistance to weathering and heat distortion of an acrylic. His formula achieves the same weathering as 100 per cent acrylic in a 50/50 PVC/acrylic blend. The impact to process would be minimal. Van Rheenan says extruders can simply dilute their normal PVC formulation on a weight basis. The product is being rolled out slowly, but should soon be available from most extruders. “Before we always just wanted to sell the 100 per cent acrylic and have people get the maximum performance,” he says. “But we found that, as far as cost, most people are not willing to pay for the 100 per cent acrylic.” Van Rheenan sees no reason extruders should not soon be able to offer window and door profiles with at least double the weathering resistance available on the market today, with only a marginal difference in price.
PLUGGING INTO PROFITS
The charger for your phone or mobile device
never seems to be where you want it, when you want it. Veka is offering a solution to the problem called, aptly enough, Solutions. The patented Solutions kit can be integrated by fabricators into just about any window or door system, commercial or residential, according to Kevin Seiling, vice-president of engineering and new product development. The kit includes a solar panel and wiring and hardware to integrate a USB port into the window frame, allowing the homeowner to plug wireless devices right into the sill. The panel charges a rechargeable battery, which is what the USB port actually draws power from, so there is power available even on cloudy days. There is a high degree of flexibility as to where the panel, batteries, wiring and USB port can be located. “In Canada, there are a lot more casement and tilt-turns, with some double hung,” Seiling says. “So a good place to hide the batteries would be in the ballast channel of a double hung. There is a lot of freedom and we expect the fabricator to say ‘I want to put this in the window, help me figure out where to put it.’ The battery pack and the electronics are accessible from the inside so you can change the batteries 10 years from now. So you want to have access to it, but the entire device can be mounted on the inside of the window on the sill or the jamb.” Seiling sees the product as an enhanced up-sell for higher end customers and retrofits.
LESS IS MORE
When we think of innovation delivering price and quality benefits, we often think of some new invention or process entering the market. But it seems that even old, established methods can deliver new benefits once time and experience have improved our understanding of them. Titanium oxide has been used to create the brilliant white colour we all associate with vinyl
Double extrusion technology is enabling profile manufacturers to experiment with core formulations that are lighter and lower cost but surrounded by a more durable wear layer. But beware: machining characteristics may differ from your standard profile.
profiles ever since the first such products were developed. According to Richard Bordeleau of Huntsman Pigments, extrusion manufacturers have always used more of this material than was strictly necessary in order to give them a safe margin of error and prevent warranty claims due to discoloration. Now, with improvements to UV resistance in the profile resins themselves and improvements to the TI formulations, the difference between what is necessary and what many extruders are actually using is even more extreme. Bordeleau estimates the extra-durable pigments vinyl extruders are applying last, on average,
10 years longer than the warranty. As awareness about the better durability of modern products seeps into the market, practices are changing. “Some profile manufacturers are now considering selecting titanium oxide based on the titanium oxide content rather than solely on the durability features of the pigment,” Bordeleau says. “They are providing the pigment that is likely to stand the test of time to cover the guarantee provided on the products rather than selecting products to exceed the requirement of the application. It is one way for people to save money while maintaining a reasonable natural durability.”
LOOKS GREAT, MORE FILLING
Extrusion machinery manufacturers such as Krauss Maffei are trying to fight the effect of rising material costs with new extrusion processes. Oil, industrial metals such as zinc, and fats for lubricant manufacture are all becoming more expensive, as is titanium dioxide. One solution is to use co-extrusion technology to create profiles with outside weathering layers made using higher levels of durable PVC, and inside cores with higher levels of calcium carbonate filler. To achieve this configuration, the extruder uses a combination of one primary, parallel extruder and two
FEATURE
conical co-extruders. The primary extruder processes the core and the two conical extruders add the weather layer. With some tweaking to the lubrication system, Krauss Maffei says it can process cores with up to 20 parts per hundred calcium carbonate and still have good plastification of the mixture. Noah Grade, an application engineer with Krauss Maffei’s U.S. office, will introduce the technology at Profiles, June 4. He says the secret is in the cold mixer Krauss Maffei has added right before the feed throat that allows the calcium carbonate to be added farther downstream in the process. Krauss Maffei literature claims a high level of high-quality calcium carbonate can actually be beneficial to profile cores because it can increase the homogeneity of the melt, smooth out the surface finish and aid in heat dissipation in the extrusion process, which allows the extruder to produce profile faster. The resulting product will, however, be heavier.
Testing of profiles produced using this method revealed slightly reduced impact strength when melt temperatures were kept consistent with the old formulations. However, with higher melt temperatures the testing group was able to achieve improved notched impact strength and acceptable corner weld strength.
Co-extrusion techniques also make it possible for extruders to use increased levels of recyclables in their processes. With any luck, all these benefits will offset some of the rising costs associated with PVC profile extrusion and slow the relentless creep of prices.
TESTING THE TEST
Sometimes before technology can advance, you have to have a better way of testing. Sean Fowler of Westlake, Ohio-based Q-Lab says the industry has one, even though it has not quite been able to pass muster as a certification standard. The testing Fowler refers to was conducted on vinyl siding, but there are parallels here for testing PVC win-
dow profiles.
ASTM G113 calls for total agreement between the results of an outdoor weathering test and the results of any artificial, accelerated test before the results of the accelerated test can be accepted as accurately representing the weathering characteristics of a product. This is the standard the Vinyl Institute applied between 2000 and 2007 to try to develop an accelerated test that could be used to certify vinyl siding products for outdoor use. “In one respect, it was a failure,” Fowler says. “They were looking for near-perfect correlation between the laboratory tests and the two-year results. They didn’t get that. There was one of several dozen specimens that consistently passed the accelerated test but failed the outdoor.”
In the outdoor test, vinyl siding is left outside on racks for two years in locations in Arizona, Florida and Ohio. Needless to say, this represents an intolerable length of time if your goal is to test new PVC formulations for
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possible development and certification. The accelerated test did not meet the requirement the Vinyl Siding Institute needed it to meet in order to have it replace the existing, two-year outdoor test. But it didn’t miss it by much. Fowler thinks the test could still be useful as a screening tool to evaluate new product for future development.
Surprisingly, the tests using xenon lamps, which are supposed to more accurately replicate the effects of fullspectrum sunlight, showed less correlation with outdoor weathering than another accelerated variant that used UV lamps. The difference, Fowler says, lies in the way water is added in the two tests. “The fluorescent UV devices have hot condensation which is representative of outdoor dew, and it is really effective at driving moisture into the material,” he says. “The traditional xenon machine has a vertically mounted lamp and then your specimens are on a rack that rotates around it. That gives you good light uniformity, but then the way of delivering
moisture is spraying through fixed spray nozzles. So you spray the specimen with water, then it passes out of the spray stream and rotates around, so it has that full minute to dry off.”
Fowler says work in the automotive coatings field has shown that xenon lamp testing can be more representative of real-world weathering with the requisite changes to how water is delivered. He thinks that once this work is replicated for other vinyl construction products, manufacturers will be able to use xenon lamps for accelerated testing and get a better test that measures colour fading as well as structural weathering. This will enable faster testing of new products and, hopefully, more innovative profile designs entering the market.
THE TROUBLE WITH TIN
Europeans are getting down on the tin stabilizers used in hard PVC processing, according to AM Stabilizers market development manager Luis Cruz. Stabilizers are critical to keep PVC from
Peace Of Mind...
SafeGard™ Window Opening Control Device (WOCD)
Safety and security are of utmost importance for homeowners, especially those with small children. Truth Hardware has developed an engineered solution which meets ASTM F2090-10, the new industry guideline enacted to address the issues of accidental falls and egress opening.
SafeGard™ meets the following ASTM F2090-10 guidelines:
• Window Opening Control Device limits casement sash opening to 4" or less
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burning up in the extrusion process, and tin-based stabilizers have been the product of choice for many years because of their low cost and high efficiency. However, some are highly toxic if released into the environment. Their use is still allowed in North America, but Cruz says manufacturers should be ready in case our regulators follow the lead of their counterparts overseas. AM Stabilizers and other stabilizer producers are working on calcium/zinc and magnesium/zinc options that can deliver close to the same performance. However, costs will be increased, and the research and development work needed to integrate the new stabilizers will be considerable. “The whole compound needs to be modified,” Cruz explains, “so it is not just taking one out and putting the other in, especially if the lubricant package has to be modified. Every machine is different and every compound is different so you need to make adjustments. You will need to relearn to know how to process these new materials.”
FENESTRATION CANADA AGM
WELCOME TO NEWFOUNDLAND
Fenestration Canada hosts its 2013 Annual General Meeting in St John’s.
by YVAN HOULE, FENESTRATION CANADA PRESIDENT
Fenestration Canada is most pleased to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all delegates attending the Annual General Meeting in St. John’s.
You are encouraged to take full advantage of the many and varied social elements of our program. A few of the features have been highlighted below to help you plan your visit to this wonderful location overlooking St. John’s historic harbour.
We are grateful for the large delegate turnout and invite you to participate actively in all aspects of the program so you can get the most benefit from the opportunities provided. Your AGM is a great time to learn about new products and technologies; get updated on the latest issues and challenges regarding codes, standards and the Energy Star Program; learn about how to make your products compliant with regulations, and listen to inspiring keynote speakers about market research strategies and the economic environment.
A number of very interesting and fun events are planned for those attending. A Rally in the Ally will get things started following registration on Thursday, May 30. St. John’s has more bars and pubs per capita than any other city in Canada and most of them are located on the infamous George Street. This evening delegates will get to experience the famous nightlife of downtown St. John’s. It begins with a traditional Pub Dinner followed by an organized Pub Crawl with Dusk Ultra Lounge as the gathering place once all have finished with their respective bars.
For our companion program, we have planned a visit to the National Park at Cape Spear, the most easterly point of land in North America. There will be a chance to explore the bunkers built by Canadian soldiers in the side of the cliffs during the Second World War. From Cape Spear the group will tour old St. John’s with plenty of time to see such national historic sites as Cabot Tower and Signal Hill. The experience will give participants a feel for the history, legend and lore of St. John’s, the oldest community in North America.
Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in a couple of optional activities. These include the Fenestration Canada Annual Golf Tournament at one of Atlantic Canada’s premier golfing facilities and social clubs, the Clovelly, which is known for its two exceptional 18-hole courses. We will be using the Osprey course, which is nestled in the northeast end of St. John’s amidst natural surroundings, and they pride themselves on being a familyfriendly club with a dynamic membership that thrives on camaraderie, friendship and fun. Tournament fees will include green fees and carts. Equipment rental is available.
Alternatively, meeting participants may want to take advantage of a special tour opportunity known as Birds, Bergs & Whales, in which the group will travel by coach along the Irish Loop to Bay Bulls where they can join the O’Brien family for a private boat ride out to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Witless Bay is also home to many humpback and minke whales. Be sure to bring your camera!
The Farewell to Newfoundland Party on our last day in the hotel will bring a fitting end to what promises to be a very successful program. I look forward to welcoming all of you throughout the course of our time in Newfoundland.
Yvan Houle is president of Fenestration Canada. Fenestration Canada’s mission is to represent and support all aspects of the window and door manufacturing industry.
2013 ANNUAL MEETING
MAY 30–JUNE 1, 2013 | SHERATON HOTEL NEWFOUNDLAND, ST. JOHN’S, NL
THURSDAY, MAY 30
8:00–9:30 am Technical Services Committee (Breakfast Meeting)
9:45–10:45 am Membership & Marketing Committee
11:00–1:45 pm Board of Directors Meeting (Luncheon Meeting)
Signal/Garrison Room
Signal/Garrison Room
Signal/Garrison Room
2:00–4:00 pm Win-Door Show Committee Plymouth Room
6:00–11:00 pm RALLY in the ALLEY Meet/Greet In The Court Garden St. John’s has more bars and pubs per capita than any other city in Canada and most of them are located on the infamous George Street. This evening the group gets to experience the famous nightlife of downtown St. John’s.
6:30– 7:30 pm Pub Dinner at Sundance Saloon Sponsored by: North Atlantic International Logistics Inc.
7:30–10:00 pm Pub Crawl on George Street Sponsored by: RPM Rollformed Metal Products / Everlast Aluminum Ltd / Elton Manufacturing
10:00 pm–Close Final Destination & Entertainment Sponsored by: Royal Building Products
FRIDAY, MAY 31
7:30–9:00 am Delegate’s / Companion’s Breakfast Fort William Sponsored by: AGC Glass North America Ballroom B
9:00 am –12:00 pm Noon Companion’s Program Cape Spear & the Far East of the Western WorldTour includes a visit to the National Park at Cape Spear, the most easterly point of land in North America. Participants will have opportunity to experience the history, legend and lore of St. John’s, the oldest community in North America.
8:30 am –4:00 pm
Technical & Issues Session Fort William Ballroom A Sponsored by: Amesbury Codes, codes & more codes ... This session will feature an update of the regulatory environment and policy framework for fenestration products pertaining to codes and standards across the country from both the national and provincial perspective. Jeff Baker, FC’s Technical Consultant will lead the discussion which will feature representatives from B.C., Québec and the Maritimes.
Energy Star update will be provided by Steve Hopwood of NRCan.
Results of the E.R. Study conclusions and recommendations will be outlined to all delegates.
How to get your entrance door NAFS - 08 compliant without going out of business! - A market approach - presented by J.F. Kogovsek, Maxam Marketing
7:30 pm President’s Dinner Fort William B/C/D Sponsored by: Cardinal Glass Industries C.P. Loewen Award Presentation
Entertainment - Jim Payne & Fergus O’Byrne
Sponsored by: Quanex Building Products
This duo has collaborated on a number of events and performances and is often featured together. Their album “Wave Over Wave” was nominated for an East Coast Music Award in 1999.
SATURDAY, JUNE1
8:00–8:45 am Breakfast for Delegates & Companions Fort William A Sponsored by: Masonite International
9:00–10:15 am Economic Update and Forecast (Speaker TBD) Sponsored by: Caldwell Manufacturing N. America
10:25-11:30 am Fenestration Canada Annual Meeting Fort William A Sponsored by: Truth Hardware
11:45 am –12:30 pm Box Lunches for all delegates, companions and golfers Court Garden Sponsored by: Ultrafab Inc. / Darcy & Associates
1:00–5:00 pm Birds, Bergs and Whales (Optional Activity) (Box lunches provided for participants) Travel by coach along the “Irish Loop” to Bay Bulls where we join the O’Brien family for a private boat ride out to the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. Witless Bay is also home to many humpback and minke whales.
1:00–5:00 pm Fenestration Golf Tournament (Optional Activity) The Clovelly’s Osprey Course - One of Atlantic Canada’s premier golfing facilities and social clubs, the Clovelly is known for its two exceptional 18-hole courses.
7:00 pm– Closing Farewell to Newfoundland Party
7:00 pm Reception Court Garden
8:00 pm
Sponsored by: Novatech Group / Novatech Patio Doors
Dinner & Entertainment Avalon/Battery Court Garden Sponsored by: FENZI North America / Air-Ins Inc.
MEMBER DIRECTORY
3M CANADA COMPANY
300 Tartan Drive, London, ON, N5Y 4M9
Tel: 519-452-6178
Fax: 519-452-6286
Contact: S.P. Gillis
E-Mail: sgillis@mmm.com
ACAN WINDOWS INC.
1641 Topsail Road, Paradise, NF, A1L 1V1
Tel: 709-782-1556
Fax: 709-782-7423
Contact: Don Kennedy
E-Mail: donkennedy@acanwindows.com
ACCORD PLASTICS
60 Courtland Avenue, Concord, ON, L4K 5B3
Tel: 905-660-7856
Fax: 905-660-9699
Contact: Jonathan Mondino
E-Mail: jmondino@accordplastics.com
ACCURATE DORWIN CO.
1535 Seel Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1C6
Tel: 204-982-4640
Fax: 204-663-0020
Contact: Rob Johnston
E-Mail: info@accuratedorwin.com
ACCUWRAP PROFILES & COMPONENTS
624 Millway Avenue, Concord, ON, L4K 3V3
Tel: 905-761-5122
Fax: 905-761-2810
Contact: Mary Ann Bell
E-Mail: maryannb@accuwrap.com
AGC
18544-9th Concession, Box 628, Mount Albert, ON, L0G 1M0
Tel: 905-738-9400
Fax: 905-738-1177
Contact: Tom Holloran
E-Mail: tom.holloran@afg.com
AIR-INS INC.
1320 boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC, J3X 1P7
Tel: 450-652-0838
Fax: 450-652-7588
Contact: Robert Jutras
E-Mail: j.miller@air-ins.com
AIR-TITE INSULATING GLASS
299 Carlingview Drive, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 5G3
Tel: 416-213-1180
Fax: 416-213-2832
Contact: Mike Bruno
E-Mail: rose@alumitex.biz
ALL WEATHER WINDOWS LTD
18550-118A Avenue N.W., Edmonton, AB, T5S 2K7
Contact: Gordon Gabert – VP of Sales and Marketing Tel: 780-447-6370
Fax: 780-454-7474
Contact: Tracy Nadiger – Director of Marketing
Tel: 780-447-6368
Fax: 780-454-7474
ALUMITEX WINDOWS AND DOORS
299 Carlingview Drive, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 5G3
Tel: 416-742-2465
Fax: 416-742-7491
Contact: Mike Bruno
E-Mail: mike@alumitex.biz
AMBERWOOD DOORS INC
80 Galaxy Blvd., Unit 16, Toronto, ON, M9W 4Y8
Tel: 416-213-8007
Fax: 416-213-8009
Contact: Colin Fraser
E-Mail: info@amberwooddoors.com
Website: www.amberwoodoors.com
AMESBURY GROUP
222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA, 1923
Tel: 905-407-0282
Contact: Grant Skippen
E-Mail: GSkippen@amesbury.com
Website: www.amesbury.com
ANDERSEN CORPORATION
100 Fourth Avenue north, Bayport, MI, 55003-1096
Tel: 651-264-5570
Fax: 651-351-3396
Contact: Mark Mikkelson
E-Mail: mark.mikkelson@andersencorp.com
ANDERSON WINDOWS
46 Cheryl Crescent, Sundridge, ON, P0A 1Z0
Tel: 705-384-5341
Fax: 705-384-7514
Contact: Cheryl Anderson
E-Mail: sherianderson@bellnet.ca
ANIG WINDOW MANUFACTURING LTD
2040 Ellesmere Road, Unit # 1, Scarborough, ON, M1H 3B6
Tel: 416-438-7213
Fax: 416-438-7301
Contact: Enzo Angheloni
E-Mail: eangheloni@bellnet.ca
Website: www.anigwindows.com
APRICOT COATING SYSTEMS INC.
625 Garyray Drive, Toronto, ON, M9L 1P9
Tel: 416-744-1474
Fax: 416-744-1613
Contact: Bernice Martin
E-Mail: bernice@apricotcoatings.com
AQUA SUR TECH OEM
HEAD OFFICE - MONTREAL
2148 Trans-Canada Highway Dorval, QC, H9P 2N4
Tel: 514-684-2628
Toll Free : 1-888-884-8982
Fax: 514-684-2620
AQUA SUR TECH OEM
TORONTO OFFICE
57 Ashbridge Circle, Unit 1 Woodbridge, ON, L4L 3R5
Tel: 905-856-6336
Fax.: 905-856-0895
Contact: Michael Braeuel
E-Mail:mbraeuel@aquasurtech-oem.com
ARMWOOD WINDOWS & DOORS
Hwy.#1A West, P.O.Box 8, Portage La Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2
Tel: 204-856-2320
Fax: 204-856-2339
E-Mail: armwood@armwood.ca
ASI ADHESIVE PRODUCTS & SERVICES INC
200 Chemin St. Francois-Xavier, Suite 122, Delson, QC, J5B 1Y1
Tel: 1-866-386-8853
Fax: 866-416-2950
Contact: Paul Laplante
Website: www.asi-tapepots.com
ATIS GROUP (LAFLAMME PORTES ET FENETRES, ALLSCO AND VINYLBILT WINDOWS)
39 rue Industrielle, Saint-Apollinaire, QC, G0S 2E0
Tel: 450-477-1111
Fax: 418-881-3920
Contact: Hugues Rouleau
E-Mail: hrouleau@laflamme.com
ATLANTIC WINDOWS
49 East Main St., Port Elgin, NB, E4M 2X9
Tel: 506-538-2361
Fax: 506-538-7603
Contact: Kent Leslie
AURORA WINDOW SYSTEMS INC
4215B - 11 Street N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 6K4
Tel: 403-291-2851
Fax: 403-291-2852
Contact: Kent Schultz
E-Mail: awsinc@telus.net
Website: www.aurorawindowsystems.ca
AWARD WINDOWS & DOORS
(PART OF GIENOW)
14215 Yellowhead Trail, Edmonton, AB, T5L 3C4
Tel: 780-447-2184
Fax: 780-447-1335
E-Mail: sales@awardwindows.com
BERDICK WINDOWS & DOORS
Box 1059, Winkler, MB, R6W 4B1
Tel: 204-325-8053
Fax: 204-325-5516
E-Mail: sales@berdick.com
BROWN WINDOW CORPORATION
185 Snow Blvd., Concord, ON, L4K 4N9
Tel: 905-738-6045
Fax: 905-738-1342
Contact: Eros Gerardi
E-Mail: pinom@brownwindow.com
C&L AGENCIES LIMITED
P.O.Box 1493, Station A, Sydney, NS, B1P 6R7
Tel: 902-564-4911
Fax: 902-564-1039
Contact: Bradley Latham
E-Mail: bradleylatham@syd.eastlink.ca
CALDWELL MANUFACTURING CO.
P.O.Box 92891, Rochester, NY, 14692-8991
Tel: 585-352-2810
Fax: 585-352-3729
Contact: John Kessler
E-Mail: bbumpus@caldwellmfgco.com
CAN-BEST TESTING AND SIMULATION LABORATORIES
38 Regan Road, Unit 4, Brampton, ON, L7A 1C6
Tel: 905-840-2014
Fax: 905-840-0847
Contact: Elie Alkhoury
E-Mail: elie@can-best.com
CANADA WINDOWS & DOORS
1634 Charles Street, Whitby, ON, L1N 1B9
Tel: 905-665-1506
Fax: 905-665-9381
Contact: Isabel Mendicino
E-Mail: isabeln@canwindows.com
MEMBERDIRECTORY
CARDINAL IG COMPANY LTD.
3200 East McSwain Drive, Fremont, IN, 46737
Tel: 1800-684-6088
Fax: 260-495-9935
Contact: Jim Devaney
E-Mail: jdevaney@cardinalcorp.com
CASA BELLA WINDOWS INC.
7630 Airport Road, Mississauga, ON, L4T 4G6
Tel: 416-650-1033
Fax: 416-650-5580
E-Mail: info@casabellawindows.ca
Website: www.casabellawindows.ca
CENTENNIAL WINDOWS & DOORS
687 Sovereign Road, London, ON, N5V 4K8
Tel: 519-451-0508
Fax: 519-451-8582
Contact: George Warren
E-Mail: george.warren@centennialwindows.com
COLLINS-TOKER AGENCIES LTD
11-4788 57th Street, Delta, BC, V4K 3C9
Tel: 250-768-8221
Fax: 250-768-8234
Contact: Roland Toker
E-Mail: rjtoker@aol.com
COSSINS WINDOWS CANADA LTD
2908 - 18th Street N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 7B1
Tel: 403-291-3960
Fax: 403-291-3961
Contact: Bob Wopnford
E-Mail: cossins@cossins.com
CSA INTERNATIONAL
5060 Spectrum Way, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5N6
Tel: 416-474-2470
Fax: 416-747-2473
Contact: Vanessa Mitchell
E-Mail: venessa.mitchell@csa.ca
CSKY WINDOWS LTD
1-224 Cayer Street, Coquitlam, BC, V3K 5B1
Tel: 604-759-2759
Fax: 604-759-2758
Contact: Jeffrey Wu
E-Mail: jeff@csky.ca
CUSTOM WINDOW DESIGNS
3495 Laird Road, Unit # 1, Mississauga, ON, L5L 5S5
Tel: 905-569-1329
Fax: 905-569-1259
Contact: Peter Petrovski
E-Mail: peterp@customwindowdesigns.ca
DALMEN PRODUCTS LTD
5630 Country Road 9, St. Isidore, ON, K0C 2B0
Tel: 613-524-2268
Fax: 613-524-3070
Contact: Jacques Ménard
E-Mail: dalmen@hmnet.net
DALTON TIMMINS INSURANCE
35 Stone Church Rd., Ancaster, ON, L9K 1S5
Tel: 905-304-2355
Fax: 905-648-9295
E-Mail: michaeld@daltontimmins.com
DAN DARCY & ASSOCIATES INC.
46 Diana Grace Avenue, Dartmouth, NS, B2W 6A2
Tel: 902-462-6114
Fax: 902-462-6118
Contact: Dan Darcy
E-Mail: dandarcy@accesswave.ca
DE-MAR WINDOW HARDWARE INC.
128 Adesso Drive, Unit #1, Concord, ON, L4K 3C3
Tel: 905-532-0070
Fax: 905-532-0077
Contact: Marcello Demarco
E-Mail: info@demar.ca
DELOR WINDOWS INCORPORATED
185 Trowers Road, Unit 7&8, Woodbridge, ON, L4L 5Z5
1600 Aspen Commons, Suite 500, Middleton, WI, 53562
Tel: 608-664-9292
Fax: 608-664-9295
Contact: Kari Tamminga
E-Mail: contactus@wtsparadigm.com
Website: www.wtsparadigm.com
VANTASTIC
A glut of new commercial van models gives window and door dealers more options than ever.
Window and door dealers and contractors using commercial vans to ship your products and installation teams, listen up; this is the year that your model landscape changes forever.
by HOWARD J. ELMER
Not only are there more new models available than ever before, but many of them are sourced in Europe and will be available with small diesel engines. This is a huge market shift – one that is long overdue. Its best result for you, the van buyer, will be sharper prices on better product.
But, I am not talking about just the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which did lead the way for European imports. This year Ford follows suit with its full-size Transit and Chrysler is bringing the Fiat Ducato here as the new Ram ProMaster. For a market that traditionally changes little, this is a big shift.
It all started with Mercedes. They offered their Sprinter to Dodge when Daimler and Chrysler were working through their ill-fated merger. Once that went south, Dodge lost Sprinter - a financial blow, certainly. Now with a new dance partner in Fiat, they are once again importing not one but eventually two sizes of commercial vans to the North American market.
This is the strategy that Ford had already adopted with the importation of its Transit Connect van. This vehicle’s big brother is the Transit and it is now being built in Kansas City. It will offer the EcoBoost V6 engine but also a South African built 3.2L diesel.
These product moves herald an interesting time in commercial van production in our hemisphere. All the vehicles mentioned already exist in other parts of the world and in those places are already competitors in a very healthy and profitable market. Now that competition is being brought to Canada.
For Mercedes the “why” is simple: money. Its vans are leaders in Europe with about an 18 per cent share of the total market. This range includes the Sprinter, but also the midsize Vito
and the smallest, Vario, a van very much build in the same class as the Ford Transit Connect. These last two are what Mercedes is saying it will be bringing to Canada to rounding out its van offerings.
Also on the lighter side this year, Nissan’s NV200 comes on line to confront the Ford Transit Connect and the Ram Cargo Van (Caravan). In addition both Mercedes and Chrysler say they will each bring at least one more smaller European-sourced van into this market by year’s end.
2013 FORD TRANSIT
The full-size Ford Transit has been a staple in Europe for well over a decade, now we get it here. The body is supported by a unibody chassis and is available in two wheelbases (129.9 or 147.6 inches), single or dual rear wheels and three roof heights (83.2, 100.8 or 110.2 inches). The engine is front-mounted and it is a rear wheel drive setup. Cargo volumes will range from 250 to almost 500 cubic feet.
This will be the first time Ford has offered a small diesel in its North America product, however they will also offer two gas engine options. All three will come with the same transmission: a six-speed automatic. The 3.7L V6 will also be
photo credit: Ford
offered with a LPG or LNG prep kit. Ford has not released the weight capacities for the various size Transits yet.
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE
3.7L V6 (base)
3.5L EcoBoost V6
3.2L Power Stroke diesel
POWER (HP/TORQUE) N/A
MAX. PAYLOAD N/A
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 500 cubic feet max.
DOOR OPENING Rear height
CARGO SPACE DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Height: 81.5 inches max.
Width: 69.8 inches
Length: 171.5 inches
Length: 266.1 inches max.
Width: 82 inches
2014 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT
This small van has built itself a nice niche over the past four years with a personal-use wagon; commercial versions and even an all-electric van. For 2014 it is updated substantially. It gets two new engines, will now tow (this was not an option before) and offers even more trim packages. It can be ordered with second-row seating, offers options like a rear view camera, 6.5-inch touch screen display with navigation, and Sync with MyFord Touch.
It will be available late this year.
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE
2.5L I-4
1.6L EcoBoost I-4
POWER (HP/TORQUE) N/A
MAX. PAYLOAD 1,600 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 2,000 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 130 cubic feet
DOOR OPENING Rear height: 52.1 inches
CARGO SPACE
DIMENSIONS
Height: 59.1 inches
Width: 48.1 inches
Length: 72.6 inches
DIMENSIONS 189.7 inches
Width: 70.7 inches
2013 FORD E-SERIES CUTAWAY VANS
After 61 years the E-series van has been retired. The full-size Transit replaces it, however for the time being the E-350/E-450 Cutaway E-series vans remain. For many upfitter applications these veteran trucks continue to be good performers and Ford will continue to offer them.
WHEELBASE 138 or 178 inches
CAB STYLE Van, cutaway
ENGINE SIZE 5.4L V8, 6.8L V10
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 255/350, 305/420
MAX. PAYLOAD N/A
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 10,000 lb.
2013 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 1500 TO 3500
Mercedes continues to push its Sprinter into the Canadian commercial market with offers of multiple models, bus-style versions and cutaways that the RV market has jumped on. In an effort to show buyers how tough their truck is they put on a torture drive from Edmonton to north of the Arctic Circle. I drove a Sprinter in Alaska in January in temperatures down to -48 C. My unit had a diesel preheater, auxiliary heater and heated mirrors. It needed them and they all worked well. Sprinter offers the most standard safety systems with Adaptive ESP, skid control, roll-over trailer stability, understeer control, load adaptive control, Advanced ABS, brake force and brake wipe.
photo credit: Ford
photo credit: Ford
photo credit: Howard J. Elmer
FEATURE
WHEELBASE 144 or 170 inches
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE 3L V6 turbodiesel
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 188/325
MAX. PAYLOAD 5,375 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 5,000 or 7,500 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 547 cubic feet
DOOR OPENING Side sliding door 51.2 inches, rear height
CARGO SPACE
DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Height: 65 inches standard roof and 76.4 inches high-roof
Width: 53.1 inches between wheel arches
Length: N/A
Length: 289 inches
Width: 79.3 inches
2014 RAM PROMASTER
Based on the Fiat Ducato (one of the most successful commercial vans in Europe) the new Ram ProMaster will sport two roof heights (either 90 or 101 inches), three wheelbases and four body lengths. It will have diesel and gas engines. Where it differs from the others is in its FWD propulsion. Either motor will use a six-speed automatic transmission. Because of its FWD setup it has very low step-in height and great space offerings. It will be on sale soon.
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 280 hp / 260 foot pounds 174 hp / 295 foot pounds
MAX. PAYLOAD 5,291 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 5,090 lb.
VAN INTERIOR N/A
DOOR OPENING N/A Rear height
CARGO SPACE
DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Height: N/A
Width: N/A
Length: N/A
Length: 195 to 250 inches
Width: 82.7 inches
RAM CARGO VAN
The cargo version of the Caravan has been a Chrysler staple now for over a decade. It’s available again this year without changes.
WHEELBASE 121.2 inches
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE 3.6L V6
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 283/260
MAX. PAYLOAD 1,800 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 3,600 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 144.4 cubic feet
DOOR OPENING N/A Rear height
CARGO SPACE DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Height: 48.2 inches
Width: 49.03 inches
Length: N/A
Length: 202.8 inches
Width: 78.7 inches
The Chevy Express Van is the last of the Detroit old-school vans standing. I would expect GM to change its offerings soon, but not this year it seems. With the intense new competition it is possible that they will slash prices, otherwise things remain the same for Express with the exception of a new a rear vision camera, rear park assist and a navigation/ radio combination.
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 195/260, 280/295, 310/334, 324/373, 260/525
MAX. PAYLOAD 2,287 to 4,187 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 6,700 to 10,000 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 239.7 to 319.9 cubic feet
DOOR OPENING Rear height
CARGO SPACE DIMENSIONS
DIMENSIONS
Height: 52.9 inches
Width: 52.7 inches between the wheel wells
Length: 124 to 155 inches
Length: 224 to 239 inches
Width: 79.4 inches
2013 NISSAN NV1500 TO NV3500
2013 NISSAN NV200
Nissan has recognized that a North American market of over 200,000 commercial van units sold each year is very worthwhile to be involved in. For that reason its American built NV was launched just two years ago and is working at building market share. Its entry into the commercial van market has offered a broader choice to buyers and its design and options are well suited to its purpose. Its design uses many European cues and as such is competitive with the new imports.
WHEELBASE 146.1 inches
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE 4L V6, 5.6L V8
POWER (HP/TORQUE) 261/281, 317/385
MAX. PAYLOAD 3,858 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY 9,000 lb.
VAN INTERIOR 234.1 cubic feet (standard) 323.1 cubic feet (high-roof)
The newest compact cargo van – the Nissan NV200 – is the little brother to the full-size NV that started selling across North America two years ago. This smaller NV200 is set to battle the popular Ford Transit Connect van. It will arrive late this year. This smaller size should make it maneuverable in city traffic, yet it will still fit a standard sized pallet between the wheelhouses, Nissan says. Suspension is independent struts and stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear. The front disc and rear drum brakes offer ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) standard. The NV200 has dual sliding side doors, tall 40/60 split rear doors (that open to 90 and 180 degrees), a low floor and tall interior cargo height. Driver conveniences include a six-way driver seat, a mobile office with a centre console space for laptops and hanging files, a pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cup holders. Also the passenger seat folds down to serve as a flat worktable.
WHEELBASE 1115.2 inches
CAB STYLE Van
ENGINE SIZE 2L I-4
POWER (HP/TORQUE) N/A
MAX. PAYLOAD 1,500 lb.
MAX. TOWING CAPACITY N/A
VAN INTERIOR N/A
DOOR OPENING Rear width
CARGO SPACE DIMENSIONS N/A DIMENSIONS Length: 186.2 inches
photo credit: Nissan
BUILDING THE PERFECT SYSTEM
Duxton Windows and Doors integrates sales, production.
Enterprise software suites are a dime a dozen, and many have the ability to take orders from a sales force seamlessly into production.
by PATRICK FLANNERY
By working closely with Windowmaker, Duxton has been able to get several fenestrationspecific elements added to its system. Owner Al Dueck is especially happy with the system’s ability to handle swinging door applications.
But the devil is always in the details. Finding a product that meets the specific needs of your shop’s distribution channel and product mix can be a challenge, especially since the failings of an enterprise system usually only become evident once the system is installed and your staff is attempting to use it. The key to getting your system just right is finding a software company that is willing to work with you to customize its product. Here’s a look at what one window and door manufacturer was able to accom-
plish through long-term collaboration with Windowmaker, a British software developer. This fibreglass fabricator was able to work with its software supplier to create a system purpose-built for the window and door industry. Duxton owner Al Dueck says he is seeing enormous benefits to his distributors and staff. The ever-evolving fenestration industry is in need of cleaner, better and faster pricing and production solutions. Windowmaker’s collaboration with Duxton has resulted in
an extensive array of door and window pricing available online. Completed quotes can be taken seamlessly into a production file to reduce the potential for errors as well as to expedite the process.
Part of the new capabilities includes the Virtual Duxton Network that provides licensed, off-site Duxton distributors with the ability to access the pricing system at any time of day. When the proposal is complete, the distributor simply confirms the order and the Duxton team can process it immediately, making use of a wide range of options. Security was a top concern from the start of the project, so Duxton and Windowmaker settled on a closed-network architecture to allow distributors and off-site sales personnel to access the pricing system. The administrator controls access by licensing each user and thereby limiting the number of users that have access to the system. That system is also firewalled from the company’s internal operating system, protecting it from hacks.
A common-sense set of drop-down menus allows a considerable range of colour, perimeter, jamb extension, glazing and even door insert options to be selected. “We firmly believe that easier access to pricing will be an important factor,” Dueck says. “Windowmaker technology is helping our staff to process orders much more effectively, all the way from pricing through production and shipping.”
A special team of internal and external experts spent about three months adding important structural components to the system. This was followed by some considerable additional effort in adding the ability to customize a wide range of door inserts plus high-performance glass (up to triple film/quad cavity R20 COG) and finish options. A major addition was the capability to quote swinging door systems.
Finally, Duxton’s computer systems team, in conjunction with Windowmaker resources, created the unique VDN system. Remote access has allowed ongoing experimentation and actual quoting for the past year as the system’s effectiveness steadily advances.
Dueck says improving the speed and efficiency of communication were the main drivers of the software development initiative. Being able to get pricing online at any time was obviously faster than calling for quotes, but uploading reams of pricing and product data was a daunting task. Still, he felt it was worth it in order to give his distributors quicker service and thereby gain some efficiencies throughout the quoting and order-processing system. Now, Duxton distributors are able to work out their own pricing and even release orders to production in a seamless and paperless process. Duxton and Windowmaker were able to engage some of Duxton’s door panel and insert suppliers directly into the process, allowing for even more automation and some wonderful efficiencies in communication, pricing and selling all the way to retail.
A powerful element of the process is the almost unlimited array of options available to quote. The ability to gain access to a more complete package and to browse accessories in 21 colours can be a real competitive advantage. Add to that having some reasonably accurate drawings combined with a comprehensive specification and component breakout directly on the estimate, and distributors are empowered to leverage every-
thing the fabricator can do into new sales.
Some of the system remains under development, and will be part of a continuous improvement process going forward. There is still work to be done to give the system even more comprehensive capabilities, for instance, such options as specifying ultra-high performance glass, panning accessories, the full range of swinging doors and some custom colour capabilities. “There are always further steps to go,” Dueck admits, “but we realistically set objectives to get us to better than 80 per cent pricing capabilities and we have done that.”
Dueck says developing the improved system was not so much a need as an opportunity created by advances in technology and its penetration into the industry. “We are seeing a larger array of participants with the capabilities to use this technology,” Dueck explains, “be they smaller or larger operations, final sale distributors or suppliers. Greater use of technology may address some of the comments I have heard about Canadian industry needing to become more effective at efficiency gains. Things such as order re-entry create a number of challenges including more people power needed as well as additional opportunities for errors to happen.” General familiarity with computers and networks has contributed to the timing, as well. “People are considerably more familiar with concepts such as turning text into a PDF document which can then easily by sent out by e-mail, paperless and quickly,” Dueck says.
Top suppliers are pushing the envelope with innovative products for window and door producers.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
SMOOTH-ROLLING PATIO DOOR
8 www.evw.ca
The Euro 2200 uPVC sliding door development entailed a focus on meeting current and upcoming thermal performance, added security and refined details. This evolved system was executed by the engineers and product developers from Rehau Industries. Attractive welded sashes and mitred interior glazing stops were designed to accommodate triple-pane glass in a full 1 3/8-inch glazing package, providing a U-factor down to 0.17. The interior sash detail houses a double-walled galvanized steel reinforcement to ensure superior structural stability. With the weight of the glass, heavy walled uPVC extrusion and steel reinforcing, a highperformance roller system was required. The solution was a custom-engineered nylon roller set, which were incorporated for long lasting, exceptionally smooth and
silent operation. These rollers by Truth Hardware were designed to carry 440 lbs., operating sashes with minimal pull-force. To ensure a tight and secure closed position, the Euro 2200 system comes armed with a stainless steel three-point locking system, which surpasses the AAMA forced entry requirements by exceeding 3,000 lbs. of locking force. Combining these details with refined finishes, such as the lowprofile aluminum capped sill, 2200 Series transom and sidelight details, sound abatement glazing, and full brickmould and jamb extension options, the Euro 2200 sliding door is an elegant solution for homes and commercial projects across Canada and the United States.
AFFORDABLE IG AUTOMATION
8 www.erdmanautomation.com
Erdman Automation, a world leader in the manufacturing of equipment for the application of sealants to residential windows and
curtainwall for the last 20 years, began its entrance into the insulating glass market five years ago. Along with manufacturing full horizontal and vertical production lines for IG production, Erdman has introduced several new levels of automation to the manufacturing of insulated glass that now make it possible for small to mid-size companies to produce their own high quality insulated glass. Erdman unveiled its new 400 series IG line at the 2012 GlassBuild in Las Vegas and at Win-Door in Toronto. The new 400 series line can produce 400 residential IG units in an eight-hour shift with two people. The line includes an automated flexible spacer applicator, a grid application/ manual topping station, a roll press, a gas fill station and an automated secondary sealant application station. With the modular design of the line, the customer can choose from different levels of automation in each position and put together a line that will fit the production needs and price point. An additional benefit of this line is that the window manufacturer could start with one piece of equipment and build the line over time as production needs
and business grows. Erdman Automation’s primary manufacturing facility is in Princeton, Minn. It offers complete ongoing sales and service support to customers.
LOUVRED SKYLIGHT SYSTEM
8 www.bellafleur.com
Bella Fleur Corporation, with Truth Hardware, launches BellaBlades Plus LouverLock: the first translucent and water-resistant, 160-degree adjustable louvre system. This louvre system is easy to install, and easy to operate. Bella Fleur set out to create EnsoGlass, a non-laminated and translucent material solution for interior and exterior applications. Over 100 times stronger than conventional glass, EnsoGlass
encapsulates organic material, and even solar reflecting fabrics. “EnsoGlass surpasses canvas awnings, plastic covers, aluminum louvres, and other outdoor canopy materials in form, function, and beauty,” says Jesse Villarreal Jr., president of Bella Fleur. “We are excited to offer a completely new and innovative weather and shade canopy system using EnsoGlass as louvres in our new product, BellaBlades Plus LouverLock.” Built in partnership with Truth Hardware, BellaBlades Plus LouverLock create a dramatic effect in outdoor living environments. With complete sun and shade control, valuable living and retail space can now be used with natural light and sun and rain protection. The louvres close flat and create a water-
resistant seal that provides great rain protection while allowing light. The Dual-Rail hardware allows the preassembled louvre system to slide easily into the installed guide rails. The system withstands up to 120 mph winds and a 50-pounds-persquare-foot snow load.
VERSATILE SEALANT
8 www.crlaurence.ca
CRL RTV408 Silicone is a neutral cure, medium modulus, 100 per cent silicone sealant that cures to a tough, flexible rubber when exposed to moisture. RTV408 features primerless adhesion to glass, insulating glass, most reflective glasses, aluminum, stainless steel,
USA Headquarters: 1814 N. Neville St. Orange, CA 92865
Tel: 1-866-903-8800
Fax: 1-866-302-8899
chromium, tin, iron, plastic, rigid PVC, ceramic, and phenolic resin. Its fast cure time and easy tooling make it ideal for many applications, and it is non-corrosive to such building materials as vinyl, steel, aluminum doors and windows, and skylights. It does not cause corrosion when it comes into contact with metals, and is suitable for alkaline materials such as mortar and cement. It remains flexible and is resistant to cracking or becoming brittle in a wide range of temperatures approximately from -54 to 204 C. Plastic cartridges help preserve shelf life, and have reusable nozzles. The 305 ml cartridges are packed 30 per case, 1,440 per pallet. Colours are clear, white, black, aluminum, bronze, tan, beige, and dark tan.
DURABLE SNIPS
8 www.milwaukeetool.com
Milwaukee Tool continues to expand its hand tool offering with the introduction of six new snips that are made with corrosion resistant metal to protect the tools from rust and deliver 10 times longer life than the competition. “Not only do the new snips provide bestin-class durability, they are also designed to uphold the highest level of ease of use and safety,” says Tim Albrecht, director of product marketing for hand tools. “An exclusive spring and lock mechanism allows the user to open and close the snips with one hand, while thumb
A Progressive Composition
Early trumpets evolved from a simple signaling device to the versatile, modern instrument of today. In a similar way, SKYREACH is continually evolving to meet the needs of customers and partners. Offering innovative products along with unwavering, steadfast service, results in a well orchestrated composition built on passion and ingenuity.
With two SKYREACH locations in Vaughan, Ontario, plants in Los Angeles and Chicago, along with additional offshore capacity, SKYREACH is well equipped for the production of standard open die or custom profile window systems. Additional plants scheduled to open in New York, and Dallas reinforce the SKYREACH commitment to meet your fabrication demands.
SKYREACH introduces new additions to its product line Learn more about the Boulevard Patio Door and the SGI-005 Heritage Window Series. Offer style and durability with SKYREACH as your progressive and evolving partner.
Call 1-866-903-8800 for more information or visit: www.skyreachls.com
and forefinger slots allow the user to push through sheet metal with ease. Additionally, the cutter heads feature subflush bolts to prevent the tool from getting hung up on sheet metal while cutting.”
Backed by Milwaukee’s limited lifetime warranty, each of the new tools is made with forged metal heads and machined precision for maximum tool strength and durability. Forged heads provide up to 10 times the life of comparable cast heads. Durable rubber grips add comfort and help protect the tool. Available in multiple options for varying applications and user preference, the new offering includes straight-cutting aviation snips, left-cutting aviation snips, right-cutting aviation snips, straightcutting bulldog snips, rightcutting right angle snips and left-cutting right angle snips.
SAFETY FOR HINGED WINDOWS
8 www.truth.com
Truth Hardware’s SafeGard System window-opening control device addresses an important subject among window manufacturers and onward through to builders, contractors, and homeowners. In today’s building projects, it is critical to balance the safe and secure operation of a window that has safeguards in place to help control its opening so as to prevent accidental falls, with ease of opening for egress purposes in case
of an emergency. While components have been introduced previously for hung/sliding windows, it was not until now that a reliable engineered solution for the hinged window market has become available. Truth Hardware’s new SafeGard window opening control device is that product. SafeGard is a reliable, easy-to-install and easy-to-operate solution that meets today’s more stringent safety requirements, such as ASTM F2090-10.
WOOD WRAPS
8 www.renolit.com
American Renolit Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high quality decorative and performance films, offers Exofol MLA as a leading edge finish for building components. Renolit’s Exofol MLA is a film that is laminated to wood building products for such interior or exterior applications as door jambs, windows and jamb extensions. MLA is available in a number of shades of white, including custom matches. It is completely paintable. MLA can be painted when new or later on. This is a great feature for homeowners; if they want to change the colour of their doors, the jambs can easily be painted to match. MLA is available in a full range of thicknesses. The thickness of the product provides excellent durability through its full life from processing and transportation to install
and then for the homeowner. The heft of MLA also masks joints and other imperfections in the substrates and allows manufactures to reduce cost by using MDF or finger jointed products instead of solid wood. The performance and stability of MLA comes from its unique formulation that includes special pigments, UV and heat stabilizers and impact modifiers. This allows MLA to stand up to the elements and maintain its colour. Extensive outdoor and accelerated testing has proven MLA to be a much better solution than primed and painted wood parts as there is never a need to maintain or repaint. MLA helps extend substrate life by sealing the product and preventing moisture penetration. The film is available in a variety of embossed surface finishes that add a rich look and provide excellent scratch resistance. After the film is applied, parts can be machined the same as raw wood for hardware or other processing.
REMOTE SMART LOCKS
8 www.unikey.com
The homeowner’s smart phone becomes a key with the Unikey lock system. The phone does not even need to be removed from pocket or purse; it is as simple as walking up, touching the lock, and walking in. Friends or family coming to town? Visitor arrived early? Need to provide access to a contractor? The user can send a one-time, extended, or permanent-use key code
as easily as sending a text message, and revoke the key just as quickly. Forgot whether you locked your door? Owners can fully control locks remotely with the UniKey app. If a new device is purchased, users simply reset the lock and pair the new phone or fob. The UniKey lock can alert the user when the lock is used and can record who uses their key. UniKey locks do not use the house power. In the event of a power outage, they continue to work. Unilock locks can still be operated with an old-fashioned key.
CNC CORNER CLEANING
8 www.u-r-b-a-n.com
The SV 840/X CNC controlled double-head corner cleaning machine from Urban guarantees a clean and rational processing of vinyl window frames. Due to the turnable tools, a turning of the frame is no longer necessary and the dynamic of the machine remains stable. The sophisticated arrangement of the processing tools as well as the software-controlled parallel operation up to the indicated minimum measure provides for extremely short cycle times. The standard integrated three-dimensional operation method of seven or 13 electronically positioned AC-servo axes also guarantees flexibility and rationality. The machine is controlled using a freely programmable CNC-controller that features production recording and optional profile
identification with available online connection to other machines or processing steps. Interfaces to front or back machines or PC units are included as standard. Standard tool equipment consists of four cutting or grooving knife units, four inside grooving knife units, four drill/cutting units and two disc cutters. Various special tools are available as options and offer a variety of processing possibilities: vertical/horizontal knife cutting, inside grooving for inclined inside corners, rounding outside corners with different wide frame and overlap-sashes, drilling corner brackets and more. The special clamping and centering system of the SV 840/X allows the processing of V or trapeze transom weldings in one processing step. In addition to that, the special catch function allows fast reclamping from the frame top to the frame bottom. A wide variety of automation options allows ideal adjustment and integration of the machine to all production needs.
SINGLE-SOURCE SUPPLIER
8 www.fenzigroup.com Fenzi North America has added to its product base with the addition of Fenzi Hotver 2000, a one-part hot-melt butyl, specially formulated to give IGUs the best mechanical properties to last the longest in the field. A mixture of butyl rubbers and synthetic polymers, the
product runs on standard hotmelt pumping equipment. Fenzi Hotver 2000 provides one of the lowest MVTR ratings on the market and is proven to meet the demands of EN1279 and ASTM 2190 testing. Fenzi’s HM Butyl will provide faster flow rates and reduced application temperatures compared to other HM materials. To help fabricators meet increasingly stringent energy codes, Fenzi offers its line of warm-edge spacers, the Roll Tech Chromatech Ultra and Chromatech Stainless Steel with superior U-factor and improved sightline temperatures. Combined with Fenzi Thiover polysulphide, Fenzi Molver 3A desiccant, Fenzi Butylver PIB and Alu Pro aluminum spacer profiles, Fenzi North America continues to be a singlesource supplier for all IG component needs.
JOBSITE QUOTING APP
8 www.windowmaker.com
Fabricators and dealers alike should have good cause to be excited about the latest product offering from Windowmaker Software, as the company re-confirms its commitment to the on-going development of features that add real value to its software for the fenestration industry. Windowmaker Measure is an app for tablets and smartphones that enables a salesperson or surveyor to capture photos, dimensions, text and voice annotations for each hole in the wall. The details can be sent by the
user via email for processing manually, or alternatively transfered directly into Windowmaker. An important and significant feature of Windowmaker Measure is its ability to capture dimensions which are in awkward positions and which would normally make them difficult and time-consuming to measure. WIndowmaker Measure will ensure that the surveyor’s job becomes quicker and easier with survey details being captured more accurately. It will save time as it replaces the use of paper based survey forms, and the survey details can then be transferred to head office with the press of a button. The app, although currently at the beta testing stage, is being enhanced to include even more useful features that will include new shapes, bay geometry, and dimensioning via the inclusion of a standard reference object in the photo (e.g. an A4 or letter-sized sheet of paper).
MITRED AND PIN-LESS
8 www.evw.ca
The new Prestige pinless screen for casements and awning from Euro Vinyl is designed to blend in with the welded corner of the window. This new screen incorporates pressure-mount pins hidden within the screen bar. With its clean fit and finish, it is everything you want in a screen. The Prestige features a 45 degree mitred corner using heavy-gauge extruded aluminium screen with no visible pins. An internal spring and pin system applies pressure for mount application. All Euro Vinyl orders are now supplied
with this new screen detail, which replaces the previous screen bar with pins.
DYNAMIC FILM
Pleotint’s Suntuitive interlayer is designed to maximize views, natural lighting, and indoor comfort by blocking direct sunlight, heat generated from sunlight, glare, and ultraviolet light without blinds or shades. When paired with low-e glass in an insulated glass, it also provides significant energy savings. The installation of windows with the Suntuitive interlayer is no different than traditional window systems. In a recent demonstration project, IGUs made with Suntuitive provided visible light transmittance of up to 37 per cent in a clear state, a solar heat gain coefficient as low as .11 in a darkened state, and a winter U-value of .22 or lower. Enhanced by the Suntuitive interlayer’s ability to adapt to changing temperature and sunlight conditions, the windows are expected to yield energy savings of at least 20 per cent over conventional windows, according to energy modeling projections completed by the Creative Research Lab at Montana State University. The Suntuitive interlayer also is more reliable than other dynamic glazing systems because it requires no mechanical or electrical intervention, which eliminates the threat of failure caused by faulty wiring, poor electrical connections, broken circuits or temperamental computer systems.
GETTING LEAN
Engage for success
Lean works, but only when employees buy in.
by David Peters
Like many industries in the manufacturing sector, the glass and window industry has its fair share of challenges. But in the window and door sector, the challenges seem much more pronounced than in other sectors. Many companies face the dilemma of a skilled worker shortage. This problem is often combined with tight production schedules and a lack of available resources. Companies often cannot afford the time necessary to develop the skills that are so desperately needed to help them remain competitive. This challenge is further exacerbated by a highly educated consumer who can pre-shop online, looking for the highest quality at the lowest price, creating demands that can only be met by a well-oiled manufacturing machine that can adjust to changing conditions on a dime. Moving to Lean manufacturing processes is a common response to these challenges.
Any search across the Internet will provide numerous examples of Lean failures. Many of the recipients of Lean’s most prestigious prize, the Shingo Award, have since fallen backwards in their Lean efforts since receiving the award. Often, a failure to properly engage employees in Lean processes is at the heart of these disappointments.
When employees are confused about Lean and how it will affect them, it leads to fear and resistance to change. If they feel it is about chopping jobs, they will put up unnecessary roadblocks that can make it difficult to reach your goals. In organizations that choose to involve the workforce at all levels, from the CEO to the shop floor, there is a dramatic difference. Educated employees become excited about new opportunities to improve company. They begin to thrive on the challenges put before them and they become a solution-creation workforce. If implementing a Lean tool, never mind an entire system, is seen by the workforce as costing more effort than the value it delivers, it will fail.
Take the case of a large window manufacturer
in Canada that we have worked with. They were struggling to produce a value-priced builder line of windows with consistency and profitability. In the initial state window components were produced in batches, put into racks and waited to be moved to the next process. The percep tion was that they could never achieve one piece flow or a set time to produce a window. Workers felt that they were doing their best and working hard to make things happen. When the concept of Lean was introduced the plan was to ensure everyone was engaged and given oppor tunity to help with the improvement process. At the beginning the project was met with scepti cism and fear but as workers saw their ideas for improvement come to fruition they began to engage further. Three months later the team had achieved more than they set out to. A dra matic 45 per cent improvement in productivity, better flow, improved quality and a consistent workload made for an extremely happy and engaged workforce along with a line of windows now generating profits.
Management has the opportunity to take a leadership role in creating the atmosphere and conditions to ensure success by engaging employees in the process and implementation of change. People in the business become better prepared and able to meet the new challenges that lie ahead. A company’s internal leadership must not rely solely on a Lean consultant to implement Lean. Their role is in the training, guidance and assistance of organizations. The leadership must own the process and the decisions made regarding the Lean implementation. By making the decision to involve employees at every stage, companies create the highest potential to reach their goals.
Dave Peters is a change management and Lean consultant working with manufacturers across North America for over 15 years. He can be reached at dpeters@acminc.net or 1-905-327-6100.
