The benefits of screen automation in the window industry have grown rapidly in the past five years, partly because of the labor shortage, and in part because of natural progressions in technology.
Of course, there is still human labor needed, but automation lends improvements and affordability a lot of manufacturers cannot pass up. Automation matters in the window and door industry for energy efficiency-windows that require up to three lites of glass call for hardware that is precise and can handle the extra weight, which results in increased safety for the windows and makes the windows sturdier and more resistant to the elements.
Lean manufacturing is a natural progression in the fenestration industry because of both the labor shortage and the need to keep up with the “smart home” trend that many homeowners want to take part in. This, along with the minimalist trend that consumers are leaning towards, calls for both simplicity in design and high-performing technological advances.
With these benefits, traditionalists may be skeptical. However, manufacturers up to the end-user, benefit from the advancement of technologies available - the customer gets what they want, while the manufacturer no longer has to question if they can handle it or not.
Formtek’s Winpro Screen Express and Winpro Screen Express SS machines help your manufacturer save time and money. Any of these Winpro machines are a great investment and can help bridge the gap between the labor shortage and keeping up with current technological trends. By keeping the production line smooth-running and implementing cost savings, everyone wins. The slow transition to automation in fenestration is crucial to further advancement from manufacturer to end-user.