Windsor Expands Product Line and Automates Production
Windsor Windows & Doors of West Des Moines, Iowa, has made substantial investments in both its West Des Moines and Monroe, N.C. production facilities. The company has recently installed equipment used to make insulating glass, creating a new glazing system the company can call its own. The materials and machinery used in the glazing system will be used to produce some of Windsor's existing product lines, in addition to producing a brand new vinyl window. This enlarged vinyl offering will now include a professional grade window called Next Dimension Pro.
The West Des Moines facility's 100,000 square-foot expansion will house on-site
insulating glass making capabilities and the production of the newly-expanded
Next Dimension vinyl product line. This new vinyl product is aimed to appeal to
an even broader audience due to its custom extruded profile, which creates visual
dimension and attractive sightlines. Manufacturing in this new facility is anticipated
to begin in November 2006, the company reports.
"The I.G., combined with the precision of the fully automated vinyl manufacturing
line and the overall design of the new vinyl product will allow us to produce
an innovative product that will be second to none in the industry. This new product
will be attractive, easy to install and operate, require virtually no maintenance,
and have an outstanding value. We feel confident that it will be an ideal product
for the builder and the homeowner," said Tyler Roorda, vinyl production manager.
Windsor's manufacturing plant located in Monroe, N.C., has also installed this new I.G. equipment. The Legend Series is a cellular PVC window with the architectural accuracy and appearance of a traditional wood window, the company says.
Windsor says its glazing system is comprised of three components that make it superior to others in the industry. Cardinal Glass will produce the LoE2 glass that the I.G. will feature. LoE2 provides benefit to homeowners in all regions across the country. In warm climates, LoE2 keeps a home cool and comfortable by rejecting the sun's heat and damaging rays. In cool climates, LoE2 glass helps a home stay warm by reflecting heat back into the room.
The system will also utilize Edgetech's Super Spacer, along with a secondary seal of hot melt butyl, to seal the unit and keep moisture out. Super Spacer is 100 percent polymer foam that will reduce conduction, condensation and sound transmission. These factors result in more comfort and lower utility costs for the homeowner, according to the company.
The fully-automated Lisec equipment was selected by Windsor to create a unique insulating process. It automatically washes each piece of glass robotically, applies the Super Spacer, fills each LoE2 unit with argon gas and seals it to create an insulating barrier. From start to finish the I.G. comes into contact with three people or less. The robotic equipment provides an accurate and efficient material flow, the company says.
