Starting in the 1940s, the idea for artificial intelligence lingered in laboratories and on the fringes of society for decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, development of machine learning techniques showed glimmers of hope for the technology’s potential, sparking a heightened period of development in the 2000s. Soon, AI became part of our day-to-day lives—most […]

A year or two ago, buying doors and windows was all about availability. Due to insane levels of marketplace demand coupled with supply chain issues, lead times were stretched out to six to 12 months. Selling fenestration products was all about availability. If your lead time was faster, you could easily prevail over your competition […]

Forbes has released its sixth annual World’s Best Employers for 2022 and several glass, glazing and fenestration companies made the list. The winners were chosen based on an independent survey by Statista Inc. Statista polled 150,000 full- and part-time workers across 57 countries about their employment experience, including working conditions, salary, the potential for growth, […]

It may not be a surprise to many but the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudySM confirms that adding a personalized touch to the patio door and window purchasing experience—from the product and shopping to delivery and installation—will provide the differentiation manufacturers and retailers need to set themselves apart from the […]

As with any trade show taking place amid COVID-19, or at any time for that matter, it’s hard to predict what attendance numbers will look like. But one thing is certain: show organizers and exhibitors are ready to come back after an online-only event in 2021. Despite the circumstances, the International Builders’ Show returns to […]

More than 50 years ago today, 20 million Americans took to the streets, across college campuses and hundreds of cities, “to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward,” say officials for earthday.org. The activities of that day helped to spur the passage of new environmental laws in the U.S., they say, including the […]

Soft Tech has named Jim McCord its business development manager, based in Pennsylvania. McCord began his career in the building materials industry right after graduating college. During this time, he gravitated toward the fenestration industry, selling industry names such as Andersen, Marvin and Loewen. In 2007, McCord made the switch to manufacturing when he accepted […]

Most of the largest door and window manufacturers participate in the International Builders’ Show (IBS) each year to introduce their latest products. This year was no different. Among those introductions, several themes emerged—from doors and windows getting bigger (even bigger than in the past, if you can believe it) to a focus on making things […]

As a shortage of skilled labor reinforces the need for early development through career and technical education, a Texas-based grassroots program is adding its contributions. Richard Laughlin, president and owner of Laughlin Home and Restoration, started Casa Über Alles, a program that aims to help worker deficits—including in door and window manufacturing and installation. The […]

Officials from Renewal by Andersen (a subsidiary of Andersen Corp.) are seeking support from government leaders in Cottage Grove, Minn., as they look to expand the company’s existing manufacturing operation by 350,000 square feet, adding 125 new jobs in the process. The three-year plan includes the potential for yet another expansion in the near future, […]