The European window production chain – Guide for U.S. construction companies
Did you think that when you order Schüco windows from Europe, you buy them from Schüco? If so, be sure to read our article, because you are sorely mistaken.
When purchasing windows in the United States, it’s common to buy directly from the manufacturer, like getting Marvin windows from Marvin. However, the European model, particularly in Poland, operates differently. This is crucial for U.S. clients to understand to make informed business decisions.
In this article, you can read about:
- What is the difference between a system provider and a manufacturer?
- What does the assembly process of European windows look like?
- How do window production processes impact window quality?
- How do window production processes impact your business?
- How can debesto help you obtain quality windows safely and on time?
System providers vs. manufacturers: what’s the difference?
In Europe, a system provider such as Schüco provides the engineering, design, and framework – the conceptual foundation of the window. They are rarely the ones who assemble the final product.
This role is fulfilled by manufacturers who combine profiles, glass units, and hardware into the final window. It’s a common misconception that if you buy a window labeled “Schüco”, it’s produced by Schüco. This is not the case.
The assembly process of European windows
The creation of a window involves three key suppliers:
- the system provider (extrusion provider),
- the glass provider,
- and the hardware provider.
Window manufacturers assemble those components.
For instance, system providers like Schüco supply the profiles and design, while glass providers like Glass Solutions supply the glass units, and companies like Winkhaus provide the necessary hardware.
However, another manufacturer can assemble a window from Schüco’s extrusion, Pilkington glass, and ROTO hardware.
This means that each manufacturer produces a unique product that differs from the others, even if they have the same name “Schüco”.
System providers – what they do?
The system provider has engineers who invent the product. It is the system providers know how to create a specific profile with specific parameters. Typically, system providers do not sell the windows themselves but sell extrusions (profiles) to manufacturers. From those extrusions and other components, manufacturers assemble windows.
The manufacturer can also sell the windows of a system provider under a different brand name.
What does this mean for you? It’s a complication, because when looking for windows from a particular system provider, you may not know that they are also hidden under a different name. This further multiplies the number of options available!
Example system providers of aluminum windows and doors are:
Example system providers of uPVC windows and doors are:
Glass providers – what they do?
The supplier of insulated glass delivers these units to window manufacturers. However, the largest of these manufacturers have the capability to produce insulating glass units in-house, using raw glass obtained directly from glass factories.
Example glass providers are:
- Pilkington
- Glassolutions (Saint-Gobain)
- PressGlass
Hardware providers – what they do?
European hardware providers manufacture and supply window hardware to window manufacturers. They are important because they affect the ease of service and installation.
Examples of hardware manufacturers are:
- Siegenia
- Roto
- Winkhaus
How do window production processes impact window quality?
The components used to manufacture windows in Poland are of the highest quality, often reflecting advanced German technology, so you can be assured of their excellence.
However, there’s another aspect that deserves your attention. It’s the consistency of the manufacturing process. That means a window system from the same provider can vary in quality depending on the manufacturer’s technological capabilities and how well they manage production processes.
What does it matter to you?
Consider this: when ordering Schüco windows from two different factories, you might find that the final product quality varies. This discrepancy underscores the significance of a manufacturing process.
But this is not all. Poland has over 3,000 window manufacturers ranging from small family businesses to large factories. Each can assemble windows from different system providers, using different glass and hardware suppliers. Each has different machinery and production management.
Do you know which one is best for your project?
Windows of a given system provider from different factories have different quality
REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:
James ordered large windows Gealan 9000 directly from a certain manufacturer from Poland. After receiving the products it turned out that the window bends and does not hold the correct shape.
It emerged that the manufacturer did not use the amount of steel recommended for such a big sized window by the system provider.
Although James ordered windows from a respected system provider, he unknowingly chose an unreliable manufacturer.
After this bad experience, he approached us so that, thanks to our knowledge of the Polish windows and doors market, we could help him. We recommended for his project the optimal windows from a reliable manufacturer. If you want to avoid the same situation maybe we can help. You can check here the details how we work.
How do window production processes impact your business?
The fact that this window production chain is so complicated makes you likely to have business problems. Let’s take a look at the main aspects.
Why should you care about manufacturer’s technology?
Profiles (extrusions) supplied by system providers are usually of the same quality, however, manufacturers can produce different quality windows from them because they use different equipment during production.
Modern CNC machines vs old-fashioned equipment
For example, an automated modern machine park with CNC machines produces a window with an invisible accuracy of up to micrometers, while a manufacturer with old welding machines produces windows with an error of 2 mm.
Potential issues
Seemingly minor dimensional differences cause major issues on-site, complicating installation, leading to potential window damage, and prompting complaints. Visual imperfections, such as unevenness and gaps, will also disappoint your investor.
Why should you care about manufacturer’s production management?
Automation and effective management of the production process are as crucial as manufacturer’s technological facilities. Choosing a competent manufacturer ensures your entire window order is executed flawlessly.
Potential issues
Conversely, poor production management can lead to significant issues:
- Expect complaints for at least a few windows or patio doors, potentially halting your construction schedule.
- Resolving these issues can be time-consuming, possibly taking months to have a claim accepted by the manufacturer.
Unfortunately, this is not the end of the list of various factors complicating the window production chain at Polish market. In addition to product quality and customer service issues, manufacturers also differ:
- import experience
- financial solvency
- reliability
If you need a quick check on how to verify a reliability of Polish company CLICK HERE.
How can debesto help you obtain quality windows safely and on time?
In summary, while system providers offer the blueprint, it’s the manufacturers who bring the window to life. Understanding this distinction is vital for U.S. clients looking to navigate the European market successfully.
At debesto we collaborate with both system providers and manufacturers, carefully selecting the top producers in Poland. Our value lies in ensuring that the manufacturers can consistently produce windows that align with the system providers’ designs, ensuring consistent quality for our clients.
This is possible because, as a window broker, we have no loyalty agreements with any manufacturer and with any system provider. We can focus on the optimal selection of a window system for a given construction project, taking into account what is important for you:
- safety,
- timeliness,
- profitability.
Does this mean that the broker is always better than the manufacturer? Not at all! Check for yourself when you should work with a window manufacturer and when it will be more profitable to work with a broker like debesto.
Broker VS Manufacturer – who to work with?
If you are wondering whether you should work with a window manufacturer or a broker, then read the broad comparison.
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