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Fenestration Canada: June 2014

As we slowly emerge from what has been a very trying winter, Canada’s
window and door industry looks optimistically on the upcoming spring and
summer seasons.

As we slowly emerge from what has been a very trying winter, Canada’s window and door industry looks optimistically on the upcoming spring and summer seasons. The new year has brought many challenges for manufacturers and suppliers alike. Companies are preparing to meet these challenges in a variety of ways. It is remarkable to see the amount of creativity produced when we are faced with adversity and opportunity.

The creation of our Fabricators Council has provided a platform to voice the concerns of Canada’s window and door fabricators and to allow for a healthy and productive course of interaction. By collaborating on many of the issues currently facing the manufacturing of fenestration products, we can reach sustainable results earlier, lower our individual costs and influence procedure and regulation. A perfect example of this collaboration is the Performance Grade Calculator. This four-step calculator quickly indicates the performance grade required for your customer’s window and door project. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out on our website at fenestrationcanada.ca.

Current projects soon to be completed include NAFS Phase 2 labeling guidelines for mulled products. The Phase 1 document was completed and posted on the public portal of the association’s website and describes the best practices for NAFS-08 labeling of fenestration products in Canada. An additional objective is to clarify minimum compliance requirements, and we will soon add a FAQ posting on the website to deal with commonly asked questions.

Our membership and marketing committee has been tasked with updating and revitalizing both our printed promotional material and our website to better address the needs of our members and stakeholders in the industry. New banners promoting the main benefits of association membership were introduced at the Windoor 2013 show.

We have an exciting program lined up for delegates coming to our annual conference in Winnipeg, June 12 to 14, at the historic Fort Garry Hotel. We have group outings, a full slate of technical presentations to update participants on code and standard compliance challenges, and keynote speakers on timely topics. Registration details and program information are all available on the association’s website.

2014 marks the 20th anniversary of Windoor, Canada’s premier show for the fenestration industry. Windoor is truly a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of our organizing committee and volunteers that put so much effort into this event. Windoor provides an opportunity to: showcase our industry, for suppliers and service providers to network with their customers, and display new and emerging products and technologies which are second to none. The presentation of timely, informative and topical education seminars reinforces our commitment to fenestration. No other event offers free parking, free booth handling and storage, free booth cleaning, and free educational sessions. Come and help us celebrate our 20th. Mark your calendar for November 18 to 20 in Toronto.

Finally, I would invite all stakeholders in the fenestration industry to seek out Fenestration Canada members and ask them what benefits they get from association membership. Companies and individuals who get involved in the association and our industry realize positive results that go far beyond the very reasonable cost of membership. The decision to join Fenestration Canada or any association should be based on a genuine interest to promote and support the industry we work in and to ensure our contribution to the Canadian economy. Personal and company benefits are limitless and are directly related to the amount of involvement. Join Fenestration Canada and help influence where our industry is headed. Information on membership benefits and the fee structure is available for downloading from the association’s website. Prepare your business to take advantage of the wealth of information, networking potential and opportunities that could ensure your company not only survives but prospers in today’s marketplace.

Skip Maclean is president of Fenestration Canada. He is business development manager for Tru-Tech Doors and has over 40 years’ experience in the window and door industry.