What to Expect at GlassBuild America 2017
It’s an exciting time in the fenestration
industry. We’re experiencing increasing
Rethinking the Plant Floor
of tomorrow. Expect it to be a hot topic
Fully automated lines for glass and window at GlassBuild.
demand for new and innovative products. manufacturers don’t just help you boost
The Multigenerational Workforce
One in three people in the American
workforce is now a Millennial, and that has
businesses across industries thinking about
how to manage this changing dynamic.
Employee communications, engagement
techniques and more must account for
Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials—
be on the lookout for some tips on meeting
this challenge at GlassBuild.
Technology is evolving at a rapid clip.
There are new possibilities for how
we’re pushing our businesses forward.
volumes—they come with the opportunity
to reimagine what’s possible on your plant
floor. Are you maximizing the value of your
product line? Utilizing floor space properly?
Leveraging software to make better
business decisions?
Simultaneously, we’re being challenged
in new ways. Skilled labor is hard to
come by, and a multigenerational
workforce is bringing new considerations
in how we recruit, maintain and
communicate with the people who
make these new innovations possible.
Vinyl Takes a Stronger Hold
Vinyl and composite materials are
continuing to evolve in both the residential
and commercial markets. Composite
materials have homeowners considering
the more cost-effective option with the
same aesthetic benefits compared to
traditional wood, and advancements in
performance have seen vinyl profiles
gain significant new traction in the light
commercial and even commercial high-rise
markets. As the benefits become clear, and
proof of performance is established, don’t
think this trend is slowing anytime soon.
Quanex Building Products is helping its
customers take advantage of these new
industry trends with Plant Transformation—
which you can read more about in this
issue of Fenestration Focus and hear about
directly from our experts at GlassBuild. We
have the resources, technology, capabilities
and expertise to unite a range of changing
industry dynamics into an actionable,
winning strategy for customers. And, we
can’t wait to show you more.
How will we move forward? Rest
assured, it’s what will be on the minds
of attendees at GlassBuild America
2
017 in Atlanta. Here’s what to watch
out for:
Automation
The automation of fenestration
manufacturing processes is changing
how we do business. It’s helping us
maximize our labor and do more with
less. As more invest in the technology—
be it semi-automated or full, high-
speed lines—maintaining a competitive
edge becomes a priority. How to do
this? You can anticipate some theories,
answers and techniques to emerge at
this year’s show.
The Labor Shortage
We know there’s a labor shortage—and it’s
time to get proactive. Whether it’s partnering
with local trade schools, developing
apprenticeship programs or other forms
of outreach, it’s the responsibility of our
industry to foster the best and brightest
Check out www.Quanex.com/GlassBuild
to learn more about the show, and stop by
Booth #1919 when you’re there!