Business Central July 2021

16 | Window technology continues to advance T Richard Loader APL Window Solutions has been operating since 1971 and is a leading aluminium window systems manufacturer and supplier. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PGL Group/APL Window Solutions T he production and use of glass in resi- dential buildings has made a quantum leap over the last 40 years. From being a single monolithic pane within an aluminium frame filling a space to look through, let light in, keep weather out, provide access, security and ventilation glass has evolved to become a key contributor in the building’s thermal performance. Today insulated glass, achieved through double-glazing — known as an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) — is mandatory for residential construction. And in the construction of commercial building featuring very large glass facades there is a need for high performing insulated and Low-E glass that has the ability to radiate absorbed heat. Of course Low-E glass also has application in residential buildings. Owned by PGL Group, APL Window Solu- tions has been operating since 1971 and is a leading aluminium window systems manu- facturer and supplier, marketing its products through national brands Altherm Window Systems, First Windows & Doors, and Vantage Windows. Craig Vincent, PGL Group’s CEO says glass has gone from a commodity single glazed product to a value added IGU. “People are looking for further performance advantages through Low-E to improve the thermal performance of the glass element and that improves the thermal performance of the house by reducing energy costs. “We’ve had to develop window systems, including thermally broken window systems, which improve the performance of the entire Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... window system, not just the glass element. “So not only is the glass being asked to per- form better, but so is the window frame.” With an eye to the ongoing evolution of glass in buildings and the role that it will play with advancements in technology, PGL Group made the decision to enter the manufacturing sector of IGUs, establishing its latest business, Architectural Glass Products (AGP). “That was the catalyst for building our new premises at Hautapu,” explains Craig. ““We worked in conjunction with Lisec, our glass manufacturing equipment supplier, and Glastron which provided the furnaces for glass toughening. “We set about designing an automated production line and that determined that we needed a building at least 400 metres long to accommodate the final design.” Commissioned in May 2020, the first IGU units rolled off the production line after lock- down and production has been continuous ever since. “The key differentials of Architectural Glass Products are that it provides a premium IGU with a unique thermoplastic spacer system. “Our product is supplied standard with “We’ve had to develop window systems, including thermally broken window systems, which improve the performance of the entire window system, not just the glass element.” Ph: +64 9 2783366 Fax: +64 2788595 E-Mail: davidm @ grayson-eng.co.nz 25 Langley Road, Wiri, Auckland argon gas in it and we’ve also established a special Low-E glass called Solux-E that’s avail- able exclusively with APL Window Solutions’ customer group. “So we set out to provide an extremely good product, high quality and service so that our customers will provide a high quality high performing window to consumers.”