American Architectural Manufacturers Association

AAMA e-News: Opening Thoughts from the President and CEO

This past month has proven to be very busy with attending the GlassBuild America show and preparing for AAMA's National Fall Conference. The overall consensus of GlassBuild this year was that although attendance had declined from previous years, the products, exhibits and technologies being displayed were fresh and influential. So, after considering the economic events of the past few years and the industry as a whole, there is a certain focus on the reevaluation of existing products and taking on new products to augment those impacted by the lingering recession.

Interestingly enough, Door and Window Manufacturer magazine also noticed that “Companies Continue to Focus on Innovation” in a recent article. Specifically referencing Deceuninck N.A. as having partnered with Bayer MaterialScience LLC to introduce Innergy Rigid Thermal Reinforcements, the article quotes Michael Hagen, Business Director, Door, Floor and Window North America, for H.B. Fuller stating: “We are really trying to ramp up on innovation.”

It is that exact word, “innovation,” that is sweeping over manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals who are desperate to find ways to stay afloat in this turbulent market. Given the lack of foresight of when things will return to normal, it is apparent for instance that window manufacturers are adapting to the prolonged recession. If the market needs it, someone will find a way to produce it. And, while I can say with certainty that this recession has not had a positive impact on anyone’s professional or personal lives – from job loss, forced retirement and salary reduction, to being understaffed and overworked – I believe this shift to innovation is the first positive sign we’ve experienced.

While some companies are focusing on giving their products a “face-lift,” other industry companies are taking a different approach by manufacturing and introducing their products to a new market. For example, Mike Gilkey, of Gilkey Window based in Cincinnati, Ohio, told me at GlassBuild that his vinyl window business was declining. But, instead of focusing his energy on the depressed vinyl market, Gilkey “started up aluminum window production to make up the sales drop off with windows designated for school renovations.”

The GlassBuild America team even awarded a “Best In Show – Innovative” winner at the show, in order to highlight the importance of working hard to refocus creative energy and talent. Konarka Technologies, Inc, an innovator in development and commercialization of a lightweight, flexible material that converts light to electricity, was announced as the Best in Show winner. In a statement released in regards to being selected out of 393 exhibitors, Konarka’s vice president of sales, Kenneth McCauley stated: “We look forward…to integrat[ing] Power Plastic into…building envelope elements to deliver cost-effective, efficient solar electricity for building owners while also delivering an attractive aesthetic.”

So, before you go ahead and throw in the towel, utilize the resources already available to your company to produce fresh approaches to the products you have already mastered.

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