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Will 2024 be the year fenestration embraces the future ?
Tony Palmer , Head of Sales at Edgetech , makes the case for greater automation as the sector faces chronic skills shortages .
Automation will help our industry make more products , more efficiently , to higher standards , and tackle the skills shortage .
At the moment , we ’ re still very manual – especially compared to sectors like automotive . But in the decade ahead , I think that will change – and we ’ re starting to see it already .
British fenestration has been through an extremely turbulent time in recent years . Companies have been hit by materials shortages , price rises , and difficulties recruiting .
That ’ s required them to achieve more with less – less time , less materials and less people .
More units in less time
Faced with those challenges , it ’ s unsurprising that it ’ s led to more and more IGU manufacturers embracing automation .
Over the last year , we ’ ve been approached by a significant number of businesses interested in shifting to automated spacer application .
An automated line allows manufacturers to produce more units in less time , to a higher standard , with fewer personnel , saving them money and improving their profit margins .
We estimate it will cut costs by tens of thousands of pounds every year , increase output by 18 %, and require less than half the number of operators .
Tackling the skills gap However , automation isn ’ t about replacing people with machines . When we speak to customers who ’ ve adopted automated lines , they say one of the biggest benefits is that it ’ s allowed them to redeploy their existing staff .
By automating the most repetitive tasks , it ’ s allowed them to use their workforce more effectively , focusing on long-term innovation and improvement .
That said – there ’ s no question that UK manufacturers are struggling to recruit qualified people .
A report commissioned by WorldSkills UK in collaboration with BAE Systems argued that “ persistent skills gaps are preventing the UK from becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing .”
It found that 57 % of British manufacturers are struggling to access skilled employees , 55 % are experiencing shortages in advanced manufacturing skills , while 61 % are having the same trouble with traditional skills like fabrication , welding and mechanical engineering .
If those trends continue , it looks inevitable that automation will have to play a greater role in the way glass and glazing operates .
Decades of excellent performance
Most IGU manufacturers might currently operate manual or semi-automatic lines , but that doesn ’ t mean automation is new to the sector .
A number of early adopters embraced the technology in the early to mid-2000s , and have greatly benefitted from the efficiency gains and cost reductions they ’ ve delivered .
Today , those machines are reaching the end of their natural service life , and the companies that bought them are now reinvesting .
But the fact they provided twenty years of excellent performance – and the fact manufacturers are willing to buy newer models – shows the long-term value those automated lines have provided .
Refurbished machinery – a cost-effective solution
There ’ s no question that acquiring a fully automated spacer application line is a serious investment .
We estimate that a new automated line becomes cost-effective when manufacturers are making over 2,500 units per week .
But there are many companies making less frames who could nevertheless benefit hugely from automation .
So what ’ s the solution ? Refurbished equipment .
Enjoy the benefits for less
When companies who ’ ve already invested in automation decide to upgrade their equipment , their existing machinery can be refurbished , tested to ensure it continues to operate to an excellent standard , then sold on – at a significantly lower cost .
Refurbished equipment offers IGU manufacturers the chance to enjoy all the benefits of automation for less .
For manufacturers making over 1,500 units a week , taking the refurbished route is an extremely viable way of supercharging their production capacity , and making units more quickly and efficiently than ever before .
Speak to the experts
As ever , if you ’ re interested in learning more , we ’ d be delighted to hear from you – don ’ t hesitate to get in touch .
www . edgetechig . co . uk
50 MARCH 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM