Doors, Windows

Celebrating Manufacturing Month and the Innovation behind Quality Ply Gem Windows and Doors

Teamwork on the Ply Gem manufacturing glass line

October is manufacturing month, a time when we celebrate the hard work, dedication and innovation of our Cornerstone Building Brands window and door manufacturing facilities and teams. Today, we highlight four key areas in the manufacturing process that help us deliver quality, high-performing Ply Gem brand windows and doors for builders.

1 . Innovation and Technology

Innovation defines window and door manufacturing, and Cornerstone Building Brands exemplifies this by integrating advanced technologies such as automation and coextrusion to streamline its production and enhance the quality of its Ply Gem products.

Automated Manufacturing

The Ply Gem Perspective Multi-Slide Patio Door iis manufactured using an almost fully automated robotic process, ensuring precise sizing, welding, installation and high-quality finishes. Builders benefit from a product that offers a precise fit, enabling faster, easier installation.

Coextruded Vinyl

Ply Gem 1500 Vinyl Collection introduced black coextruded interiors and exteriors for windows and doors, providing a durable solution for this on-trend color.

Coextrusion is an advanced manufacturing technique where multiple material layers are combined into one profile. In contrast to traditional extrusion — which shapes a single material — coextrusion bonds these layers together at the molecular level. This process results in products with greater durability, improved UV resistance, and colors that remain vibrant without peeling or fading. This results in fewer callbacks and better product performance for builders, especially under demanding worksite environments.

Group of workers at the Ply Gem window and door facility.

2. Quality Control

Quality assurance plays a vital role in window and door manufacturing. Cornerstone Building Brands facilities employ both manual and automated quality checkpoints to ensure every window and door meets quality standards for performance and durability. No Defect Forward, CTQ (Critical to Quality), end-of-line inspections, and advanced testing for air and water infiltration, impact resistance, and thermal performance are all implemented to ensure the quality and performance of Ply Gem windows and doors.

A worker is examining the window with grilles.

3. Engineering and Design

Every Ply Gem window and door is crafted with advanced designs to provide quality products for new homes and commercial buildings with structural integrity, energy efficiency and ease of installation. From coastal-impact products to regional energy efficiency, advanced features and options can elevate the performance of Ply Gem windows and doors to meet the stringent requirements needed for unique building codes and diverse climate regions.

Happy worker at the Ply Gem Rocky Mount facility.

4. Qualified Workforce

Skilled workers are at the heart of every manufacturing operation, and Cornerstone Building Brands takes pride in the teamwork and dedication represented at every window and door facility. Skilled and committed to continuous improvement, these teams consistently produce a wide selection of Ply Gem brand windows and doors that meet the needs of professional builders for their range of projects and unique requirements.

Take time during Manufacturing Month to acknowledge the skill, knowledge and innovation behind producing the products that shape our everyday lives. This includes Ply Gem brand windows and doors, which enable builders to complete new homes and renovations with products that are safe, weather-resistant and energy-efficient.

Explore Ply Gem’s wide selection of window and door styles designed to meet the needs of your next project.

Ply Gem Windows
Ply Gem Patio Doors

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