Always one step ahead together
Stader Glas is preparing for future challenges and has found the right partner in Winkhaus.
Due to the growing demand for large window elements with multiple protective functions, Stader Glas is now relying on Winkhaus technology. The aim was to meet the requirements of the market, to prepare for the future and also to shorten production times.
The majority of window manufacturers have started out as a carpentry workshop. Stader Glas is different: The company started as an insulating glass manufacturer in 1969 and expanded the product range to include PVC-U windows and doors in 1979. Around eighty employees in total currently work at the two sites in Buxtehude and Stade.
Outstanding quality and delivery reliability were top priorities right from the start. This has remained the case to this day. In order to be able to maintain the high standards, the choice of upstream suppliers is important for Stader Glas. They all come from Germany. Winkhaus has been part of this group since spring 2022. All windows and patio doors are now equipped with the activPilot fitting system. This has major advantages for the company: "There is increasing demand for large-format elements with triple glazing. Thanks to the particularly stable hinges of the activPilot Concept fitting system, we can now
Press release
17. May 2023
Your contact person:
Irena Byrdy-Furmanczyk
Aug. Winkhaus GmbH & Co. KG
August-Winkhaus-Straße 31
D-48291 Telgte
T +49 2504 921-657
M +0170 - 760 46 09
irena.byrdy@winkhaus.de
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produce these without additional components – even with sash weights of up to 150 kg," says Hans-Herman Lemke, Managing Director of Stader Glas GmbH & Co KG. In light of this development, Stader Glas has discarded the plastic caps, which are sometimes viewed critically, and uses Winkhaus’ powder-coated corner and shear hinges.
Innovative functions for a strong market position
The unique selling points that the manufacturer gains by switching to the Winkhaus system are also relevant for its business: "With the innovative parallel action function, we as a provider score points when it comes to safe and healthy room ventilation – this is the case for orders for construction or renovation work on schools and nurseries or for round or triangular gable elements, for example," explains Hans-Herman Lemke.
Burglary-resistant windows are playing an increasingly important role on the market. Stader Glas achieves security levels RC1 and RC2 with Winkhaus window technology. The company also expanded its range with the "vault bolt" from the Winkhaus product range. It can be used in windows of all security levels on request and protects against levering attempts on the sash with a static load of up to half a tonne.
Circulation system for packaging
Before the switch, Stader Glas compared systems from different manufacturers. The environmental aspect played a major role, because Stader Glas wants to make a contribution to people and the environment in the beautiful region. The charming marsh and dike landscape is also a magnet for tourists and must be retained for current and future generations.
Winkhaus also takes its responsibility very seriously: The company’s environmental management is certified according to DIN EN ISO 14001, and all production sites in Germany are certified in accordance with DIN ISO 5001 (energy management). Stader Glas uses the recyclable small load carriers provided by Winkhaus. The sturdy blue boxes save packaging waste.
Intensive preparation phase
Careful preparation of the master data – both at Stader Glas and Winkhaus – made the switching process easier. The fitting system components were individually created in the EDP system. This was followed by intensive tests with all possible variants and combinations. Approximately 15,000 items were recorded and checked for this purpose: For example, does the composition of the fitting set comply with Winkhaus specifications? Stader Glas devoted
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sufficient time to this step. "That’s why the actual switch in our already highly automated production operation went completely smoothly," confirms Lemke.
Furthermore, Winkhaus tested the window elements manufactured with the new fittings. Because all components - profile, glass, fitting and seals - must form a well-functioning unit. They were therefore subjected to weather performance tests and endurance function tests. The attachment of load-bearing fitting components for turn and turn-tilt fittings (TBDK) was also tested up to a sash weight of 150 kg. Finally, a few adjustments were necessary in production. "Winkhaus provided excellent support throughout the entire process," confirms Ralf Lüdtke, Technical Director at Stader Glas.
Meeting demand
Stader Glas customers like the elements with the new fittings. Customers include building component dealers, metalworkers and joinery shops. In addition to components, they also appreciate the wide range of glass. Multi-family houses and renovations are currently filling customers’ order books.
Stader Glas delivers the finished elements "just in time" and with its own fleet to the construction site or to the company. On-time delivery is especially important when the installers are ready for installation on site.
"There is a trend towards higher quality elements with sun protection glass or shading, high security or smart home functions," says Hans-Herman Lemke. The plant now believes it is ideally positioned for these and future challenges. "We are proud to have a company steeped in tradition and so firmly established in the northern German market among our customers," says Bodo Müller, Sales Manager for the Industry Division at Winkhaus. Together, we are optimistic about growing market shares.
