Aluminum Door and Window Manufacturing

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Startup Costs: $10,000 - $50,000

Home Based: Can be operated from home.

Part Time: Can be operated part-time.

Franchises Available? No

Online Operation? No

Manufacturing aluminum storm windows and doors is a relatively simple process that can even
be conducted right from a well-equipped homebased workshop. This business start-up will
appeal to entrepreneurs with some construction and mechanical aptitude. Once again,
aluminum storm windows and doors are easy to manufacture as the material required is
referred to as extrusions. It is a simple process of cutting the window framing rails to length,
wrapping the glass in a rubber gasket, and attaching the rails that are screw-fastened in the
corners. The same basic procedure is used for constructing both aluminum storm windows and
doors. Additionally, glass cutting experience will also be required. However, this is also an easy
trade to master and most stained-glass retail shops even offer glass cutting courses on nights and
weekends. Equipment requirements include a compound miter saw, flat glass-cutting table, a
few basic hand tools, and, of course, a small initial inventory of aluminum extrusions, glass, and
mechanical parts to get started. One of the best aspects about this business is that the start-up
costs are low and only a minimal inventory must be stocked, as all the window orders will be
custom sizes, and doors can also be manufactured on an ordered basis. You can sell the storm
windows and doors directly to homeowners by initiating an advertising campaign in your local
newspaper, as well as displaying products at home and garden trade shows to collect sales leads.
Additionally, be sure to establish alliances with contracting and renovation firms as these types
of companies can become very good customers. You can measure and install the finished
product yourself, or hire subcontractors to carry out the installations. As a general rule, storm
windows and doors are sold on a united inch basis (U.I.), meaning you add the height of the
window to the width of the window and multiply the sum in inches by the U.I. price. Check with
other manufacturers and glass shops in your area to find out what the current U.I. price is, and
providing your overhead structure allows, you should be able to offer clients a similar product at
a cost that is less than that of the competitions. web resource: www.thebluebook.com Directory
service listing manufacturers and distributors of aluminum extrusions, equipment, and supplies
used in the manufacturing of aluminum windows and doors.
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