Three trusted partners – one goal
For decades, Canadian manufacturer Kohltech Windows & Entrance Systems has produced market-leading quality windows and doors. Ultrafab has been a major business partner of the company since 1992, and Roto North America since 2007.
“We think and act as partners - that is the basis of our success,”
emphasizes Carl Ballard, President and part of Kohltech for 27 years. He says it is important for his team to maintainreciprocal relationships with customers, but also, with suppliers. Proof of this strategy’s success: Kohltech is named one of “Canada’s Best Managed Companies” in 2023.
Selected partners
As a supplier, Kohltech generally chooses companies that provide high quality products and delivery service, but also demonstrate flexibility and dedication, explains Ballard. “We expect great reliability, but also commitment from our partners.” Ultrafab and Roto bring both to their daily work.
Together for quality
He learned of Roto’s acquisition of Ultrafab Inc. late last year. “When news of the deal reached me, I was surprised at first,” he recalls of December 2022, but then he realized that this merger was good news for those who want to manufacture quality windows and doors, like Kohltech.
“The acquisition of Ultrafab by Roto is good news for the industry. “
Tightly sealed windows are easiest to manufacture when hardware and weatherseals are optimally matched. This coordination between Ultrafab, Roto and Kohltech, provides a good basis for the production of high-quality energy-saving windows that are both easy to operate and durable.
They must be tightly sealed
Ultrafab has consistently developed product-specific weatherseals for Kohltech that have increased the energy efficiency and ease of use of windows and doors, he said. Roto North America worked with Kohltech to develop. A lockable X-Drive operator that is significantly more solid than most others available in the market. In this respect, Ultrafab, like Roto, is part of Kohltech’s success story.
“Proven technology with consistent quality – that is the future.”
Roto North America’s recently introduced heavy-duty hardware for Casement & Awning windows comes at just the right time, Ballard says: “People want large windows with a lot of transparency, and when we fit them with insulating glass, we need a hardware that is designed for heavy sashes.” Since many elements from the Kohltech factory are installed on the Canadian east coast and are thus exposed to the salty air of the Atlantic, Roto’s high level of corrosion protection is also appreciated here: “We can only fabricate long-lasting products with components that are manufactured with high-quality raw materials and handled with care.” Confident of Roto’s high-quality hardware and dependability, Kohltech also utilizes hardware from Roto’s Tilt&Turn and sliding patio door lines.
Demand remains secured
Even if the demand for windows and doors is slightly declining in North America, there is still an urgent need to build more energy-efficient housing. The demand for tightly sealed, well-insulating windows will therefore remain high in the medium term, and Roto and Ultrafab will continue to be important partners for Kohltech in the coming years.
“Together we reliably achieve our goals.”
The high technical expertise of both companies complements each other, he adds. “The entire value chain benefits when specialists like Kohltech, Roto and Ultrafab share their knowledge in a spirit of trust,” Ballard concludes. He remains enthusiastic about collaborating further with Ultrafab and Roto to ensure their mutual success.
This article was published in Roto Inside 54.