New Panel Fabrication Equipment for Giroux Glass, Inc.

As announced by USGlass News Network (USGNN), Glass Magazine, and CCR Magazine, Giroux Glass, Inc. has recently upgraded its panel fabrication capabilities with the installation of a new PANELBuilderTM.

Manufactured by AXYZ International, it represents one more impressive piece of CNC (computer numerical control) equipment for fabricating aluminum composite and metal composite materials in our San Bernardino, California-based plant.

Previously, over the years, Giroux Glass has included panel systems in its work by subcontracting their fabrication to outside companies. The new addition, along with the installation of custom saw/feeders, will enhance our glazing projects and benefit our customers in several important ways.

One clear advantage to our clients is better pricing for the fabrication portion of the project. By eliminating the need to purchase from a separate fabrication company, savings can and will be passed along to general contractors and building owners.

Another benefit to general contractors installing complete (glass and panel) wall systems, is that they need interact with only Giroux Glass, thus eliminating any need to source and collect bids from an additional subcontractor.

Timing will also benefit from Giroux Glass being responsible for fabricating panels needed for their glazing jobs. With tight deadlines always an issue, fabrication schedules can be accelerated as projects require, and not according to those of any outside companies. If just several pieces are unexpectedly needed for an ongoing job, that control of the schedule can ensure the project’s uninterrupted, smooth progress.

General contractors will also benefit from having one subcontractor be solely accountable in the case of troubleshooting the source of any potential leaks, should a wall unit fail. Giroux Glass alone maintains responsibility for the integrity of the entire system.

A group of Giroux Glass glaziers and panel estimators have undergone extensive training on how to safely operate the PANELBuilderTM equipment. Their training was a four-part program which took over six months to complete. Now, we are fully capable and ready to run programs through our CNC machine for fabrication. We are excited to build this portion of our business, and to use it to make our package glazing/panel projects more competitive for our clients.

Our San Bernardino-based fabrication plant was established in 2008 and has enabled our project managers to be integrally involved with the fabrication process of their jobs. Powered by solar panels, the facility was honored with the City’s “Environmental Award” in 2009.

PANELBuilder’s AXYZ Model 5018 is considered state of the art in that it offers three heads and includes a printer, with a process area of 72” x 216”, and includes software to design, nest and program machine panels in one seamless operation. This makes it possible to process all types of cladding materials faster, more consistently and more cost effectively.