Window manufacturer Plastimet, from Ełk in Poland’s Warmińsko-Mazurskie region, put the results of several years’ research and development into practice under an EU-funded project to create a new kind of energy-efficient window. Based on an innovative PVC modular structure, the Plastimet Click-on window system is one of the first products of its kind and is available domestically and on foreign markets.
- 13 June 2019
“Marketing innovative products always carries a certain risk. In this case, however, we had no doubts that the product would soon find buyers. The solutions we applied, which make it possible to obtain a high technical standard of the frames, translate into considerable benefits, not only in the form of savings for our customers, but also for the environment. We believe that environmental protection matters as greatly to our customers as it does to us.”
Plastimet began by purchasing and installing a set of extrusion tools to enable it to create the profile for its window system. This was followed by production of the windows using the system.
To begin production, the company needed to buy and install further equipment, including a cutting and profiling module, lines for welding, machining, and cleaning and assembly of frames and wings. It also bought automatic window sorting and internal transport systems, and a peripheral device. These elements were configured into a single, automated production line.
To ensure product quality, Plastimet bought an inspection station. This allows for quality control throughout the conformity assessment procedure and can be used to further develop the product by introducing new technical solutions or types of structure.
Hassle-free upgrades
Deciding which kind of window frame to install often requires careful consideration. Without specialist tools, making alterations to a product which has already been fitted, to increase energy efficiency, thermal insulation or water tightness is generally not possible.
However, the modular design of the Plastimet Click-on profile allows customers to choose a less expensive version of the product and, if necessary, to upgrade it easily – such as by installing a customised internal insulation module. In addition to being a resource-efficient and sustainable solution, upgrades of this kind do not interfere with the structure of the window and so have no effect on the manufacturer’s warranty.
Promoting the region and creating jobs
The project supported the commercialisation of the window system. Its presence on the market in Poland and abroad has contributed to the promotion of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region. Expansion of Plastimet’s production infrastructure has created new jobs.
Furthermore, launching an innovative product like Plastimet Click-on had a positive impact on the economic activity of the members of the Eastern Construction Cluster – an association of more than 100 companies operating in the construction sector – to which Plastimet belongs. Designated by the Polish government as a key national cluster, Plastimet’s work has strengthened cooperation between the members, thereby enhancing the eastern cluster’s potential to boost innovation and competitiveness – a fundamental aim of the key national clusters.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “An innovative energy-efficient window as a product of R&D work” is EUR 4 000 000, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 1 630 000 through the “Development of Eastern Poland” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “SMEs competitiveness”.