Accomplishments

HERITAGE has been an innovator in Arizona in the aluminum window manufacturing arena through our numerous product enhancements over the years. Here is a sampling of them:

• 1982 – First use of up to 11/16” air space in double glazed units in operating windows.
• 1983 – First design of integral secondary bolt locks in windows and doors.
• 1984 – Unique double-jamb mulling of single hung windows.
• 1985 – Integrated computer-supported manufacturing system. In-house developed software.
• 1986 – In-house development of integrated computer-operated metal cutting hardware and software.
• 1987 – First fully automated Bystronic glass robotics handling and cutting system on the west coast.
• 1988 –
  • First fully automated Lisec double sealed insulated glass-making line on the west coast.
  • First extruded aluminum beveled internal and external muntins.
  • First extruded aluminum 6” half circle. This allows for more attractive and authentic looking aluminum arches.
• 1990 – Development of extruded window and sliding glass door screens with proprietary hardware.
• 1991 – Development of a capping method to replace existing windows in the openings without tear down. (US Patent # 5157881)
• 1992 – First fully automated Lisec robotic spacer bending for insulated glass in Arizona. As a result of continuous spacers with bent corners, argon gas filling became possible.
• 1994 – A projected casement window with some unique features that resulted in a C-35 Rating of a 36” x 78” tested unit.
• 1995 – Development of a lock/handle for Sliding Glass Doors. (US Patent # 5511833)
• 1996 – First application of multi point locks in French Doors in Arizona.
• 1997 – Elimination of adapter extrusion in OXXO Sliding Glass Doors.
• 1998 – Development of a multi latching system on a sliding glass door vent and sliding screen. It allows the operation of the vent and screen in tandem or individually. (US Patent # 5740849)
• 1999 –
  • Development of a unique multi slide door design
  • Introduction of the latest design Italian French Door handles to USA market.
  • Introduction of Italian GATTI art glass in HERITAGE doors and GATTI interior architectural doors.
• 2000 –
  • The first use of a 5-Axis CNC Machining Center in the window industry in the USA.
  • The first CNC Metal Bending in Arizona to achieve elliptical and multi-radius arches.
• 2001 –
  • The first introduction of textured dry powder paint on all products.
  • Introduction of sculpted external muntin.
  • The first use of spring loaded ball catches in casement window screens.
  • The first use of cold welding in a nailing fin corner gap closer.
• 2002 –
  • The design and development of all product lines in thermally broken features, using insulating composite strips.
  • The first introduction of dry powder painted double colored windows and doors.
  • The first development of CNC applied insulating composite strips in a thermally broken system in the western United States.
  • First use of a composite rod under the sliding glass door rollers, resulting in a very smooth and quiet operation.
• 2003 –
  • The first application of software driven automated storage and retrieval system of aluminum and composite extrusions in the US window industry.
  • Outstanding testing results of HERITAGE thermally broken products: lowest U value in aluminum windows and doors.
• 2005 – Major entry into Mexican market.
• 2006 – Automated protective taping of finished extrusion surfaces.
• 2007 –
  • Dry glazing of all fixed and casement windows like in curtain walls.
  • Award of Energy Star on certain thermally broken and non-thermally broken products.
• 2008 –
  • Award of Energy Star label on an aluminum sliding glass door; the 5th manufacturer in the United States to receive this.
  • Use of Cardinal 366 Low-E glass.
  • Oversized casement windows made possible by the development of a special glass centering adjustment mechanism.
  • NFRC 2008 Founders Award
  • USGBC membership as a product manufacturer
• 2009 - Launched new Folding Door Series
• 2010 -
• Launched new flush mount handle with multi-point locking system
• Launched the Heritage Slide and Stack Doors
• 2011 -
• Move to warm edge spacer
• Use of Cardinal I81 glass