October was a month of big moves and bold innovations at Haffner Machinery. From welcoming a seasoned industry leader to gearing up for the year’s biggest event—GlassBuild America—we’ve been busy shaping the future of fenestration automation.

New Hire Announcement: Phil Shrider

We’re excited to welcome Phil Shrider as Haffner Machinery’s new Director of Application Engineering! Phil brings a diverse range of experience in window and door manufacturing, having successfully managed existing facilities and built two greenfield factories from the ground up. His background spans:

• Project Management & Layouts – Helping customers design efficient workflows and optimize plant layouts.
• Process Mapping & Business Case Development – Building strong ROI strategies for automation investments.
• Preventative Maintenance & Root Cause Analysis – Ensuring long-term reliability and minimizing downtime.

Phil understands the challenges manufacturers face today, from labor shortages to tight payback expectations. As Phil says:
“Most manufacturers expect a two-year payback period for equipment. I’m looking forward to introducing transformative automation lines and helping customers anticipate and head off hiccups to achieve a faster payback.”

Ramp up to GlassBuild America 2025

GlassBuild America was held at the beginning of November.  Haffner Machinery showcases the next generation of automation solutions.

What’s Happened at Our Booth?

• Live Demos of Eight Advanced Systems – Attendees saw our advanced machinery in action, from screen assembly to profile processing.
• Meet Our Experts – Stephen Kucer, President of Haffner Machinery, and our team of experts showcased how custom solutions can transform your operations.
• Explore Solutions for Labor Challenges – We explored how automation can boost throughput, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.

Featured Systems at Our Booth:

• DMC-055 PVC Profile Machining Center – Double-load capability for simultaneous processing of two individual profiles at the same time, maximizing throughput.
• TA-421 Automatic Single Mitre Saw – High-accuracy programmable cuts for aluminum profiles.
• TT-425 Double Mitre Saw – Versatile undercut technology for clean angles in aluminum and PVC.
• MAC-340 & MAC-440 Aluminum Profile Processing Centers – Multi-step CNC machining with automatic tool changes for complex profiles.
• AUTOSCREEN™ Trio – Fully automated screen assembly from cutting profile to frame assembly to screen insertion, now with patio door capability.

This year, we showed how we reshaped the window and door assembly with speed, precision, and automation.

Meet Tony C.

 When you think of cutting-edge screen assembly, think of Tony C., Haffner’s Product Development Specialist. For five years, Tony has been the driving force behind automation innovation, blending mechanical expertise, software integration, and creative design to deliver solutions that redefine efficiency.

From troubleshooting machines remotely to installing advanced systems in Wisconsin and Australia, Tony’s work ensures customers worldwide experience seamless automation. His day-to-day includes:

• 3D Printing New Parts – Rapid prototyping for faster innovation.
• Testing Frames & Components – Guaranteeing precision and durability.
• Ensuring Flawless Installations – Smooth transitions from manual to automated processes.

Tony helped create the AUTOSCREEN™ product line, a fully automated solution for screen assembly that delivers speed, accuracy, and reliability. Here’s how it works:

1. TA-144/30 – Automatic Aluminum Wedge Cutting Saw
2. SAC-100 – Automated Screen Frame Assembly Machine
3. SAC-850/855 – Automated Mesh/Spline Insertion & Trim Machines

This trio adapts to your needs while reducing labor costs and boosting throughput. Tony and the team stay with you every step of the way—from installation to training—ensuring success.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Transform your production floor with automation that delivers speed, precision, and ROI. Contact us today to discuss your goals and discover how Haffner Machinery can help you scale.

As labor shortages and rising demand reshape the fenestration industry, Haffner Machinery continues to lead with automation, precision, and adaptability. This month’s highlights include the SAC-850/855 and MAC-340 systems boosting production, a preview of our GlassBuild America 2025 lineup at Booth #21097, and insights from engineer Luis on how Haffner machines are built to adapt, perform, and evolve.

Automation Is the Answer: Tackling the Workforce Crisis in Fenestration

The manufacturing industry is at a pivotal moment. With over 1.9 million jobs projected to go unfilled by 2033, the skilled labor shortage is now a present-day challenge. At Haffner Machinery, we see this reality play out daily in fenestration facilities globally: experienced workers are retiring, younger generations are hesitant to enter the trades, and manufacturers are struggling to meet demand while maintaining productivity.

In our latest article, Bridging the Gap: How Automation Is Solving the Manufacturing Workforce Crisis, we explore how automation is reshaping the industry by:

• Reducing dependency on manual labor
• Enhancing product quality and consistency
• Enabling scalable growth despite workforce constraints

From aging workforces to a lack of structured training programs, the challenges are real—but so are the solutions. Haffner’s technology, including the three-part AUTOSCREEN™ production cell, is designed to meet these challenges head-on.

GlassBuild America 2025 Preview: See What’s Powering the Buzz

From the factory floor to the tradeshow buzz, the verdict is unanimous: Haffner Machinery is redefining window assembly.

As the industry gears up for GlassBuild America 2025, manufacturers across North America are already talking about speed, precision, and labor-saving design. At Booth #21097, you’ll get a firsthand look at the machines making headlines.

Want a sneak peek of what’s to come? View the product lineup today.

“Behind every machine, there’s a story.”: An Interview with Haffner Machinery Engineer Luis

We recently sat down with Luis, one of our engineers, to explore what really happens behind the scenes when these powerful machines come to life. His insights reveal not just technical expertise, but a deep commitment to solving real-world manufacturing challenges.

Luis offered a glimpse into the adaptability behind Haffner’s machines, from customizing builds for hurricane-prone regions to streamlining internal mechanics pre- and post-installation.

The engineering team is constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in fenestration manufacturing. They are slashing installation timelines from six months to just two, increasing daily frame output from 200 to 350, and more.

“Very rarely do we deliver a machine ‘off the shelf’,” Luis said. “Each one is adapted to the customer’s profiles, angles, and designs. No two factories (or their doors and windows) are ever the same.”

It’s this mindset—precision, resilience, and pride in problem-solving—that makes Haffner machines more than just tools. They’re tailored solutions built by people who care.

Want to see how our engineering team can tailor a system for your factory? Let’s talk.

Product Features

SAC-850/855

Our SAC-850 and SAC-855 systems are redefining screen assembly with automation that’s fast, accurate, and built for scale. As part of the fully integrated AUTOSCREEN™ product cell, these machines eliminate manual bottlenecks by automating the mesh and spline insertion process for pre-assembled frames.

Using barcode or QR code scanning or direct ERP inputs, the SAC-850/855 automatically selects the correct mesh, applies it with precision, inserts the spline, and trims excess material in one seamless cycle.

The newly enhanced SAC-855 model takes performance even further, supporting larger formats like patio doors with impressive speed:

• Hung Window (24″ x 36″) — 40 seconds
• Casement Window (48″ x 60″) — 50 seconds
• Patio Door (48″ x 96″) — 80 seconds

The SAC-850/855 delivers the throughput and reliability manufacturers need to stay ahead.

MAC-340

Introducing the MAC-340 Aluminum Profile Processing Center, our multitasking marvel that’s quietly transforming production floors globally. Engineered for precision and built for speed, the MAC-340 consolidates milling, drilling, tapping, and marking into one seamless operation, eliminating inefficiencies and unlocking new levels of throughput.

Why It’s the Secret to Success:

• Precision that Performs: ±0.1 mm accuracy on aluminum profiles ensures flawless execution every time.
• Speed that Scales: Processes profiles up to 4000mm across 3 axes with CNC-level control.
• Smart Multitasking: A 7-tool magazine paired with a double-sided angle processing head and automatic tool change system handles complex jobs with ease.
• Workflow Wizardry: Optional double-station operation boosts capacity by up to 30%, making it ideal for high-volume shops.

The MAC-340 delivers consistent quality and streamlined operations—giving manufacturers a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.

Ready to future-proof your factory?
Explore how Haffner Machinery is driving innovation in fenestration, from automation that solves labor shortages to machines engineered for precision and adaptability. Visit us at GlassBuild America 2025, Booth #21097, or contact us today to discover the right system for your shop.

As the glass and fenestration industry prepares for GlassBuild America 2025, one name is generating serious momentum: Haffner Machinery. Known for pushing the boundaries of window and door fabrication, Haffner is bringing a lineup of high-performance systems that promise to reshape how manufacturers think about speed, precision, and automation.

No matter if you’re working with aluminum or PVC parts, Haffner’s solutions are engineered to streamline production and elevate output, making them a must-see at this year’s show.

What’s on Display at Booth #21097?

DMC-055: PVC Profile Machining Center for Sashes – Double Simultaneous Processing

This advanced machining center is engineered for high-speed, high-precision fabrication of PVC window sashes. It offers simultaneous cutting, milling, drilling, and marking on TWO PVC profiles at once, significantly boosting productivity. At the heart of the system is Haffner’s proprietary Intelligent Parallel Fabrication technology, which ensures synchronized operations with minimal downtime. This makes the DMC-055 an ideal solution for manufacturers aiming to double their throughput without compromising on accuracy.

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Our dual processing centers don’t stop at sashes! The DMC-054 is made to process TWO PVC profiles simultaneously for window frames.

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TA-421: Automatic Single Mitre Saw

Designed for precision and programmability, the TA-421 is a vital tool for aluminum profile cutting. It features a 650 mm diameter saw blade and advanced servo-controlled motion, allowing for programmable cuts tailored to specific profile dimensions. This saw is perfect for operations that demand repeatable, high-accuracy mitre cuts in aluminum fabrication environments.

TT-425: Double Mitre Saw

The TT-425 is a dual-blade system built for versatility and precision. It comes equipped with two 450 mm blades featuring undercut technology, enabling it to handle profiles up to 6000 mm in length. The undercut capability ensures clean, accurate angles, which are critical for tight-fitting assemblies in both aluminum and PVC applications.

MAC-340: Aluminum Profile Processing Center

The MAC-340 offers a robust solution for multi-step aluminum profile machining. It supports milling, drilling, tapping, and marking, all managed through a 3-axis CNC control system. With automatic tool changes and streamlined operations, this machine reduces manual intervention and enhances consistency across production runs.

MAC-440: Aluminum Profile Processing Center

The MAC-440 adds speed and flexibility to aluminum profile processing. It features a water-cooled spindle for sustained high-speed operation and 4-axis movement to accommodate complex machining tasks. Enhanced with advanced clamp positioning and integrated safety features, it ensures both precision and operator assurance.

Don’t miss seeing the AUTOSCREEN trio in person!

TA-144/50: Automatic Aluminum Wedge Cutting Saw

The TA-144/50 simplifies precision wedge cuts in aluminum components. It delivers cuts with ±0.1 mm accuracy and features servo-controlled feed and slicing systems for consistent results. This saw is particularly well-suited for producing wedge cuts in aluminum screen and frame components.

SAC-100: Automated Screen Frame Assembly

The SAC-100 brings speed and simplicity to screen frame production. It assembles screen frames with corner keys in just 25 seconds and uses barcode scanning for fast setup. A conveyorized output system ensures a smooth transition to downstream processes, making it a highly efficient solution.

SAC-850/55: Automated Mesh/Spline Insertion & Trim

Designed as a one-operator solution for screen finishing, the SAC-850/55 completes mesh and spline insertion in under one minute. It accepts input via barcode or ERP system, offering flexible integration into existing workflows. This machine is optimized to reduce manual labor while maintaining high throughput.

Meet the Production Development Team

At the heart of Haffner’s innovation are the dedicated specialists who turn concepts into cutting-edge machinery. At Glassbuild 2025, you will have a chance to meet two of the people behind our machinery: Tony C. and Marc G.

Tony – Product Development Specialist

Tony is the go-to expert for the SAC series screening machines, having played a key role in their design, troubleshooting, and integration into customer operations. With five years at Haffner, Tony’s journey began as a technician, and now, his focus is on design and continuous improvement, especially for the SAC series, where he enjoys the creative freedom to devise innovative solutions. He thrives on the challenge of making improvements, whether it’s adapting the machine for new materials like fiberglass, PVC, or aluminum, or pushing for greater speed and output with automation.

Marc – Product Development Specialist

Marc is our product development specialist, focused on processing centers such as the SC220, AL230, and DMC series. He started as a technician, handling maintenance, installation, and service. Marc’s expertise lies in customizing machines to meet unique customer needs: designing new parts, modifying software, and bridging the gap between manufacturer capabilities and customer needs. He is excited about the future of automation, particularly integrating robotics to link Haffner’s machines into seamless production lines.

Together, Tony and Marc embody Haffner’s commitment to technical excellence, customer-focused solutions, and a culture of continuous improvement. Their passion for problem-solving and innovation ensures that every machine delivered is not just a product, but a tailored solution ready to meet the evolving needs of the fenestration industry.

Want to learn more about the team? Meet Tony, Marc, and our team of experts at GlassBuild America 2025 at Booth #21097 or schedule a meeting with us.