Manufacturing of Windows: Behind the Scenes at Crittall

• 27 November 2024
• News

Since the days of Queen Victoria’s reign, Crittall Windows has been a pioneer in the art of steel window manufacture. Founded in 1849, the firm started to make their iconic windows in the late 1880s and today, the name ‘Crittall’ has become a byword for style, elegance and top-class manufacturing.

Crittall windows are synonymous with the Art Deco era, but it is a testament to their desirability that they possess such timeless qualities. To see where all this comes from, let’s dig a little deeper into the production process that creates the distinctive designs.

Steel – the game changer

Crittall’s window (and door) manufacturing process begins with the finest raw material – steel, chosen for its remarkable strength and durability. Each component undergoes rigorous quality control from the outset, ensuring only premium-grade steel enters our production facility in Witham, Essex.

The journey from raw material to finished product involves multiple stages. Our state-of-the-art machinery precisely shapes and forms the steel sections through careful forming and fabrication techniques. These processes maintain the slim profiles that Crittall windows are renowned for while ensuring structural integrity.

Coating our products

A crucial element in our manufacturing is the advanced coating system. Our hot-dip galvanising process provides superior protection against corrosion, followed by our unique powder coating application. This system offers exceptional durability and a pristine finish that stands the test of time.

The installation & glazing phase demands particular precision. Our skilled craftspeople carefully install the steel frames into which they precisely fit insulating glass units, ensuring perfect alignment and weathertightness. We also pay special attention to the fitting of hinges and hardware, which are selected for their robust performance and aesthetic appeal.

Commitment to high environmental standards runs through our entire production process. Our manufacturing facility implements sustainable practices, and we continuously invest in technologies that reduce our carbon footprint. This commitment extends to our packaging methods, where we prioritise recyclable materials to protect our new windows during transport.

Comprehensive testing

Quality control remains paramount throughout fabrication. Each window undergoes comprehensive examination before leaving our facility, ensuring windows & doors are delivered right first time, every time. This attention to detail ensures every Crittall window meets our exacting standards.

Our manufacturing heritage combines time-honoured techniques with modern innovation. While we embrace advanced technology, we maintain the core craftsmanship that has defined Crittall since 1849. This synthesis of traditional skills and contemporary methods results in windows that are both historically authentic and perfectly suited to modern requirements.

Into the future

Today’s Crittall windows benefit from continuous investment in research and development, ensuring our manufacturing processes remain at the forefront of industry innovation. Yet we never lose sight of the principles that have sustained our reputation for excellence: precision, quality and attention to detail.

The result is more than just a window; it’s a piece of architectural heritage, crafted with pride in Britain and designed to enhance buildings worldwide. Every Crittall window that leaves our factory carries this legacy of manufacturing excellence, ready to make its mark on the next generation of remarkable buildings and beautiful homes. Contact us to explore how Crittall windows can transform your residential or commercial space.