Frameworks Manufacturing, Inc. was organized in December 1996 by four
former employees of Altura Architectural Products, Inc. In October 1996,
International Aluminum Corp. of California purchased Altura
Architectural Products and merged it with their other aluminum
manufacturer "RACO." This established a condition of essentially only
one major supplier of aluminum door frames. This condition in the
marketplace created an environment that demanded the organization of
another aluminum door frame manufacturer.
The aluminum extrusion supplier to Altura Architectural Products was Western Extrusions Company of Dallas, Texas. Since International Aluminum had its’ own internal aluminum extruder, Western lost a valuable customer. Western was approached by the owners of Frameworks to agree to a long term supply agreement that provides for a significant supply line of credit. Terms were agreed too in December 1996. This long term agreement provides a secure source of material to Frameworks so that customers of Frameworks can be assured of continued service. Also, the Frameworks aluminum door frame and glass framing products are identical to the "Raco" industry standard product. This insures the customer’s ability to obtain replacement products at reasonable prices.
Frameworks has 32 employees, most of whom have several years experience
at Altura.
Except for its’ first month of operations Frameworks has made a profit
each month of its’ existence. It had trade accounts with all of the
previous suppliers of Altura. Frameworks has a banking relationship with
Comerica Bank of Houston. Frameworks maintains an inventory in excess of
$1,000,000 of material.
Frameworks is currently housed in 49,000 square feet of dock level warehouse space. Its’ current capacity is approximately 80,000 door frame units per year. This capacity is based on the current crew size in a 40-hour week.