Aluminum frame fabrication workshop

Glazing contractors, home builders, renovators and other fabricators who want made-to-size frames without running their own workshop.

You charge per frame or per metre, with the price covering materials, labour and finish. Repeat trade accounts and quick turnaround are what keep the unit busy.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Comfortable with workshop machinery
• Reading drawings and order specs
• Building trade relationships

• Check whether your frames need to meet Canadian window and door standards or energy ratings, and whether customers expect thermal-break profiles for cold climates
• Zoning for your unit and any municipal business licence
• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, plus WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules vary by province)
• Saw and machinery safety training
• Aluminum prices can change, so check supplier terms and how often you must update quotes
• Trade customers often expect credit terms, so plan for late payment
• Register for GST/HST if you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit you rent, the machinery you buy and the stock of extrusions you hold. Aluminum prices can change, so check supplier terms.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many trade customers you serve and the size of their orders. Trade customers often expect credit terms, so plan for late payment.

Check whether your frames need to meet Canadian window and door standards or energy ratings, plus zoning and any municipal business licence. Also look at liability insurance, WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire, saw and machinery safety training, and GST/HST registration.