During the reconstruction of Ukraine, window manufacturers are solving unprecedented tasks. This was discussed by the leaders of the Ukrainian window industry during a round table discussion at the WINDO KYIV Conference IV.
All major window manufacturers are implementing projects on a non-profit basis. They help with the glazing of a specific building if requested. However, commercial involvement in restoration has some problems and risks.
According to Serhii Polozhai, owner of Steko, Sumy and Chernihiv regions were the first to actively start a rebuild, followed by Kyiv and Kharkiv regions, and in December - Mykolaiv region.
And the local authorities were faced with the task of glazing large numbers of windows before the cold season in an ever-changing situation. Everything was changing so quickly that it was impossible to predict where and how many translucent structures would be needed. According to Serhii Teplytskyi, director of the Ekipazh window factory, the specialists could took measurements on site and the next day a build were broken. In such conditions, it is impossible to formulate a technical task precisely. In addition, the manufacturers were at great risk due to component and currency fluctuations.
"Akord-S (TM Epsilon) restored the facilities on a non-profit basis. According to the company's director, Oleksandr Riazanov, their company tried to participate in tenders. However, the risks involved in determining the price based on the number of square metres of glazing required prevented them from doing so. The configuration of the windows, their dimensions and additional requirements were not known. It was also necessary to consider the risk of delayed financing when all the components of the window are in foreign currency, on a background of large currency fluctuations.
The Ekipazh window factory operates in areas where active military operations were taking place and participated in tenders. According to Mr Teplytskyi, there was no other work for the company in these areas for about six months. The company accepted this reality and the risks. As mentioned earlier, there were situations where measurements were taken and the next day the facility was gone, or structures were brought in and then a missile flew in.
Serhii Zakharchyshyn, CEO of Viknar'off, comments on the current situation, the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine is actively engaging their company as a consultant on the terms of reference for the replacement of the structures. At the end of 2022, Viknar'off became a member of the board of directors of CBU and is actively involved in the rebuilding. As usual, the situation is difficult and risks remain, but the management is working.