APL Window Solutions

What APL Window Solutions does

APL Window Solutions (trading as Architectural Profiles Ltd) is New Zealand's largest manufacturer of aluminium windows and doors, established by the Plaw family in 1971 in Cambridge, Waikato, and operating today as part of the Profile Group conglomerate. The company supplies window and door systems to the NZ building industry through three sub-brands — Altherm (premium/architectural), First (mid-range residential), and Vantage (commercial/high-performance) — and holds over 50% market share of the NZ residential construction sector. Core proprietary products include the ThermalHeart+® thermally improved frame system (reducing heat loss by 35–50% and meeting H1 Building Code requirements), the BRANZ-appraised and CodeMark-certified Centrafix® window system, the Minima Sliding Door System, and the Porta Range of pull handles.

Name

APL Window Solutions

Legal name

Architectural Profiles Ltd

Website

https://aplnz.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

APL Window Solutions designs and manufactures aluminium windows and doors for NZ residential and commercial buildings via three sub-brands (Altherm, First, Vantage), supplying over 50% of the residential construction market through a vertically integrated extrusion-to-distribution network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aluminium Windows and Doors Manufacturing

NAICS

Metal Window and Door Manufacturing (332321), Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing (32721)

SIC

Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442), Glass Products, Made Of Purchased Glass (3231)

akta.pro primary industry

Windows (IMADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Windows, Doors & Millwork Distribution (CRAOAFAI), Custom Window & Door Fabrication & Replacement (HSAPAJAI)

Keywords

• Aluminium window systems
• Door manufacturing
• Thermal efficient windows
• Building envelope products
• Commercial glazing systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamilton

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aluminium Windows and Doors Manufacturing and Supply: APL designs, develops and supplies window and door systems for the New Zealand building industry through three brands. The company extrudes aluminium, performs surface finishing, manufactures glass products, and supplies systems and parts to manufacturers nationwide.
2. B2B Supply to Manufacturers: APL supplies aluminium window and door profiles, components, and glass products to a network of nearly 80 independently owned manufacturers across New Zealand and the South Pacific who fabricate and install the products.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

APL Window Solutions (Architectural Profiles Ltd) designs, develops and supplies aluminium window and door systems for the New Zealand building industry through three brands — Altherm, First Windows & Doors, and Vantage Windows & Doors. The company operates a vertically integrated supply chain including aluminium extrusion (INEX), surface finishing (Colour Works powdercoating, FINEX anodising), glass production (AGP), plastic profile extrusion (PPL), and nationwide distribution via the APL Direct fleet, and sells through a network of nearly 80 independently owned manufacturers serving residential and commercial construction.

Product overview

APL Window Solutions operates as a parent company offering window and door solutions through three distinct sub-brands: Altherm Window Systems (premium/architectural), First Windows & Doors (mid-range residential), and Vantage Windows & Doors (commercial/high-performance). The product portfolio centers on thermally efficient aluminium windows and doors, with key technologies including ThermalHeart+® (thermally improved frames), Centrafix® window systems, Residential Series, Metro Series, and APL Architectural Series. The company also offers digital tools like the APL Thermal Calculator for specifiers. Products are designed and manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions, with a vertically integrated supply chain covering aluminium extrusion, surface finishing, glass production, and nationwide distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Altherm: Window systems brand for residential and commercial projects, distributed through independently owned manufacturers across New Zealand
• First
• Vantage

Products and services

• Altherm Window Systems Premium window and door brand under APL targeting architecturally designed homes and high-end residential projects in New Zealand, distributed through independently owned manufacturers across the country.
• First Windows & Doors Mid-range window and door brand offering comprehensive solutions for residential construction across New Zealand, distributed through independently owned manufacturers under the First brand.
• Vantage Windows & Doors Window and door brand offering solutions for commercial and high-performance applications including prefabricated façade systems, distributed through independently owned manufacturers across New Zealand.
• ThermalHeart+® Technology Thermally improved aluminium window and door technology featuring insulated frames that minimise heat flow, reducing energy loss by 35-50% and meeting New Zealand Building Code H1 thermal efficiency requirements. Available across APL's three sub-brand ranges.
• Centrafix® Window System Window system with BRANZ appraisal for weathertightness performance and CodeMark certification for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code, used in residential and commercial projects.
• Minima Sliding Door System Sophisticated sliding door system designed for large outdoor flow applications in architecturally designed homes and commercial atrium and entertainment spaces.
• APL 168mm Structural Glaze Window Suite Structural glazing window suite for commercial projects, supplied for landmark civic and commercial buildings including the Te Ara Ātea Rolleston Library.
• Porta Range Pull Handles Innovative range of pull handles for doors manufactured from extruded aluminium, including the Quattro handle, designed for use across APL window and door systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35-50% heat loss reduction from windows and doors with ThermalHeart+®
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature12 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• INEX (Independent Extrusions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINEX is the largest aluminium extruder in New Zealand, supplying approximately 70% of NZ's windows and doors. APL's parent company Profile Group operates INEX as part of its vertical integration. INEX sources aluminium from Tiwai Point smelter and is the only extrusion company in the Southern Hemisphere to recycle billet with Tiwai.
• AGP (Architectural Glass Products)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGP is a state-of-the-art double-glazing manufacturing business supplying high quality products with exceptional service. Operates from a custom-built facility in Hautapu near Cambridge. Provides advanced glass technology including Solux-E and Solux Ultra Low-E coatings.
• Colour WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerColour Works operates three powdercoat lines for all APL powdercoated windows and doors, including New Zealand's first vertical powdercoat cube technology. APL is a chromate-free organisation following process updates.
• FINEX (Finishing Excellence Ltd)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFINEX is APL's on-site anodising plant and is the most modern facility of its kind in New Zealand. Delivers highly durable finish through a seven-step anodising process available in six colour finishes.
• PPL (Profile Polymers Ltd)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPPL is a leading state-of-the-art plastic profile extrusion facility with five extrusion lines from Europe. Core expertise in flexible and rigid thermoplastic extruded profiles used in glazing, building, construction, marine, agriculture and transport.
• APL DirectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPL maintains a fleet of purpose-designed trucks to distribute products to manufacturers throughout New Zealand. Over 80% of the fleet is Euro-5 rated for exhaust emissions, supporting sustainability commitments.
• Profile GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfile Group is the parent company of APL Window Solutions. The group includes all vertically integrated businesses: INEX, AGP, Colour Works, FINEX, PPL, APL Manufacturing, and APL Direct.
• AWS (Architectural Window Systems)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company in Australia. APL has a presence in the South Pacific through manufacturers in Samoa, Rarotonga, Fiji, and Tahiti.
• Assa AbloycoreTechnology or IntegrationAssa Abloy is APL's window and door hardware supply partner.
• Dulux Powder CoatingscoreTechnology or IntegrationDulux is APL's supplier of quality powder coating colours for Colour Works operations.
• Tiwai Point SmeltercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerINEX sources aluminium billet straight from Tiwai Point smelter in Bluff. Because Tiwai is fueled by renewable energy, the billet produced is some of the greenest in the world. INEX recycles 99.9% of all aluminium waste back to the smelter.
• NZIA (Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of NZIA's annual Architecture Awards since 2021. Previously sole sponsor of EMERGE and Registration programmes for 12 years. NZIA represents 90% of all registered architects in New Zealand.
• ADNZ (Architectural Designers of New Zealand)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Sponsor for over 20 years, now in second year of four-year Premium Sponsor term. Professional body for architectural designers in New Zealand.
• Registered Master BuilderscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThree-year agreement to sponsor the Master Builders' House of the Year 'Sustainable Excellence Award' at regional and national events. Over 100 years representing quality builders.
• New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerProud association supporting sustainable building practices. APL products contribute to Green Star and Homestar ratings for commercial and residential buildings.
• Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand (RVA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor of RVA national conference for five years, reflecting close relationship that helps develop products suitable for retirement village sector.
• Learning Environments New Zealand (LENZ)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors regional meetings and conferences. LENZ focuses on quality learning environments in state and private sectors.
• EBOSScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline library of product catalogues from NZ's leading architectural product suppliers. APL brands have detailed listings with CAD files, BIM, drawings, data sheets, specs, and case studies.
• MasterspeccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNZ's market leader in specification systems for construction industry. Detailed specification clauses for APL products available on Masterspec website.
• Window & Glass Association New Zealand (WGANZ)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational association representing window, door and glass industry. APL has won multiple design awards through WGANZ including supreme winner for commercial facade innovation.
• Xtreme Zero WasteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted waste audit in 2019 guided by Circularity that began APL's sustainability journey and piloting of circular economy initiatives.
• Toitū EnvirocarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking toward Toitū carbonzero certification. One of NZ's leading carbon certification organisations providing independent assessments and accreditations.
• PACT RecyclingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for soft plastic recycling - PACT is the largest recycler of post-industrial plastic in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Sanctuary Mountain MaungatautariminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfile Group (parent company) became first participant in new biodiversity market, purchasing biodiversity units from this ecological island in South Waikato.
• Live OceanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting Live Ocean's commitment to a healthy ocean as part of community and environmental efforts.
• Gallagher ChiefsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional sporting sponsorship through First Windows & Doors brand.
• Vantage Black SticksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational sports team sponsorship through Vantage brand.
• Grassroots Trust VelodromeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCornerstone sponsorship of velodrome facility at Cambridge.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Architectural Window Systems (AWS): APL's sister company in Australia operating in the same aluminium window and door manufacturing category; explicitly described as a Profile Group entity supplying the Australian market with analogous products, channels, and brand-led go-to-market.
• Bradnam's Windows & Doors: Australian aluminium window and door manufacturer serving residential and commercial projects with a similar multi-brand fabricator-dealer model, comparable product breadth, and overlapping target segments.
• Fairview Windows & Doors: NZ-based aluminium window and door fabricator/distributor directly competing for residential builder and architect specification across the same end customers as APL's Altherm, First, and Vantage brands.
• Stegbar: Australian manufacturer of windows and doors including aluminium systems, comparable in product portfolio breadth, builder-channel focus, and specification selling into architectural projects.
• Nulook Windows & Doors: NZ/AU franchise network selling competing aluminium window and door systems through independent fabricators, structurally similar to APL's ~80 manufacturer model and a head-to-head channel competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Fletcher Building: New Zealand's largest building products conglomerate with windows, doors, and broader construction materials that overlap APL's residential and commercial offerings. Compares as a broad incumbent rather than a direct specialist competitor because of its diversified portfolio.
• CSR Limited: Australian building products group with windows, doors, glass, and plasterboard operations that overlap APL's product types at a corporate level, though without APL's NZ manufacturing footprint.

Others

• Vantage Aluminium Joinery: One of APL's own sub-brands; included as a same-company brand to acknowledge that architecturally-focused Vantage faces competition from other premium NZ joinery brands such as Nulook Architectural and Metro Series Thermal Tech equivalents.
• Emmegi Group: Global machinery supplier for aluminium and PVC profile processing; named as an APL technology/integration partner supplying fabrication equipment across APL Manufacturing's nine machine centres, comparable as an enabling supplier rather than competitor.

Emerging players

• Deceuninck (Kömmerling parent): Global uPVC and aluminium systems provider whose Kömmerling brand is named as an APL technology partner for uPVC products in NZ; relevant as an emerging material competitor targeting the same residential window specification channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/APLNZ
• LinkedInnz.linkedin.com/company/architectural-profiles-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/aplnz_
• TikToktiktok.com/@aplnz

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about APL Window Solutions