While we are indeed a niche industry, a check-in can never hurt. Nationally speaking, the prices of mill finish aluminum have begun to level off and perhaps come down some. Availability is fine. This is material that we use most commonly in awning and canopy frames. Pre-finished/painted/coated aluminum prices remains higher than our prior several years, and availability is still spotty. These are items and components most commonly found in patio covers, screen rooms, and other value-engineered and industrial/commercial canopies. Fabric goods like acrylic canvas and vinyls continue to make it back to the market, however, availability can be spotty with lead times exceeding months. Prices seem to be level for the time being. What I am being told is that individual ingredients and components (like glue) can be hard to find, causing production to stop. Labor is still difficult to find, and existing labor costs much more to keep. Insurance costs, fuel, and other items that contribute to overhead continue to rise. Vehicles, trailers, machinery, welders, sewing machines, and tools are all more expensive than ever, or hard to find, or both!
Demand for our custom products is still strong, and we maintain a lengthy backlog. Competition has thinned out considerably and companies in good standing continue to add to their backlogs. This is good for our industry and for our customers. For many years there have been too many companies trying to flourish in this niche market. That drove down prices and forced companies to sacrifice quality fabrication, components, and highly skilled labor……for whatever was cheap and easy. That environment undervalued our product, set expectations for our customers that are not realistic, and left affected areas with poorly made awnings and canopies. A functioning industry consists of professionals that maintain cutting edge technology, components, service, and fabrication……not fly-by-nite contractors working in a dingy garage employing shady characters that should not be on your private property.
Visit Welhener – H.B. Wall Awning in Springfield, MO or Kansas City Tent & Awning in KC MO….for your awning and canopy projects. Both companies have been operating since the very early 1900’s. We routinely install and service in MO, KS, OK, and AR. For special projects and customers, our reach is nationwide.
