APL Windows & Doors: The Story Behind Altherm, First and Vantage
Date: 11 Jun 2026
At Windowmakers, we proudly manufacture aluminium windows and doors using APL
systems — some of New Zealand’s most trusted window and door solutions.
APL has been part of the New Zealand building industry since 1971. What began as a Waikato family business has grown into a nationwide network supporting homes, builders, architects, developers, and communities across Aotearoa.
Today, APL is behind three well-known window and door brands: Altherm Window Systems, First Windows & Doors, and Vantage Windows & Doors. Each brand is designed for New Zealand homes, New Zealand conditions, and the way Kiwis live.
Made here, for New Zealand homes
APL’s systems are designed, developed, and tested in New Zealand. That matters.
Our climate, landscapes, coastal conditions, wind zones, architectural styles, and building requirements are unique. Windows and doors need to do more than look good — they need to perform, protect, insulate, open smoothly, close securely, and stand up to everyday Kiwi living.
APL products are created with those local conditions in mind. The aluminium systems are supplied to a nationwide network of independently owned manufacturers, who then fabricate and install windows and doors for individual projects.
That means every window and door is made with the strength of a national system behind it, and the practical care of a local manufacturer in front of it.
A nationwide network with local knowledge
One of the strengths of APL is its network.
Across New Zealand, APL’s brands are supported by locally owned manufacturers who understand their regions, their builders, their homeowners, and their communities. These manufacturers are not just supplying a product — they are part of the building journey.
From early planning through to site measuring, fabrication, installation, and aftercare, local manufacturers help turn design intent into practical, buildable solutions.
For builders and architects, that local support can make a real difference. Building sites are rarely perfect, and small details matter. Window and door manufacturers help with measuring, openings, cladding junctions, flashings, ventilation details, hardware selections, glazing options, and installation considerations.
For homeowners, it means there is someone nearby who understands the product, the project, and the outcome you want to achieve.
The three APL brands
APL supplies its window and door systems through three customer-facing brands: Altherm, First, and Vantage. Each brand gives homeowners, builders, and designers access to high-quality New
Zealand-made joinery options.
Altherm Window Systems
Altherm offers a wide range of aluminium window and door solutions for new homes and renovations.
The Altherm range includes windows, sliders, bi-folds, entrance doors, hardware, colour options, and thermally efficient solutions. It is designed for New Zealand’s landscape, weather, and architectural styles, then fabricated and installed through a network of independently owned
manufacturers.
Altherm is a strong choice for homeowners who want flexibility, performance, and a tailored result for their home.
Features include:
- Aluminium windows and doors for new builds and renovations
- Sliding, bi-fold, hinged, and entrance door options
- Thermally efficient joinery options
- Hardware and colour selections
- Designed and tested for New Zealand conditions
First Windows and Doors
First Windows & Doors is designed to offer practical, high-performing window and door solutions for a wide range of Kiwi homes.
With more than 30 years in the market, First provides standard ranges for renovations and contemporary new builds, as well as access to specialty options for higher-end architectural projects. First also offers Klima uPVC options for projects where thermal efficiency is a major priority.
First is a great fit for homeowners and designers looking for dependable, well-rounded solutions that balance style, performance, and budget.
Features include:
- High-performing aluminium joinery for Kiwi homes
- Options for renovations and new builds
- Access to APL Architectural Series products
- Klima uPVC options for thermal performance
- Practical product choices for different budgets and project types
Vantage Windows and Doors
Vantage is one of New Zealand’s best-known aluminium joinery brands, with a wide range of window and door options for new homes and renovations.
Vantage offers products from everyday residential solutions through to the prestigious APL Architectural Series. The brand focuses on stylish, durable, New Zealand-made joinery that suits the way Kiwis live.
Vantage is a strong choice for homeowners, builders, and architects wanting a proven brand with broad product choice and a long-standing reputation.
Features include:
- Stylish and durable aluminium windows and doors
- Residential and architectural product options
- ThermalHeart+ options for improved warmth and comfort
- AGP glass options for performance
- Hardware, colour, entrance door, and passive ventilation options
Why this matters for your project
Windows and doors are one of the most important parts of any build. They influence how your home looks, feels, performs, and connects to the outdoors.
The right joinery can improve natural light, indoor comfort, ventilation, security, thermal performance, street appeal, and everyday liveability.
By choosing Windowmakers and APL systems, you get the benefit of:
- New Zealand-designed window and door systems
- Proven aluminium profiles used across the country
- Local manufacturing knowledge
- Practical support for builders, architects, and homeowner
- A wide choice of product ranges, colours, hardware, and glazing options
Joinery made for New Zealand homes and conditions
Local people. Proven systems. Better homes.
APL’s story is not just about aluminium profiles. It is about a New Zealand network of designers, engineers, manufacturers, installers, builders, architects, and homeowners working together to create better buildings.
At Windowmakers, we are proud to be part of that story.
We manufacture windows and doors using APL systems because they give our customers access to trusted products, strong technical backing, and the flexibility to choose the right solution for their project.
Whether you are building new, renovating, designing, or specifying, we can help you choose the right APL window and door system for your home.
Explore your options
Talk to Windowmakers about the right APL window and door solution for your project.
We can help you compare Altherm, First, and Vantage options, understand the product features, and choose joinery that suits your design, performance needs, and budget.
