Inside CTI’s Manufacturing Service Excellence for High-Performance Millwork and Door Components

At CTI, Service isn’t just a department; it’s a core value. We believe great products are only part of the equation; the way we work with you from the first conversation to final delivery is what truly sets us apart. Our approach is built on people-powered performance, where every interaction is driven by responsiveness, accuracy, and a commitment to helping you succeed.

Whether you need boards, profiles, smalls, frames, sills, jambs, or the full Apex Door System™, our manufacturing service excellence ensures your order is delivered to spec, on time, and ready for the jobsite.

1. Order Initiation

Every order begins with a conversation. Our sales executives work directly with you to:

• Understand your exact product requirements (boards, profiles, frames, jambs, sills, weatherproofing, etc.)

• Provide pricing based on current market conditions

• Ensure pricing is regularly updated for both new and recurring business

• Once approved, your order moves seamlessly into production planning

2. Order Confirmation & Accuracy Checks

Before production begins, we confirm every detail to eliminate errors. This includes:

• Reviewing internal codes, pricing, and special instructions

• Creating or updating drawings for new items (for your review and approval)

• Making quantity adjustments with mills to optimize container space

• Double-checking all order details before sending a final confirmation

3. Lead Times & Rush Orders

Our lead time management is designed for reliability and flexibility:

• Global Product Orders

  • Standard production lead time: ~45 days

  • Typical East Coast delivery: ~110 days including transit

  • Typical West Coast delivery: ~95 days including transit

  • Rush production: Often achievable in 24–30 days for standard products

• Domestic Door Component Orders

  • Standard production lead time: ~14 Days

  • Typical East Coast delivery: ~21 days including transit

  • Rush production: Often achievable in 14-18 days for standard products

Weekly meetings with our mills ensure accurate capacity planning, allowing us to shift or prioritize orders when deadlines are tight.

4. Coordination Between Teams (Delivering Manufacturing Service Excellence)

Our system provides complete visibility across sales, production, and logistics, with order status updated in real time. For new or complex orders, coordination increases through:

• Calls, emails, and weekly alignment meetings

• Leadership involvement when additional oversight is required

• Regular mill reports on production progress, shipping schedules, costs, and customer-specific requirements

5. Issue Resolution

When challenges arise, we solve them quickly and transparently:

• Weekly order status reports keep customers informed of progress and any changes

• Quality issues are promptly addressed with proposed solutions

• Credits or invoice adjustments issued for damage or missing items (rare occurrences)

• Delays at U.S. ports—such as congestion or customs inspections—are communicated in real time

6. Delivery Follow-Up & Feedback

Our commitment doesn’t stop at delivery:

• For first orders or new profiles, sales reps often visit customer sites to review the opening shipment

• Regular visits, calls, and meetings maintain strong relationships

• Feedback is gathered continuously to improve both products and processes

The CTI Advantage: Service + People-Powered Performance

Our service process reflects who we are: responsive, accurate, and committed to your success. By pairing Service as a core value with people-powered performance and our culture of manufacturing service excellence, we deliver more than products; we deliver trust, efficiency, and the confidence that your order for high-performance products will be handled right from start to finish.

Discover our high-performance products, explore our substrate options, and see how our quality standards ensure your projects succeed.