September 19, 2007 | Vol 2, Num 37
W&D Weekly, Delivering the Fenestration Industry to Your Desktop

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The Titan sliding patio door locking system from Roto Frank of America

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The Latest...

Andersen Opts for 401(k)
Andersen Corp. will transition to a new, 401(k) retirement package and close its retiree medical coverage to incoming employees... read more

GlassBuild Proves to Be Big Event Again
Photo of GlassBuild 2007 show floorA strong commercial market and influx of international exhibitors helped GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo set new records last week in Atlanta, with all-time high attendance and exhibitors... read more

Global Window and Door Growth Slowing
Global demand for windows and doors is projected to rise 5 percent per year to $150 billion in 2011... read more

3M Buys Venture Tape
Venture Tape Corp. will likely become a part of the 3M Corp. family in the last quarter of the year... read more

Remodelers Go Green
The NARI has launched a certification program for contractors and remodelers who want to be labeled green... read more

The Outside View......

... read more


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The Talk...

e-Poll
In the retirement benefit arena, my company:
...still offers a traditional pension plan, covering our retirees for their years of service.
...has shifted to a 401(k), and offers matching funds or other contributions for eligible employees.
...administers a 401(k) but leaves it totally in the employees' hands.
...does not offer retirement benefits of this nature.

If poll form doesn't work in your email, Click Here.
Photo of Christina Lewellen

Christina Lewellen,
senior editor of Window & Door

As far as I’m concerned, the retirement benefits generation-shift is official. Andersen announced this week that it’s stepping away from a traditional pension plan and moving to a 401(k) program. Whether it's better for employees or not, the realities of the business world have led companies large and small—in all industries—to move away from traditional pensions. Century-old companies like Andersen might like to hold on to some traditions, but I suspect it's getting harder for them to do that—and stay competitive.

Most of the companies in the window and door industry are private, and I’m interested to know how many still offer pension plans. Or, like Andersen, does it just make sense to move to a 401(k) or other alternative? Email me to share your thoughts.

RESULTS AND COMMENTS FROM LAST WEEK'S POLL—"From what I see, the industry is approaching capital investments... ": Last week we joined you from the floor of GlassBuild America. Are manufacturers buying equipment,despite current market conditions? Click here to find out and view the results of last week’s poll.
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