Weather Shield Rolling Out Separate Vinyl Business

Weather Shield Manufacturing Inc. is spinning out Vision Windows & Doors as a stand-alone brand of vinyl windows and patio doors. The Medford, WI-based company is planning a dedicated dealer network for the vinyl brand, separate from the Weather Shield product line, and a business unit within the company solely focused on vinyl product development, marketing and sales.

“Visions windows and patio doors are known for their premium quality and durability,” says Bob Eckert, director of marketing for Weather Shield. “As a separate brand, Visions will capitalize on this established reputation and brand name equity through its own diverse network of dealers specializing in vinyl products.”

Visions will be supported by a stand-alone strategic business unit that includes marketing, customer service, sales and engineering resources. The business unit will be led by Ernie DeBacco, Visions national sales manager, and a brand manager to be named soon. The company is establishing the brand’s infrastructure and will make its official debut at the 2007 International Builders Show in February.

“Vinyl products comprise about 50 percent of window and door sales today,” notes Mark Schield, Weather Shield vice president. “Selling vinyl windows is different than selling wood windows. It’s a different mindset, a different game. We’re looking for top quality dealers who will embrace vinyl products the way that so many of our existing dealers have embraced wood product sales.”

Visions currently has dealers in the 48 contiguous states and will be continuously expanding its dealer network, the company reports.