W&D Weekly - June 18, 2008 | Vol 3, Num 25
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Velux to Expand North America Manufacturing
Skylight and roof window manufacturer Velux will expand its North American production operations—spending about $14 million and adding about 25 jobs. ...
Skylight and roof window manufacturer Velux will expand its North American production operations—spending about $14 million and adding about 25 jobs, according to the Greenwood (S.C.) Index-Journal. The expansion will reportedly add more than 100,000 square feet for manufacturing and future product lines.
"Thanks to the high quality of our products and services, the strength of our brand reputation, and our outstanding workforce, we have enjoyed great success here in Greenwood, since opening our first plant nearly 29 years ago," John Pillman, Velux Greenwood Inc. president, told the newspaper. "This new facility will bring us up to seven plants and one distribution center with almost 400 employees. We look forward to continued growth and success in this community."
Velux did not return calls for further comment.
SNE to Cut 300 More Jobs by August
SNE Enterprises, the manufacturer of Crestline and Vetter windows and doors, will cut 305 jobs at its Mosinee, Wis. facility
by August 13. ...
SNE Enterprises, the manufacturer of Crestline and Vetter windows and doors, will cut 305 jobs at its Mosinee, Wis. facility by August 13. The company plans to move its wood window manufacturing capabilities to Weather Shield Windows & Doors facilities in Medford and Ladysmith, Wis., it reports, with vinyl window production remaining at the Mosinee facility.
“We have evaluated many cost cutting measures before making this difficult decision,” company officials note. “Today’s challenging market, unfortunately, leaves us few alternatives. This decision is not a reflection on our employees and we understand the impact this will have on them and our local community.”
The company cites the continuing downturn in the homebuilding industry, and expected production and transportation savings, for the decision.
“New home construction starts continue to decline to levels now approximately 50 percent below 2006,” executives note. “Existing home sales and home values continue to fall and mortgage foreclosures are rampant. All these factors further delay the resurgence of any new housing starts. Meanwhile, the cost of raw materials, energy and fuel prices continue to climb.”
SNE was acquired by the Peachtree Cos. in 2001. Both Peachtree and Weather Shield are owned by the Schield family of Medford, Wis. This is the second move the companies have made to consolidate production at Weather Shield facilities. At the end of last year, Peachtree announced the closing of its Georgia plant at the end of last year, with door production moving to Wisconsin. SNE also announced the closing of its West Virginia plant in January.
Paragon Door Aquires Radiance Entry Line
Paragon Door Designs Inc. has aquired exclusive rights to the Radiance Entry Systems product line, customer base and order stream of Erie, Pa.-based J.J. Moore Sales Inc. ...
Paragon Door Designs Inc. has aquired exclusive rights to the Radiance Entry Systems product line, customer base and order stream of Erie, Pa.-based J.J. Moore Sales Inc.
The company did not disclose financial specifics of the deal. The purchase price is based on an earn-out agreement over a two year period.
The Radiance products will be manufactured at the Paragon facility in Louisville, Ky. A distribution and customer service center will be maintained in Erie to service the current Radiance delivery area.
The Radiance line features resin doorlite frames and decorative glass treatments.
“Paragon continues to execute its strategic plan for growth of market share and product offerings,” says David Burks, Paragon president and CEO. “This gives Paragon a larger footprint in the Northeastern portion of the country, as well as a highly regarded brand, in Radiance Entry Systems, to add to its product lines.”
Paragon is a subsidiary of Keller Manufacturing Co.
More Top Stories...
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OrePac to Handle Jeld-Wen Custom Carved Doors
Jeld-Wen Inc., has expanded its partnership with OrePac, which is adding the manufacturer’s line of Custom Carved interior doors. One of the West Coast's largest building material distributors, OrePac will now offer the line via its Sacramento, Calif., branch, which services nearly all of the northern California and Nevada territories. ... read more
Study Projects More Rapid Growth for Advanced Flat Glass
A new study projects that demand for advanced flat glass will grow by 5 percent annually over the next four years, with demand peaking at $7.2 billion in 2012. ... read more
Velocity and Scherer to Merge
Two sales agencies serving the window and door industry, Velocity Marketing and Scherer Industrial Products Inc., will merge effective on July 1. ... read more
New Apex Showroom Offers New Spin
Apex Energy Solutions’ recently-completed “living showroom” is a culmination of company cofounder Michael Foit’s five-year vision of a facility where customers can see products out of the standard showroom kiosk setting and in action. ... read more
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Builder Confidence Edges Down in June
From the National Association of Home Builders
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes edged down in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The index slipped to 18 this month, returning to the record low that was posted in December of 2007 (the series began in January of 1985). ... read more
Spring Industry Update Webinar Available
From jordanknauff.com
Chicago investment banking firm Jordan, Knauff & Co. has made available a free download of its Spring 2008 Window & Door Industry Update webinar, which the company hosted on May 15, 2008. The topics covered include an overview of transactions, expansions and plant closings, a discussion of current industry trends, the real estate market, industry growth drivers and a review of the capital markets. Click here to request a complimentary copy of the presentation.
Window 6 Program Available from LBNL
From Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
The Research Versions for WINDOW 6.2 and THERM 6.1 are now available. These two programs have been developed to model complex glazing systems, in particular venetian blinds. ... read more
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