Despite Weak Market, AMD Show Sees New Products and New Exhibitors

jswanson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:06:25 -0500

Orlando, Fla.—"We just have to get through this,” said one distributor attending the annual exhibition and convention of the Association of Millwork Distributors last week. That attitude was shared by many, expressing quiet determination to hold on for now and get prepared for better times when they do return.

Win-Door Opens Next Week

jswanson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:03:06 -0500

Canadian window and door manufacturers, and at least a few from south of the border, will make their way to Toronto next week for Win-Door North America. The annual trade show sponsored by the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association opens next Tuesday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Last year’s event attracted over 3,600 attendees, an increase from 2006. With the relative strength of the Canadian market, at least compared to the U.S., exhibitors are optimistic for next week’s show too.

Win-Door Reflects Slumping Canadian Market

jswanson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:54:18 -0500

Toronto—The Canadian market has remained relatively healthy, but the weak U.S. economy is beginning to drag it down. That was a big topic of conversation at this year’s Win-Door North America, the annual trade show hosted by the Canadian Window & Door Manufacturers Association.
Last year, the continued strength of the Canadian market versus the U.S. was evident in stronger attendance than in 2006. This year, attendance was down somewhat, reflecting the fact that Canadian window and door makers are buckling down for tougher times ahead.

AAMA and WDMA Offer Recommendations for Energy Star Changes

jswanson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:32:02 -0500

After extensive meetings with members and industry affiliates, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association have issued a letter providing additional feedback on the most recent proposed Energy Star program criteria as they relate to fenestration products.

Private Equity Firm Acquiring Hurd

rself — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:14:06 -0500

A private equity restructuring firm has received court approval to purchase Hurd Windows & Doors.
Connecticut based Longroad Asset Management LLC expects to close the deal in December, says Rich Latto, managing director with the firm. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re very excited to turn around this company,” Latto says. “It’s a great, well-regarded product.”

Ply Gem Closing New Jersey and Arizona Window Plants

jswanson — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:24:24 -0500

Ply Gem Industries Inc. says it intends to close its Hammonton, N.J., and Phoenix, Ariz., window and door manufacturing facilities. The two facilities combined employ approximately 306 employees.

“Decisions of this kind are always difficult.” says Lynn Morstad, president of Ply Gem’s U.S. window group. “We must address this issue due to excess production capacity in light of current market conditions.”

MI Closing Indiana Plant

jswanson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:43:44 -0500

MI Windows & Doors Inc. announced today plans to close its Lebanon, Indiana, window fabrication facility. Originally built by CertainTeed Corp., the plant was acquired by MI in 2006.

Allied Moves Into Connecticut

jswanson — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:04:42 -0500

Allied Building Products Corp. , a distributor of roofing, siding, windows and other building products with over 200 locations in North America, opened two new locations in South Windsor and Bridgeport, Conn, earlier this month. The new Allied branches are located in buildings formerly occupied by C&S Distributors, which has ceased operations.

Accent Windows Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

rself — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:05:59 -0500

Facing a weakened market, Colorado-based Accent Windows filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month. The move is merely a reorganization, according to a company spokesman, who adds that "nothing has changed."

Creditors Give Masonite More Time

rself — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:32:29 -0500

With a missed interest payment to bondholders in October threatening its future, Masonite International Inc. on Tuesday announced that it has entered into a forbearance agreement that will buy the door maker additional time to address its financial obligations.

Under terms of the agreement, Masonite's creditors will not “exercise rights and remedies against the company solely with respect to the company’s failure to make the interest payment due on Oct. 15, 2008,” through the end of 2008. The notes are due in 2015.