INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Consumers Say Price Reigns Supreme
Price has become an increasingly important consideration for consumers when selecting or rejecting a window or patio door brand, with cost-conscious homeowners embarking on more window replacement projects rather than major remodeling or new construction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudySM released in early July.

The study, now in its fourth year, measures satisfaction among consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors based on performance in six factors (listed in order of importance): operational performance and durability; appearance and design features; price; ordering and delivery; warranty; and repair/replacement.

Among consumers who purchased windows and patio doors, the most-frequently cited reason for selecting a particular window brand is price, which was mentioned by 38 percent of consumers. Price also is cited as the main reason why consumers did not select a particular brand (mentioned by 54 percent of consumers).

Cost-consciousness among purchasers of windows and patio doors also extends to the types of projects they are undertaking. In 2010, 65 percent of consumers indicate having purchased windows to replace existing ones, rather than for major remodeling or new construction purposes. In addition, 58 percent indicate that they took advantage of the tax credit offered by the federal government for making energy-efficient home upgrades.

“Window manufacturers would be well-advised to focus on articulating the value of their products to their customers,” says Jim Howland, senior director in the real estate industries practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Consumers who are choosing to undertake home improvement projects in this environment are likely to scrutinize each aspect of their purchase—not only price, but also product appearance and design.”

When it comes to manufacturers, Simonton ranks highest among consumers in overall satisfaction with windows and patio doors, achieving a score of 810 on a 1,000-point scale. Simonton performs particularly well in the operational performance and durability factor, according to the survey. Following Simonton in the rankings are Window World (795) and Marvin (793). Window World performs particularly well in the price and warranty factors, while Marvin performs well in the ordering and delivery and appearance and design factors.

The 2010 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 3,000 consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors during the previous 12 months. The study was fielded in March and April 2010.

COMPANY NEWS
Accu-Weld Announces New Corporate Name: Haddon Windows & Doors
Haddon Windows LLC, operating as Accu-Weld, has changed its corporate name to Haddon Windows & Doors.

The name change is part of a strategic integration and revamp of the 29-year-old Accu-Weld Company and Speyer Door & Window, the assets of which were acquired by the Haddon family in 2009. Haddon officials say the new name represents the company’s vision for the future, creating innovative products, new processes to enhance quality and commitment to excellent service.

Woodbridge Group Closes Millwood-BlackEagle Deal
Millwood Lumber has been sold to a BlackEagle Partners’ portfolio company, US LBM Holdings, according to Woodbridge Group, a middle-market mergers and acquisitions firm that represented Millwood.

Millwood Lumber has provided lumber, millwork and hardware to renovation and remodeling contractors, builders and retail customers since 1932. Located in Westchester County, 30 miles north of New York City, the company operates a full-service lumberyard, a door and window showroom and retail store.

Founded in 2005, BlackEagle Partners is a private equity firm, and has offices in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. and in New York City.

Atria Building Products Ceases Operations
Atria Building Products, a door and window manufacturer based in Johnstown, Ohio, has ceased operations, effective July 30, 2010, according to an announcement posted on its website by its owners Dave Gerhardt and Betty Gerhardt. The two formed the company in 1980 and say they “always prided itself in the manufacturing of quality products accompanied by excellent service during and after the purchase.”

No further warranties on Atria manufactured products are available as of the July 30 announcement.

Résiver Patio Doors Joins Novatech Group
Novatech has acquired Résiver Patio Doors Inc.

“This acquisition is evidence of the great respect we have for the exceptional talent of the Résiver team and an added asset for Novatech. The transaction we are announcing reflects our intention to be a leader in the door industry. It will also make it possible for the Sainte-Julie and Saint-Agapit plants to provide patio door components to Résiver,” says Raymond Ouellette, president of Novatech Group.

“This association paves the way for new opportunities and inspiring possibilities and challenges for our employees, while providing a means to benefit from attractive synergies with Novatech,” adds Jean Champagne, president of Résiver .

ACQUISITIONS
Stock Building Supply Completes Acquisition of Bison Building Holdings
Stock Building Supply Holdings LLC, an affiliate of The Gores Group, has completed its purchase of the assets of Bison Building Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries pursuant to Section 363 of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Bison acquisition is part of Stock’s growth strategy within the residential construction market.

“We will continue exploring intelligent growth options both in our core markets and elsewhere if opportunities arise. This acquisition is an excellent strategic transaction for Stock and allows us to continue to transform our operating model to specifically focus on the residential construction market,” says Joe Appelmann, chief executive officer of Stock. “The combination of Stock and Bison further strengthens our residential business in Texas.”

Bison is a supplier of building materials in the Houston area.

Tom Tolleson, chief operating officer for Bison, will lead the combined Houston operations. Tolleson has been with Bison for 10 years in various leadership functions including operations and sales.

briefly …
Champion Window of Oklahoma City recently received the 2010 Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award for Customer Service and Ethics in the Marketplace and the Oklahoman Readers’ Choice Award for best window company. Champion Window is headquartered in Cincinnati … Thermal Industries recently donated 50 custom-made vinyl replacement windows to a non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, in honor of its own 50th anniversary … Caldwell Manufacturing Co. North America LLC recently announced that Industrial Sales Corp. (ISC) has agreed to represent Caldwell products in California, Nevada, and Arizona … Edgetech I.G. was presented with the “Excellence in Exporting Certificate” at the Eastern Ohio Development Alliance (EODA) 20th anniversary meeting on April 30, 2010, in Walnut Creek, Ohio. The company also celebrated its 20th anniversary in December at its headquarters in Cambridge, Ohio … Norbord Inc. has received chain of custody certification under the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI®) at five additional North American oriented strand board (OSB) mills, bringing the total number to seven … CGI Windows and Doors Inc. has added Therma-Tru® entry doors to its product offerings … CertainTeed Restoration Millwork® PVC Exterior Trim now meets ICC Evaluation Services Inc. (ICC-ES) code requirements as designated in report number ESR-2922, according to a release from the company.

DWM
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