PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – On Saturday, April 28, 2012, volunteer employees at Simonton Windows raised $34,000 during their 11th annual window and door auction to benefit the American Cancer Society. The successful fundraising effort during the past 11 years has now generated more than $364,000 for the Relay for Life® fundraising efforts in Ritchie County, West Virginia.

Dozens of homeowners, builders and remodelers turned out for the annual event at the Simonton manufacturing facility on Route 50 in Ellenboro. During the high-spirited auction, hundreds of new windows and doors, along with 13 skids (40 sheets per skid in black and white colors) of foam board for trimming and finish work were available at the “cash and carry” auction.

“This yearly event is a tremendous way for people to purchase top-quality, energy-efficient Simonton products at a fraction of their market price,” says Dave Meeks, co-organizer of the event and a dispatcher/scheduler at Simonton Windows. “These were brand new, high-quality products. People really walked away with some bargains. We had an assortment of new windows, patio doors and bay windows available at the auction along with the trim board supplied by SimEx.”

Simonton and SimEx Relay for Life team members and volunteers again offered refreshments for sale to further raise funds. The cash and checks (made payable to the American Cancer Society) on the day of the auction all helped support the ongoing fundraising efforts of the Ritchie and Pleasants County chapters of the American Cancer Society.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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AMBLER, PA – Springtime has arrived and it’s time to dust off the “to do” list. But, how does a homeowner decide which projects should take priority? According to Mark Clement, host of MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio show, start by selecting those projects that are the most important for enhancing the functionality of the home.

“National Home Improvement Month in May is the ideal time to shine the spotlight on annual home projects that should never be overlooked,” says Clement, a professional contractor in Pennsylvania. “Sure it’s great to work outside in the garden this time of year, but that task should take second place behind evaluating and fixing major components of the house.

“A home’s curb appeal is important, but working on the structural aspects of the home should always take priority. For example, every year homeowners should be evaluating the condition of their roof, siding, windows, gutters and other exterior products that they rely on daily to keep their family safe and secure.”

Clement, who is currently renovating his own 100-year-old home, understands that all products in and on the house will eventually need to be replaced. “We just replaced the original wood door on our home with a fiberglass door,” says Clement. “That old door should have been removed a decade ago because it lost its functionality and was an energy drain on our home. The new Therma-Tru fiberglass door is energy-efficient, stylish and helps secure our home.”

According to Clement, there is a “must do” list of five items that homeowners should review every year during National Home Improvement Month. “May is the ideal time weatherwise to do these checkups and replacement work for the home,” says Clement. “It makes sense economically to make any needed changes to the roof, windows or doors when such work will have the least impact on energy bills.”

The list recommended by Clement includes:

Item #1 – Check the roof. Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future. If that’s the case, research the newer products on the market, such as polymer shake and slate roofing tiles. These impact-resistant tiles are man-made in a wide variety of colors. Some roofing tiles, like those from DaVinci Roofscapes® that Clement chose for his home, are fire- and hail-resistant. They also have a 50-year limited warranty.

Item #2 – Clean and assess the home’s siding. Pressure-washing works well for many homes to remove dirt and algae that can grow on siding, but remember never to pressure-wash windows or their screens. The extreme high pressure could crack or destroy the caulking around the units. While cleaning the siding, make sure to check for changes in the exterior from the previous year and be alert to buckling, warping or insect damage that may need to be fixed.

Item #3 – Evaluate the windows. If you find that windows in the home don’t operate easily, there’s air leaking in or out of the units, or there’s condensation between the glass panes, then it may be time to seriously consider replacement windows.

Vinyl framed windows have the highest growth rate in the country due to their energy-efficiency, aesthetic appeal and durability. Some of the best have fusion-welded corners and multi-chambered construction. Plus, maintenance hassles are so low you’ll forget the horrors of rotting frames, scraping and repainting that come with wood windows. For his renovation project, Clement selected Simonton vinyl windows. The award-winning company impressed him with its 65-year history, strong product warranty and return-on-investment with their quality ENERGY STAR® qualified windows.

Item #4 – Check on the gutters. Don’t underestimate the importance of the gutter system on the home. Each year homeowners should check to make sure their gutters are unclogged and remain sloped for proper drainage. Plus, make sure the water running off the roof doesn’t cause damage to the building structure, landscaping or property below the roof.

The Gutter Installers Association (GIA) recommends using GIA-certified contractors to perform a physical inspection of your existing gutters to check for leaks, ensure proper slope for good drainage and offer advice on a variety of gutter protection systems.

Item #5 – Spend time with the main entry door. If homeowners can see light around the door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate.

Think about the weather conditions that a home’s door faces along with the energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing an entryway with a high-performance fiberglass door (which can have up to four times more insulation value than wood doors). Homeowners can also request features such as the Tru-Defense® Door System* from Therma-Tru Doors that features enhanced weatherstripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill that all work together to provide strength and stability in the entry door.

For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com.

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WARROAD, Minn., April 23, 2012 – The woods, lakes and fields of Northwest Minnesota have nurtured an impressive array of business visionaries. Among the giants was the late William S. “Bill” Marvin, who built Marvin Windows and Doors from a small lumberyard into one of the world’s premier window and door manufacturers.

Bill Marvin’s exemplary career will be recognized on April 25 with induction into the IDEA Hall of Fame. As the fifth inductee to the hall, Marvin joins previous honorees Andy Wells of Wells Technology; Edgar Hetteen of Polaris and Arctic Cat; and brothers George and Dennis Brazier of MATTRACKS and Central Boiler.

The IDEA Hall of Fame induction will take place at 5 p.m. in the Sanford Events Center in Bemidji, in conjunction with the fourth annual IDEA Competition. The IDEA Competition seeks to grow the economy of Northwest Minnesota by identifying the next generation of homegrown entrepreneurs and helping them develop their breakthrough ideas.

Bill Marvin joined his father’s Warroad-based lumber business as the eighth employee and led its entry into manufacturing. Today, Marvin employs more than 4,000 people in five states and is recognized worldwide for its innovative, high-quality products. Bill Marvin was named by BUILDER magazine as one of the U.S. building industry’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He died in 2009 at age 92.

“My father was a believer in the power of great ideas,” said John W. “Jake” Marvin, chairman and chief executive officer of the Marvin Companies. “He would take an idea from anyone, anytime — test it out and see if it made sense. And if it did, he wasn’t afraid to take a risk.

“My father had opportunities over the years to move his business away from Northwest Minnesota, but he valued the spirit, intelligence and frontier ingenuity of the people who make their home here,” Jake Marvin said. “He was proud of our region and a tireless promoter of it. We’re honored and humbled by this recognition.”

The IDEA Competition has already helped 10 startup businesses in Northwest Minnesota become commercially viable. This year’s winners will receive a $10,000 cash grant, along with services and direction from Northwest Minnesota’s leading business resources.

IDEA was made possible by a generous grant from the Blandin Foundation. IDEA sponsors include Bremer Bank (Crookston and Warren); Northwest Minnesota Foundation; 360 Degree Manufacturing and Applied Center of Excellence; Headwaters Regional Development Commission; Northwest Regional Development Commission; and the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

ABOUT MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS

Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every solution.  A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners.

Marvin’s tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned and operated company is still headquartered today. Learn more at www.marvin.com.

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PARKERSBURG, WV – Simonton Windows, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of quality vinyl windows and patio doors, will again serve as the sponsor of the 2012 Simonton Windows Challenge at Mountwood on Sunday, April 15, 2012.

The 17^th annual event features a 23-mile mountain bike trail for experts and professional racers, a sports class trail of 16 miles, and a beginners/children’s trail lasting seven miles. The race is seen as the official kickoff of the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association Points Series and helps increase awareness of the park’s 50 miles of trails.

“A record-breaking number of people — 229 riders total — participated in the 2011 Simonton Windows Challenge at Mountwood last year and we’re hoping for even stronger attendance this year,” says Duane Jones, RVMBA Race Director for Challenge at Mountwood. “Each year Simonton shows their dedication to this annual activity and we appreciate their enthusiasm and commitment.”

Hosted by the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association, the event brought in riders from West Virginia Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee and Maryland in 2011. The competitive event focuses on promoting the trails throughout the Mountwood Park area.

“This is a dual points series race with West Virginia and Ohio — so we have racers that come in from as far away as Columbus and Athens,” says Marty Davis, marketing communications manager for Simonton Windows. “However, there are also many amateurs who come out to be a part of the fun and challenges the course has to offer. There are riding activities planned for younger bikers as well. Simonton is proud to be an annual sponsor of this race that promotes wellness and outdoor physical activity. It is a great event for the entire family to enjoy.”

For more details on the 2012 Simonton Windows Challenge at Mountwood, visit http://theopam.com/events/636-xc-1-the-simonton-windows-challenge-at-mountwood.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies ^SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops.

For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – According to the Pantone^® “Fashion in Color Report for Spring of 2012,” Driftwood is one of the top 10 colors for clothing choices.* That’s no surprise to folks at Simonton Windows who have seen Driftwood emerge over the years as one of the most popular color choices on exterior vinyl window frames in the Decorum^® by Simonton collection.

“In this case, what works in clothing fashion also works in home fashion design,” says Kate Smith, chief color maven at Sensational Color. “Driftwood is the ideal color complement in so many ways. The earthy, natural blend of beige and gray provides both the ideal backdrop for adding splashes of color in other areas of clothing and the home, along with serving as a stand-out color by itself.”

The Decorum by Simonton collection of color and finish options on vinyl window and patio door frames was launched to provide homeowners with colorful options to express themselves in their homes. The beachy Driftwood option has grown over the years to one of the most popular choices for home exterior window frames for both new construction and replacement window projects.

Adaptable Driftwood Color

“Driftwood is an adaptable color,” says Smith. “It’s subtle and elegant by itself. But, when added to a home exterior it blends in really well with different siding colors and options, such as brick and stone to create a cohesive ‘whole home’ fashion statement.

Smith points out that there are many similarities between fashion and home design. “In both situations you try to select a main color that you can accent with other colors or accessories,” says Smith. “In fashion, this may be a Driftwood-colored dress highlighted by a bright tangerine scarf or colorful jewelry. In a home project, you can accent your Driftwood-colored windows with bright green shutters, unique hardware options or woodgrain finishes on the interior of the frame.”

Interior options in the Decorum by Simonton collection include Antique Cherry, Maple and Contemporary woodgrains plus white and tan. Premium hardware finishes include Brushed Nickel, Oil-rubbed Bronze, Polished Brass, Dark Bronze, White, Driftwood and Tan. In addition to Driftwood, the exterior color options include Brick, Chocolate, Bronze, Cream, Pine and Tan.

“Home exterior color options can be fun and very personalized,” says Smith. “To help homeowners explore the opportunity to add color to their home’s exterior there’s a free 30-page “FRESH Home Exterior Colors” guide available at www.simonton.com. This downloadable tool provides tips and steps for homeowners to confidently add color ‘from the top down’ to their home exteriors.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies ^SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – Simonton Windows, one of the nation’s leading vinyl window and patio door manufacturers, encourages homeowners to educate themselves about possible poison exposure from lead-based paints and products used in the original construction of older homes. Experts at Simonton especially recommend that homeowners hire contractors certified in lead safe practices who can analyze and safely remove older windows coated with lead-based paint as part of a replacement project.

“National Poison Prevention Week (March 18-24, 2012) is the ideal time to shine the spotlight on proper procedures for lead-safe practices and other steps targeted at preventing lead poisoning in children and adults,” says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. “Unfortunately when it comes time to replace some older windows, lead paint can be disturbed, creating lead dust and chips. Homeowners should seek out professional contractors who are trained and certified to follow specific work practices to help prevent lead contamination inside, outside, and around the home during remodeling work. This includes replacing older windows.”

Pember reminds homeowners that danger from lead poisoning doesn’t come just from the process of replacing older windows in the home. “The friction created by opening and closing windows and doors coated in lead-based paint can generate lead dust, which may contaminate the household,” says Pember. “This harmful dust can be inhaled and inadvertently spread to other areas of the home. An estimated 30 million homes in the United States today still contain lead-based paint, which can be extremely harmful, especially to children. One of the very best ways to remove the source cause of this dust is through total window replacement. Vinyl windows and doors are a safe, long-lasting, ideal alternative.”

A lead safety awareness video created by Simonton Windows is available for viewing at www.YouTube.com/simontonwindows to educate homeowners and encourage them to review their homes for lead paint issues. Simonton also offers free materials and more information on lead safe issues at its website at http://www.simonton.com/leadsafe. The National Poison Prevention Week awareness campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that may disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified. This training includes taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

“Simonton supports all educational efforts for contractors and homeowners that can result in safer living environments,” says Pember. “We recommend people with houses built prior to 1978 have their homes tested and seek out ways to prevent their families from potential lead poisoning and its harmful effects. This year’s 50th annual National Poison Prevention Week is an ideal time to contact your local health departments to ask for information on blood-level testing and educational programs in your area.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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WARROAD, Minn., March 13, 2012 – Architects from around the world have a chance to inspire and be inspired by the myMarvin Architect’s Challenge, which is accepting entries for its fourth annual competition.

The Architect’s Challenge is fast becoming one of the premier showcases in the architectural world. Winning projects in previous years have displayed the remarkable inspiration of designers in styles both traditional and contemporary, in both the residential and commercial arenas.

Among the projects that impressed the judging panel were a San Francisco townhouse, a Minnesota hunting lodge, a Mediterranean villa and a Catholic church in Wisconsin. There are no limits to the creations you can enter; all that’s required is that they use Marvin windows or doors.

“Marvin is the preferred window and door of architects because we provide tailored solutions to a project to help achieve design objectives,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “In that spirit, we’re proud to showcase the work of architects who have been inspired by Marvin to create some of their best work.”

Entries will be judged on solution-driven design, classical beauty, innovative use of windows and sustainability. William J. Devereaux Jr., Mark Scheurer, AIA, and David Furman, FAIA, will judge this year’s challenge.

Winners will be promoted through traditional and social media and will be featured in our permanent Winners Gallery. We invite architects to submit their best designs featuring Marvin windows and doors by May 31, 2012. Find complete entry information and contest rules at:

http://www.marvin.com/window-door-ideas/mymarvin-project/architects-challenge

ABOUT MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS

Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every solution. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners.

Marvin’s tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned and operated company is still headquartered today. Learn more at www.marvin.com.

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MAUMEE, OHIO – Capturing the ongoing popularity of the Craftsman style of design, Therma-Tru Corp. has introduced new 12- and 14-inch Craftsman sidelites with nine different glass options to complement Craftsman-style home entryways.

“The Craftsman design has proven to be an enduring favorite with homeowners eager to create arts-and-crafts style features in and on their homes,” says Derek Fielding, senior product manager of doors at Therma-Tru Corp. “Our introduction of the new Craftsman style sidelites allows builders, remodelers and homeowners to create complete entryway systems with distinct Craftsman style features. This is another example of how Therma-Tru offers multiple architecturally-correct door styles and products to match up with the needs of homeowners.”

Therma-Tru Craftsman style sidelites are available in the Classic-Craft_® American Style Collection_™ and Classic-Craft_® Canvas Collection_™ to complement entryway systems in the same Therma-Tru families. The durable fiberglass sidelites feature hand-crafted embossments, rich panel details and architecturally-correct stiles and rails.

The sidelites in the Therma-Tru American-Style Collection feature a fir-grained texture for staining. Those Craftsman style sidelites in the Canvas Collection include a smooth surface for ease of painting to complement home interiors and exteriors. The factory-produced, flush glazed construction of the Classic-Craft Craftsman Sidelites increases durability, strength and moisture resistance of the units.

The Craftsman style sidelites are available with nine different glass options, including decorative Hazleton_™, Savannah_™, Villager_™ and Homeward_™ (with brushed nickel and black nickel caming); in Low-E glass; and, in the four privacy glasses of Chord, Chinchilla, Rainglass and Granite.

“These ENERGY STAR^® qualified sidelites deliver a cohesive, whole-house fiberglass solution –a premium front entryway, plus patio and garage-to-home – when the new Classic-Craft Craftsman-style entryways are used in a project alongside Craftsman-inspired products in our Fiber-Classic_® and Smooth-Star_® product lines,” says Fielding. “This is a designer look that we believe will continue in popularity for many years to come.”

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2012, Therma-Tru is known as the company that engineers its products for high performance as an entire entryway system. During its impressive history, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entryway system in 1982 with key features such as increased energy efficiency and eye-catching curb appeal elements. In 2007, Therma-Tru launched the Tru-Defense_® Door System for entry and patio doors, providing builders and remodelers with advanced engineering to help withstand damaging weather and harsh conditions.*

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – Simonton Windows, one of the nation’s leading suppliers of quality vinyl windows and patio doors, has introduced the new Asure^™ line of energy-efficient replacement windows and patio doors. Designed to maximize the amount of natural daylight that enters the home, Asure products are available in Double Hung, Slider, and Picture window styles, along with a variety of popular geometric styles and patio doors.

“Input from both consumers and remodelers helped us design this new product line that includes a larger viewing area and sightline,” says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. “The re-designed frame and modified sash on these units allow more light into the home. This allows homeowners to connect more with nature and ‘bring the outdoors inside’ their homes.”

Available nationwide, Asure windows feature a two “stepped” sill design for better resistance to water and air infiltration. Simonton’s patented Lap-Lok^® Meeting Rail and thick fin seal weatherstripping also help ensure a tight seal against wind and rain. The sill “chambers” are uniquely designed for added strength and durability, providing peace-of-mind to homeowners investing in these replacement windows.

Energy-Efficiency and Aesthetic Appeal

Simonton Asure windows can be ordered with design pressure (DP) ratings of up to 50. The new window incorporates a triple-stepped sill when DP ratings from 35 to 50 are selected. Asure products meet ASTM and AAMA Gold standards when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. Asure windows and patio doors can also be ordered to meet ENERGY STAR^® criteria in all areas of the country.

On the exterior of the window, a stylish, reverse brickmould frame enhances the window’s aesthetics and increases curb appeal. “From the outside, Asure windows and patio doors complement any home design,” says Pember. “The frame face of the window provides an enhanced, attractive architectural ‘finished’ look to the home. Clean corner welds and a smooth exterior construction complete the styling of these impressive windows.”

For the interior of the home, the affordable Asure windows incorporate a constant force balance system, requiring minimal effort to operate the sash. A longer sash stop in the lower sash has also been added for increased support and ease of operation.

Available in white and tan, Asure products can be ordered with Flat or Sculptured grids in Colonial, Diamond, Perimeter, Prairie or Victorian patterns. A Double-Lifetime Limited Warranty provides peace-of-mind for homeowners.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Two Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2011 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Studies ^SM.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brand Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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Honored for “Significant and Lasting Contribution” to Minnesota Building Industry

WARROAD, Minn., March 1, 2012 – In an unprecedented honor, the Builders Association of Minnesota has named Marvin Windows and Doors to the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame.

Marvin is the first company to be so honored, joining 37 individuals who had previously been inducted into the hall.

“It’s an honor and it is humbling to be the only company to have received this award,” said John W. “Jake” Marvin, chairman and chief executive officer of Marvin Lumber & Cedar Co., the parent organization of all the Marvin companies.

“More than four thousand people have ‘thrown in’ with the Marvin companies and have stayed with us throughout these very difficult years,” Marvin said. “Many of these great folks have given us their very best years. So it’s on their behalf that I thank you for this wonderful recognition.

“We’ve always supported builders in Minnesota and across the nation with high-quality, innovative and beautiful products that will help bring their customers’ vision to life,” Marvin said. “We also believe in working together to advance the building industry, which provides high-skill, high-wage jobs for thousands of Minnesotans and millions of Americans.”

Founded in 1994, the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame honors those “who make a significant and lasting contribution to the housing industry in Minnesota and to the Builders Association of Minnesota.”

Marvin was selected as the first company to be inducted because it is a Minnesota company that has consistently supported Minnesota’s home building industry and builders associations, officials said. With well-respected representatives across the state such as Daryl Doehr, John Taylor and Tom Sinning, Marvin has volunteered countless hours in support of the association and the industry.

“The Builders Association of Minnesota is proud to have Marvin Windows and Doors as a member and to have inducted Marvin into the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame,” said BAM President Keith Kylmala. “Members of the Hall of Fame are the pillars of the residential construction industry in Minnesota, and Marvin fits that description perfectly. They so willingly volunteer time, energy and resources to the association and the industry statewide. Marvin is a model citizen of the Minnesota residential construction industry and the communities in which they do business.”

ABOUT MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS

Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every solution. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners.

Marvin’s tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned and operated company is still headquartered today. Learn more at www.marvin.com.

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Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors

Medford, WI – July 13, 2011 – Hurd Windows and Doors announced that its subsidiary Superseal Windows and Doors will expand its manufacturing footprint and market presence with a new facility in Merrill, Wisconsin. According to company officials, with Superseal manufacturing in Wisconsin alongside Hurd, the company can offer an even broader range of premium, high performance and affordable wood and vinyl products for the residential and light construction markets.

Hurd purchased Superseal, which already had a manufacturing facility in South Plainfield, N.J., in January 2011. The addition of the new plant is considered a strategic move to expand beyond Superseal’s east coast focus — to better serve product demand for its broad line of highly energy efficient vinyl windows in the Midwest and western U.S. and international markets. The expansion represents a continuation of Hurd’s commitment to grow the vinyl window business alongside its well established premium wood windows and innovative mid-priced H3 windows. Since the acquisition, Hurd has invested in re-branding Superseal to create an iconography and graphic template which better represents the high quality of Superseal products. With the new branding, Hurd began to more aggressively market the Superseal product line with all new collateral, as well as point of sale and promotional materials.

President and CEO of Hurd Windows and Doors Dominic Truniger explained that, while the new home market has yet to fully recover from the economic downturn, the company is flourishing. “Demand for the product is there. Customers are excited to buy our vinyl windows and patio doors all over the U.S. and internationally,” said Truniger. “This expansion will accomplish the dual purpose of building the Superseal brand, while improving distribution efficiency through consolidated shipping of Hurd and Superseal products.”

The second plant will be located at the same facility as Hurd’s existing glass factory, which will remain operational. Hurd will begin making vinyl windows at the Merrill facility this fall. The company is investing in state-of-the-art equipment and significant upgrades at the Merrill facility to prepare it for its new role as a Superseal vinyl window manufacturing plant. The company anticipates hiring up to 50 people within the next year and hopes to triple that number when the facility reaches full capacity.

The company’s presence in Merrill is fitting, as the city already benefits from a diverse industrial and manufacturing base. Local municipal elected officials were instrumental in persuading Hurd management as to why this community was ultimately the right choice for the plant. Mayor Bill Bialecki worked tirelessly to draw Hurd’s attention with the help of Rep. Sean Duffy (R) of the 7th District of Wisconsin and Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) of the Wisconsin 35th State Assembly.

“I was elected to fulfill a mission of expanding growth in Merrill and bringing in new jobs,” Bialecki said. “Though there is still some work to do, this is another step in the right direction towards accomplishing both of those tasks.”

“Job creation and getting the economy growing are important to the district and my top priority in Congress,” said Duffy. “My staff and I stand ready to help attract and support great companies like Hurd and Superseal in their efforts to put our communities back to work. Ultimately, this announcement reflects what we already know: we have some of the hardest workers right here in Central Wisconsin and we will see more sustainable job growth if we continue to empower businesses to invest in communities like Merrill.

“The economy and new jobs are important to the district I represent and to my work in Congress,” said Duffy. “I want to do what I can to attract and expand great companies like Hurd and Superseal to deserving communities like Merrill. There are people already living in the area with the skills to fulfill these needed positions and this major announcement by Hurd is a significant step in returning this area to higher levels of employment.

Representative Tiffany added, Hurd has been part of the fabric of the Wisconsin community for decades. It was only natural for them to think of our state first when they considered expanding and creating more jobs. The undeniable attractiveness of Merrill did the rest.

Planning for the integration into the Merrill facility is currently underway, with the completion slated for early fall 2011.

ABOUT SUPERSEAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Celebrating 50 years in business, Superseal Window and Door Company is based in South Plainview, NJ. The company has set the standards for top-quality products and exceptional service in the vinyl window and door industry. Unlike ordinary vinyl lines, Superseal offers consumers an unlimited number of exterior painted colors and superior energy performance, best demonstrated by their flagship R5 rated 1100 series double hung.For more information, call 800-521-6704 or visit www.Supersealwindows.com.

ABOUT HURD WINDOWS & DOORS.
HWD Acquisition, Inc. is headquartered in Medford, Wisconsin. The company markets products under the Hurd brand, which is recognized for its 90-plus year tradition of building custom wood windows and doors to the highest standards of excellence and quality. Hurd products are sold exclusively through more than 400 distributors in the United States and Canada, and in 20 countries worldwide. With factories in Medford and Merrill, Wisconsin, Hurd products are manufactured in 600,000 square feet of production space. For more information, visit www.hurd.com. Toll free: 1-800-433-4873.

Lower U-values for consumers – A stock sheet shortcut for window makers.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Guardian Industries is launching its new family of fourth surface coated low-E glass with the release of ClimaGuard IS-15 and IS-20, two coated glass products for residential applications that help meet new codes and ENERGY STAR® standards while giving window makers easy fabrication options.

ClimaGuard IS-20 offers residential window makers the possibility to meet current code requirements for U-values without the use of Argon gas or a third pane of glass while providing a smooth and clear (no hazy appearance) and easy-to-care-for (common household cleaners are fine) package that homeowners demand.

ClimaGuard IS-15, a fourth surface glass with even higher thermal performance, will help many windows hit R5 ratings without the need for a third pane of glass.

As ENERGY STAR® requirements continue to evolve, the ClimaGuard IS family arms window makers with already-to-code product in advance of 2013 updates. Most importantly, Guardian engineered ClimaGuard IS glass to be available in annealed stock sheets, which reduces the cost to manufacturers by about a third.

“In addition to making it easier for window makers on the manufacturing side, ClimaGuard IS offers an improvement in light transmission over existing products,” said Andy Russo, director, Guardian Residential Marketing Segment. “This glass coating is very tough and has been derived from our first surface anti-condensation coating. We are very pleased to expand this work to our customers in this new application.

“ClimaGuard IS’ success in the lab reinforces Guardian’s research and development advancements, which will lead to product portfolio additions we’re looking forward to announcing in the near future.”

Other key characteristics of ClimaGuard IS:

- Durable and scratch-resistant.

- Cleanable with standard household window products.

- Usable in monolithic applications (such as storm windows).

- Available in full truckloads, less-than-truckloads or case quantities.

For more information, see the ClimaGuard IS data sheet or go to www.guardian.com.