Industry Access

ASSA ABLOY Hires Industry Leader

ASSA ABLOY is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Buckles as general manager, Graham Wood Doors and a member of the ASSA ABLOY Door Group team. Brian has enjoyed a distinguished career in the wood door industry in a variety of roles that have included manufacturing, sales, purchasing and administration. “Brian’s reputation in the industry and wealth of experience with wood doors will be valuable assets to Graham and the Door Group,” says Larry Denbrock, president ASSA ABLOY Door Group. “I am very excited to join ASSA ABLOY and the Graham Wood Door team,” says Brian. “With an outstanding manufacturing facility and product base, Graham is well-positioned to become an even greater supplier of high quality wood doors in the marketplace.”

Zimmerman Named President of Gorell Windows & Doors

Gorell Windows & Doors LLC, based in Indiana, PA, named Brian Zimmerman president and chief operating officer. The job of president was previously held by Wayne Gorell, who remains CEO and takes the role of chairman. Zimmerman will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the company, which has 400 employees and sales of $40 million in 2009, reported Pittsburgh Business Times. Full Story

Simpson Introduces Simulated Divided Lite Doors

Simpson Door Company is expanding options for its exterior French and Sash doors and sidelights with its latest innovation - the Simpson Simulated Divided Lite (SDL). Simpson SDL doors capture the elegance of a true divided lite with a single insulated glass unit, allowing the doors to achieve higher energy efficiency ratings and meet hurricane and design pressure (DP) requirements.

To obtain the divided-lite look, Simpson manufactures its SDL doors and sidelights with a "shadow spacer" between the two panes of glass and then permanently affixing decorative bars to both of the outward-facing sides of the glass. The bars are 7/8" thick and come in two profiles - ViewSaver® and Shaker - and multiple wood species or PVC for use with Simpson WaterBarrier® Technology. For more information, visit simpsondoor.com

A free download, including slides and audio, of Jordan, Knauff & Co.'s Fall/Winter 2009 Window & Door Industry Update webinar, is available from the firm's website. Topics covered in the presentation include an analysis of transactions and expansions, and the slowing rate of plant closings and bankruptcies. Also included was a discussion of current industry trends, the state of the residential and commercial real estate markets and a review of the capital markets and private equity investing as they pertain to the window and door industry. Click here to visit the site. (Free registration required)

Honeywell introduced the Honeywell Open Technology Alliance, a group of global security manufacturers that will collaborate to increase interoperability between third-party IP systems and help businesses more easily secure and protect their facilities. Full Story

US LBM Holdings LLC, a portfolio company of Building Industry Partners, and BlackEagle Partners LLC, recently closed the acquisition of Universal Supply Co. in partnership with Jeff Umosella. The move follows up on US LBM's acquisition of three regional operations from Stock in Wisconsin, Central New York and Connecticut, reported Window & Door. Full Story

SARGENT Manufacturing Company has been recognized by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies as a 2009 GOOD DESIGN Award winner. SARGENT was recognized in two separate categories. The company's Harmony Series Access Control System was a winner in the Protective Equipment Category, while its MX Lever was cited in the Hardware Category. Full Story

Pella Corporation has developed an innovative new method for installing replacement windows and doors. Pella's new low profile replacement installation process is low-impact to the home or business, since you don't have to cut back or replace siding as you're installing new windows and doors. Full Story

Overhead Door Corporation has introduced the RapidSlat™ door system. The door system combines speed and efficiency, as well as strength and durability. Full Story

Dallas-based Atrium Companies Inc., which owns Atrium Windows and Doors, filed for Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Likewise, its Canadian subsidiary initiated reorganization proceedings under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. Though Atrium and its subsidiaries have filed for bankruptcy, company officials announced that the filing is part of an agreement they reached with more than two-thirds of their senior secured lenders to reduce its outstanding debt by more than $350 million, or more than 50% of its existing debt, through a "pre-negotiated" restructuring of its balance sheet, reported the USGlass News Network. Full Story

Lawrence Roll-Up Doors Inc. recently added an Insulated Fire Door to its line of commercial and industrial rolling door products. The new Model IL Insulated Fire Door features a double-slat curtain construction with mineral wool insulation to combine fire protection with the benefits of thermal and sound control, reported Professional Door Dealer. Full Story

ThyssenKrupp Bausysteme GmbH has sold its manufacturing plant for insulated doors in Pansdorf, Schleswig-Holstein, effective February 1, 2010. The plant mainly produces hinged and sliding doors for cold and freezer rooms as well as numerous custom fabrications. The purchaser is the newly formed company ems Isoliertüren GmbH. Full Story

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