Vinyl windows still see openings for growth

nESPITE a time of national uncerl-f tainty, vinyl windows should continue to increase in acceptance and demand throughout 2002. Changes in building and insurance codes, coupled with more usage of windows in new home construction, and the development of new products, will all combine to drive growth in the industry.

energy efficiency features," says Brunett. "Advances in quality window systems mean superior products for home and commercial projects."

The next step in this evolution is preparing the marketplace for products that will meet changing building and insurance codes in different geographic areas. Windows manufacturers such as Simonton are currently developing products to handle wind loads and meet coastal area conditions for specific regions.

cially popular. In addition, color, coating and laminate usage with vinyl windows should increase along with mixtures of composite materials that replicate natural, organic products.

"Certainly our country is facing a difficult time economically as a result of terrorist acts, but we feel replacement vinyl windows will continue to see growth in the coming year," says John Brunett, president of Simonton Windows. "We don't expect that increase to be as rapid as previous years. but we are anticipating some growth."

Brunett believes that new construction vinyl windows will also do well in 2002, despite a predicted flat market and steady, but decreased housing starts. "Several factors bode well for window manufacturers in 2002," he says. "First, there's an ongoing trend toward having larger windows and more mulled units in new home construction. Second, the average home has grown in size and now typically has 18 windows. That figure helps push more products into homes and will help escalate sales."

According to Brunett, the rise in vinyl sales is largely due to increased acceptance of engineered plastic products. "It's taken time, but people now understand that vinyl products offer outstandins low maintenance and

Manufacturers also have high hopes for acoustical windows, which help keep the interior of structures quieter. As more homes are built near airports and flight paths, next to busy highways and in downtown areas, there is more need for products that protect homeowner privacy. "One aspect of privacy is visual...and for that we offer acrylic blocks with obscured viewing capability in our Simonton frames," Brunett says. "Another aspect is sound.

I believe you will see large advances in the coming years in acoustical products that also offer energy efficiency benefits."

In 2002, Brunett believes that geometric styles of windows will follow the theory that "bigger is more beautiful." He envisions Gothic styles becoming espe-

He says, "2002 will definitely be an exciting year for our industry. Vinyl will continue to take market share away from aluminum and wood windows, especially in pocket areas of the southern U.S., in Texas and in California. And we're finding that all audiences-homeowners. architects. builders and remodelers-are more accepting of vinyl products and gaining more knowledge about their benefits.

"Combined, this means that even in a difficult economic year for our country, we still believe vinyl windows will experience continued growth in both the new construction and replacement arenas."

John C. Elwell, ex-Rayonier and Plum Creek Timber Co., is the new general mgr. at Great Southern Wood Preserving's Columbus, Tx., facility.

Randy Nelson is now mgr. at PlyMarts. Eatonton. Ga.

Ken Keirns is new to SYP sales at Tampa International Forest Products, Tampa, Fl. Paul Olejniczak is new to western Canadian spruce sales.

Steve Lengyel has transferred to PrimeSource Building Products, Dallas, Tx., as Gulf regional sales mgr.

Rick Thompson is the new mgr. of Stock Building Supply, Fairburn, Ga.

Randall Puckett, president, Alamo Lumber Co., San Antonio, Tx., has retired after 23 years with the company. He will be succeeded by board chairman Bob Vaughan.

Matt Mullin is the new executive v.p.-sales and operations.

Lee Denham has been named general mgr. of Universal Forest Products, Moultrie, Ga.

Frank "Buddy" Peshoff has joined Cox Industries as the utility products division sales mgr., based in Florence, S.C.

Emmett Dollar is the new mgr. of Stone's. Tifton. Ga. Evans Pollock has transferred from Thomasville, Ga., to manage the Camilla, Ga., store.

Dale Scott has joined DW Distribution, DeSoto, Tx., as the new Oklahoma sales representative.

Mike Earp is the new mgr. at Leeds Building Products, Douglasville, Ga. Craig Smith is now mgr. of the Doraville. Ga.. location.

Jim Berry has been appointed branch mgr. of Diamond Hill Plywood, Jacksonville, Fl., replacing Andy Schermer, who is now in outside sales.

Robert Niblock has been promoted to executive v.p. and c.f.o. of Lowe's Cos.. Wilkesboro. N.C.

Mike Hopkins is the new mgr. of Lowe's Albany, Ga., home center.

Bruce Carroll has been named v.p.information technology and forest economics for Forest Technology Group, Summerville, S.C.

Robert Nardelli has been named chairman of Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., succeeding co-founder Bernie Marcus, who retired last month. Ron Griffin has resigned as chief information officer.

Rick Mongiou is the new store mgr. of Home Depot, Lake Park, Fl. Jim Christian is now mgr. of the Boynton Beach, Fl., store, and Jeff Beesing is general mgr. of the new Orlando, Fl., Expo Design Center.

Lamar Rich has transferred to Scotty's, Deland, Fl., as mgr., and Jerry Hughes has relocated as mgr. to Cocoa, Fl.

Glenn Gassiott, ex-Georgia-Pacific, has joined Metal Sales Manufacturing, Temple, Tx., as a sale representative for Houston, Central/East Texas, and parts ofLouisiana.

Jeff Pinter is the new assistant sales mgr. for Maze Nails.

Mike McClelland, president and c.e.o., Do it Best Corp., will retire Aug. I after 28 years in the industry. He will be succeeded by Bob Taylor.

C. Wes Smith, executive v.p. at International Paper, retires Jan. 3l after 43 years in the industry.

Guy Camparetta has joined executive search group Davis & Associates, Peachtree City, Ga., as v.p.

Richard Nowak, president and c.e.o, Elk Corp. of America, Dallas, Tx., has been elected treasurer of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

Dave Brown has been named c.e.o. and president of Owens Corning. Mike Thaman becomes chairman April 18 when current chairman Glen Hiner retires.

James E. Sterrett has been named v.p.-panels and lumber sales and marketing for Boise Cascade.

Carl Hedlund, ex-Owens-Corning, has been appointed president and c.e.o. of Therma-Tru Door.

Kevin J. Breen has been named president of Snavely International.

Jason Moyer, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tx., Tyvek representative, was recently named Specialist of the Year at the Dupont Tyvek annual conference in Orlando, Fl.

Rayne Deere assisted in packing away the Christmas decorations at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

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