2007 Trends AnalysisProject Differentiation for Builders and Remodelers

BEAUMONT, CALIF. - While the downturn in the new housing market will make 2007 a challenging year for building industry professionals and product manufacturers, it will also provide opportunities for innovative home products brands. In the fenestration arena, leading acrylic block manufacturer, Hy-Lite® Products, will focus on new product offerings that help builders and remodelers differentiate themselves from their competitors with innovative products.

"The occurrence of any type of slow down in the housing market signals to builders and remodelers that they should work harder to stand out from their competition and capture any available business," according to Jack Nugent, president of Hy-Lite Products. "We're developing several products for introduction in 2007 that will assist building industry professionals in offering consumers unique options for both new homes and remodeling projects."

Hy-Lite plans to increase the company's decorative glass product offerings in 2007 with a new Private Elegance line of ultra-private windows along with operable decorative glass windows. The company is also adding sidelite and transom sizes to its decorative glass offerings along with combination window units featuring decorative glass surrounded by acrylic blocks. The one-piece products are manufactured in standard window opening sizes so that builders and remodelers do not have to alter openings from existing plans. A new Max-Lite window offers a custom-sized window with a slim Max-Lite low-maintenance vinyl frame that eliminates bulky matting.

Where Will the Sales Be? Following the common philosophy that when the new construction market goes down, the replacement market goes up, Hy-Lite leaders plan to dedicate extra attention to remodelers in the coming year. "We're aggressively positioning our products to both remodelers and the consumer end-user," says Nugent. "The unique ways our products enhance a home make them very appealing in remodeling situations.

"Much of our effort is focused on education. Once we showcase to remodelers and homeowners how acrylic block radius walls, windows, partitions and doorlights can enhance the home during a renovation, they oftentimes choose several of our products. Now, with the addition of our selection of decorative glass windows, there are more ways than ever before to incorporate Hy-Lite products into the home."

What Will the Trends Be? According to Nugent, the buzz in the industry currently focuses on energy efficiency offerings, green initiatives and geographic focus areas such as the southwest and southeast. "I believe these are the topics that will see major industry attention in 2007," says Nugent. "For our part, we're closely monitoring all these areas. Our focus for next year is on introducing innovative, new products that help building industry professionals differentiate themselves in the marketplace. We believe these products and efforts will help us grow market share even during the housing starts slowdown."

Hy-Lite Products is an industry leader in prefabricated acrylic block products and specialty windows. Part of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Hy-Lite manufactures a full line of operable and fixed windows, radius walls, door insert units and partitions. For more information on the full Hy-Lite product line, call 1-877-712-4013 or visit www.hy-lite.com.