High Service Levels, Quality Products and Brand Focus to Lead Simonton Windows Through 2007

To combat challenges in the housing industry, Simonton Windows® has a strategy for success mapped out for 2007: focus on brand awareness, high service levels for builders and remodelers, and continue producing quality products. The vinyl window and door manufacturer, which was ranked "Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction Among Residential Window and Door Manufacturers" in a 2006 study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates/McGraw-Hill Construction, views 2007 as a year of opportunity.

"We see strong business growth potential for our coastal products in 2007," says Chris Monroe, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. "Additionally, we're perfectly positioned to assist with retrofit product needs next year. The Simonton brand name is growing steadily with both building industry professionals and consumers and we'll lean on that growth to help increase our business on the West Coast, in coastal markets and in the retrofit arena. The reputation we have for high service levels and consistent quality products will help keep Simonton in a leadership position in 2007."

Monroe believes that changes in codes adapted by AAMA for Forced Entry Resistance (FER) will drive industry changes in 2007. The hand-manipulation test added by AAMA to ensure hardware on windows meets resistance standards will be a major focus for many manufacturers next year. Another AAMA initiative, code 450, will require testing of mulled window units.

"AAMA is doing a good job of changing and updating industry codes to take care of the homeowner," says Monroe. "At Simonton we're fortunate to have our own AAMA-certified testing lab. This will allow us to gain quicker certification on our products to meet these new codes."

Monroe points out that changing coastal construction codes will also impact both builders and remodelers in 2007. "We envision a significant push toward enforcement of coastal codes in renovation situations in 2007," says Monroe. "Remodelers should pay close attention to all coastal code changes and updates in their areas so that projects they are working on are not shut down by officials for code violations. In the past, builders needed to be more concerned with coastal code compliance; now we're seeing remodel and renovation projects receiving this same level of intense scrutiny."

Where will window trends take the industry in 2007? Certainly toward an ever-increasing focus on impact-resistant products in coastal states and definitely on a move nationwide toward more energy efficient glass packages.

"Every buying audience --- builders, remodelers and homeowners --- is embracing energy efficient glass packages for windows and doors right now," says Monroe. "ENERGY STAR® qualifications and programs have made a strong impact on people no matter what their geographical market. Ever since fuel costs started to rise we've seen a steady and continuing increase in requests for energy efficient glass packages.

"The other trend we see is related to requests from homeowners for glass packages that assist in sound reduction and security in the home. People are very interested in keeping external sounds outside. They're also looking for ways to help protect their homes from intruders. Higher-end glass packages can help them achieve both these goals."

Even with the industry challenges, Monroe feels confident that vinyl products will continue to increase in market share. "Vinyl is still taking share away from wood, and composites are not growing rapidly," says Monroe. "With its superior performance and increasing use in retrofit projects, vinyl is perfectly positioned for continued market share gains."

At Simonton, the company is setting itself up for future success by focusing on its core values: on-time, quality and complete. "The J.D. Power and Associates study shows that builders and remodelers value good service and quality products from window manufacturers," says Monroe. "These aspects become even more important to builders and remodelers in a down market as they set their own competitive edges in business. In 2007 we'll continue to focus on these business elements while building our brand and product awareness.

"We are setting ourselves up for future successes by paying close attention to product innovations, speedy delivery times and quality products. Next year we'll look at the West Coast for increased sales of retrofit products along with coastal areas for impact-resistant products. Our efforts overall are in sync with where we believe the market will be next year and to position us for strong growth beyond 2007."

Founded in 1946, Simonton's hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less. Part of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; McAlester, Okla.; Lyons, Ga.; and Vacaville, Calif. Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a corporate partner of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com.