Hurd Windows and Doors initiates exacting quality standards at every point of the process

MEDFORD, WI (18 October 2006) - A typical clad double hung wood window passes through 28 assembly stations. With more than 56 hands doing everything from bending wood, securing glass, applying weatherstriping or securing hardware, it isn't easy for manufacturers to ensure perfection along such a complex assembly line. But Hurd Windows & Doors' new quality standards aims to do just that: test perfection.

"We have defined critical to quality criteria at every single step in the assembly process," said Erin Russell, Hurd quality control manager. "At the end of the line, our operator has a multi-point checklist and Final Inspection Label which must be initialed and signed. That signature stays on the window or door until it's installed. We want to make sure each and every step is completed perfectly. For our typical clad double hung, that translates into 28 unique inspections before it leaves our plant."

Such intense line inspection isn't new to the window industry. However many manufacturers simplified the process over the past few years to lower overhead. It's expense to have workers constantly stop and review their work. Yet for Hurd, initiating such a sophisticated quality control program lines up strategically with Hurd's new corporate philosophy. Hurd is focused on designing and building the industry's highest quality wood windows and doors.

At each assembly station, workers consult a detailed checklist that includes photos. "Our goal is to educate each operator on precisely what is required of them at their station," said Russell. "Consider this the Hurd Rule Book. Each quality standard is written in clear, concise language. To make it even easier, we've included photos of how things should look when done perfectly as well. Ultimately, we're instilling a sense of pride in our employees as we ask them to take responsibility for what they do."

Along with the obvious, workers must also consider such things as

The exact recessed measurement of every nail

Type, color and bead size of sealant or weatherstripping

Specific location of everything from weep holes to labels

Unit cleanliness, including no fingerprints

In the end, Hurd will have at least 370 unique assembly quality standards along the manufacturing lines.

"Every single product Hurd makes will now prominently display a signed sticker to further demonstrate our commitment to manufacturing perfection,'" said Dominic Truniger, Hurd general manager. "We believe so strongly in our quality process and our people, we're including personal signatures as proof. The personal touch reinforces Hurd quality for builders, remodelers and homeowners."

About Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc.
Headquartered in Medford, Wisconsin, Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc., is a company with an 85-year tradition of building custom 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, Canada, and in 20 countries worldwide. In December 2004, Hurd was acquired by Monarch Holdings, Inc., and the name was changed to Hurd Windows & Doors, Inc. For more information, visit www.hurd.com or call (715) 748-2011. Toll free: 1-800-433-4873.