Pella Pressroom : News Releases

Pella's shades of green on display at Greenbuild 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:50:00 -0600

As part of Greenbuild 2009, Pella® Windows and Doors contributed to a Habitat for Humanity project to build a net-zero energy home in Phoenix. In spite of scorching desert temperatures, the net-zero energy home is designed to consume the same amount of energy that it produces on a yearly basis. Design considerations like insulation and air-tightness of exterior walls and windows, plus the efficiency of household appliances and the use of solar power help drive energy conservation.

The Pella Window & Door Store in Tempe donated and installed ENERGY STAR®-rated Pella Impervia® windows, a sliding patio door plus a fiberglass entry door.

The home is Platinum level LEED® certified and ENERGY STAR qualified.

Made with Duracast® — Pella’s patented five-layer, engineered fiberglass composite — energy-efficient Impervia windows and doors can withstand the forces of Mother Nature without cracking, shrinking or warping in extreme weather conditions.

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo Nov. 11 – 13, promotes sustainable building practices and will offer a tour of the Habitat for Humanity home and others Sat., Nov. 14, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pella’s Greenbuild booth #930 is on the second floor of the 500 Mile Pavilion in Phoenix.

About the Habitat for Humanity net-zero energy home

About Pella’s sustainability initiatives

Pella earned the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification.

Pella’s ‘green evolution’ began in 1925 with a steel and aluminum-recycling program. Today, Pella’s environmental stewardship thrives.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella is known for its 84-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. The company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Pella earned the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.
Pella manufactures quality windows and doors sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

Pella Corporation awarded well workplace distinction

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:14:00 -0600

The Wellness Council of Iowa (WCI) presented Pella Corporation and 13 other Iowa organizations with Well Workplace Award status. “This is a record for the state of Iowa and demonstrates a continued expansion of public interest and commitment to health and wellbeing,” said Jenny Weber, executive director of WCI, the Iowa affiliate of the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA).

“Pella Corporation is honored to earn this recognition from the Wellness Council of Iowa,” said Lisa Winn, Pella’s wellness coordinator. “This award recognizes our progress in offering and involving our team members in a comprehensive wellness program.”

The Well Workplace awards, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, recognize companies that have implemented and demonstrated measurable success in employee wellness programming. Areas of focus include smoking cessation, nutrition, physical fitness, self-care and stress management. WCI has been recognizing and fostering sustainable wellness in Iowa for more than 15 years. Awards are designated in bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels.

The Healthy Iowa Awards were sponsored by United Healthcare, Wellness Council of Iowa, Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition, Des Moines University, Farm Bureau, Iowa Foundation for Medical Care, Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Health System.

WCI is a non-profit, membership-driven organization based in Des Moines, Iowa. As a result of this year's recognition, nearly 1.4 percent of Iowa's entire population is now employed in a Well Workplace. This is nearly 2.4 percent of Iowa's total labor force. Visit www.wellnessiowa.org to learn more or to become a member.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella is known for its 84-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. The company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Pella earned the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

Pella manufactures quality windows and doors sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to feature Pella� products

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:21:00 -0500

The Sunday, Oct. 11, episode of ABC television network’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will include Pella products donated by Pella Windows & Doors, Greenfield, Mass. The episode will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC-TV.

The makeover in Suffield, Conn., marks the 23rd appearance of Pella products to help complete the new construction of a home for a deserving family featured in the series. Pella Architect Series® doors and ProLine® windows were included in the New England-style home built for this episode.

“The Pella team was honored to team with ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ to create better views for this deserving family,’” said Al Herringshaw, General Manager of Pella’s Greenfield, Mass., branch. “The windows and doors and the skilled expertise of the team make Pella a natural fit for these unique projects. We thank our Pella system team members who made this special project a reality.”

Each episode features a race against time on a project that would normally take at least four months to achieve, involving a team of designers, contractors and several hundred workers who have just seven days to build an entire house plus the exterior and landscaping. Viewers see the transformation of the home and the reactions and emotions of the deserving homeowners.

Past episodes
Pella products were included on 22 previous episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” providing new or renovated homes for deserving families in Albert Lea, Minn., Geneva, N.Y.; Fairmont, W. Va.; the California cities of Los Angeles, Martinez and Penngrove; and the New Jersey cities of Bergenfield and Irvington. In addition, Pella has provided windows and doors for homes featured on the show in Billings, Mont.; Alma, Ark.; near New Orleans, La.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Clarksville, Tenn.; Bountiful, Utah; Purdy, Mo.; Biloxi, Miss.; Berry, Ky.; Minot, N.D.; Gladbrook, Iowa; Kansas City, Mo.; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Albany, N.Y.

About “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," in its 7th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It¹s executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8-9 p.m. ET on ABC.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

Pella Corporation earns FSC certification

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:32:00 -0500

Pella Corporation has been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification, by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) – accredited by the FSC to certify companies to its international standards – further demonstrating the company’s commitment to using resources responsibly.

“Pella’s roots in environmental stewardship trace back to 1925, when the company was founded and launched its first recycling program,” said Jim Nieboer, champion of Pella’s environmental efforts. “Now with the widely- recognized FSC CoC certification, we can offer Pella® customers the option of windows and doors made from pine certified to have been harvested from well-managed forests.”

FSC standards
The FSC awards CoC certification to companies that meet FSC standards for tracking wood used in their products from the certified forest to the consumer. Steps of the production process – including harvesting, processing, manufacturing and distribution – must be independently verified for adherence to FSC standards. Only products from FSC CoC companies claim the FSC designation – assurance of a socially and environmentally responsible purchasing decision.

Offering FSC CoC certified products is one of many ways Pella’s windows and doors can help contribute toward earning points in the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System. Pella Corporation’s FSC certification number is SCS-COC-002711.

About the Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. www.fsc.org.

About Scientific Certification Systems
SCS is an independent third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability, food quality and food purity claims. Over two decades, SCS has developed internationally recognized standards and certification programs aimed at spurring the highest level of environmental improvements, social accountability and product performance. Its programs span a wide cross-section of the economy, recognizing accomplishments in the fields of green building, product manufacturing, forestry, retail, agricultural production, fisheries, energy, and food processing and handling. For more information about SCS, visit www.scscertified.com or call 510-452-8000.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella is known for its 84-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. The company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.
Pella earned the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

Prevention key to helping protect loved ones, reducing risk of fire

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:47:00 -0500

As temperatures drop and families spend more time in-doors, statistics prove that there is an increase in home fires, with December and January being the peak months. In 2008, 3,320 fire fatalities were reported in the U.S., and most deaths — 83 percent — occurred in homes, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA).

As Fire Prevention Week, observed October 4-10, and the winter months approach, Pella Corporation’s Close the door on fire! campaign encourages homeowners to think about fire safety and take the proper steps now to help protect their loved ones year-round.

Stay warm! Stay safe!
Space heater usage can help you stay warm, but can increase the risk of fire if not used properly. Space heater fires in homes are often more deadly than other types of heating fires according to U.S. Fire Administration and are the leading cause of fires in winter months. They account for only 10 percent of all heating fires, but nearly 40 percent of heating injuries and deaths.

So how do you safely use space heaters? It’s important to ensure space heaters have space. Pella reminds homeowners to keep them at least three feet from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding or anything else that can burn. For safety’s sake, never leave space heaters on while not in the room, and turn them off before turning in for the night or a nap.

“Help protect your family’s safety by taking the proper fire safety steps like planning and practicing a home fire escape plan with your loved ones, testing exit windows and doors to make sure they open quickly and easily in an emergency, and replacing worn out batteries in smoke detectors,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella fire safety educator.

In addition to space heater usage pointers, Pella offers these fire safety tips to help protect your loved ones.

Identify! Prepare! Practice!
• Evaluate fire safety risks inside your home and immediate surroundings. Equip your garage with smoke detectors since garage fires can start easily and spread quickly. Also, properly extinguish fire in indoor fireplaces or outdoor settings to prevent the risk of fire spreading around your home or others in the neighborhood.
• Identify two exits - Designate two exits from every room in your home — a door and a window. Make sure doors and windows open quickly and easily to help ensure a quick exit; if not, consider replacing them for safety’s sake.
• Have a plan - Download an escape grid and draw a floor plan of each level of your home. Before an emergency strikes, establish and communicate a meeting place a safe distance outside your home for everyone to gather in the event of a fire.
• Check the alarms - Install working smoke alarms in or near every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test alarms monthly, change batteries regularly, and replace alarms not permanently wired into your home’s electrical system every 10 years.
• Make smart purchases – Consider keeping items like fire extinguishers and fire escape ladders in your home. Mark their location on your home fire plan and share this information with those in your home.
• Test the alarm - Sound smoke alarms when household members are awake so everyone knows what they sound like, and test your family’s ability to awaken to fire alarms during sleeping hours. If they don’t awake easily, assign someone to awaken sound sleepers in the event of an emergency.
• Practice makes perfect - Practice your home fire escape plan with everyone in your home at least twice a year.

Helpful tools
• Downloadable escape grid
• Additional helpful fire safety tips

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella is known for its 84-year history of making innovative products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

Pella Corporation ranks highest in customer satisfaction

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:51:00 -0500

Pella Corporation has earned the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” for the third year in a row.

“We are truly honored that again for the third straight year and continually since the award’s inception, consumers recognize Pella’s industry-leading focus on providing superior windows and outstanding service,” said Elaine Sagers, Pella vice president of marketing and customer satisfaction. “The J.D. Power and Associates award is a direct reflection of the dedicated efforts of the Pella system, together with our valued business partners, to create a better view for our customers.”

About the J.D. Power and Associates study
In the independently conducted study by J.D. Power and Associates, consumers were asked to evaluate window brands on product and service attributes. Survey topics included operational performance and features, appearance and design features, ordering and delivery, warranty and replacement, price competitiveness, installation service, overall experience, problem occurrence, and loyalty.

In the study, Pella performs particularly well in three of seven factors: operational performance; product quality/durability; and appearance and design.

The 2009 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 2,856 consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors in the previous 12 months. Eight brands were rated in the study. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in March and April 2009. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

ENERGY STAR® Partner
Earlier this year, Pella also earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for windows for the third consecutive year, recognized as an ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence winner for the company’s leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information please visit jdpower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Pella Corporation announces Truckload Carrier of Year Awards

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:00:00 -0500

Pella Corporation, together with Ryder System, Inc., its third-party logistics provider, has announced their 2008 Truckload Carrier of the Year Awards. Carriers were honored for their performance in safely and efficiently transporting Pella Windows & Doors and materials used by the privately-held, family-owned company headquartered in Pella, Iowa, serving customers throughout North America. Carriers honored include:

Northeast - Heartland Express, North Liberty, Iowa
Southeast - Arnold Transportation Services, Jacksonville, Fla.
Central States - Rudolph Freight Systems, Murray, Ky.
Midwest - Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Minneapolis, Minn.
Overall Carrier of the Year – Stan Koch & Sons Trucking, Minneapolis, Minn.

“Each week, truckloads of Pella Windows and Doors swiftly move over the road to meet the new construction, remodeling and replacement needs of residential and commercial projects,” said Steve Bowers, Pella corporate logistics manager. “Pella is known for delivering customer satisfaction. That’s why Pella is pleased to honor these carriers for their dedication in efficiently transporting Pella Windows and Doors to our customers,” he said.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella Corporation is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership program. Pella received the accreditation for its responsible management of transportation partners and private fleet and committing to improve the environmental performance of freight operations. Pella also earned the ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award for manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

About Ryder System
Ryder provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Ryder’s stock (NYSE: R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Ryder ranks 371st on the Fortune 500 and 1,631st on the Forbes Global 2000. For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit ryder.com.

Mini-marathon Aug. 8 in Knoxville raises dollars for scholars

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:17:00 -0500

Sprint cars won’t be the only thing running in Knoxville, Iowa, Aug. 8, as the local Dollars for Scholars chapter revs up a 1/3 marathon. Open to runners and walkers, the event roars into action at 8:00 a.m. at Knoxville’s Auld Park on Second Street. For the second time, Pella Corporation’s Rolscreen Foundation is presenting the event, in cooperation with sponsors Knoxville Raceway, Marion County 4-H and volunteers from the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and Knoxville Dollars for Scholars.

“Race fans and area residents are invited to take in the scenery of Knoxville on foot while getting a great workout and raising money for scholarships through this exciting event that will be held rain or shine,” said Knoxville Dollars for Scholars board member Jarred Roy, of Pella Corporation.

The 2007 Knoxville Raceway 410 Division track champion, “Blackjack” Brian Brown, of Grain Valley, Mo., will wave the green flag to start the fun and to cheer participants on to victory, sign autographs, and pose for pictures in the winner’s circle at Auld Park.

Music motive participants along the route and face painting will await those upon their return. The mini-marathon will include jaunts through Knoxville Raceway, and the Marion County Park, packed with race fans camped Knoxville for the 19th Annual Advance Auto Parts 360 Nationals Aug. 6-8, and the 49th Annual Superclean Knoxville Nationals, presented by Lucas Oil Aug.12-15.

How to register
For those who register by August 3, the entry fee is $33 for the 1/3 marathon, spanning 8.73 miles, or $18 for the 4-K event supported by Marion County 4-H. Entries after that point increase to $40 for the mini-marathon and $25 for the 4-K. Registered participants receive a commemorative event shirt, a runner’s bag with a Pella® Windows & Doors water bottle, an energy drink from Pella Corporation, a Sterling Physical Therapy gift pack, and snacks courtesy of the Knoxville Hy-Vee® Food Store, while supplies last

In true racing fashion, the top three finishers in each respective age division will be recognized, and get a chance to pose on camera in victory lane with racing champions in front of a Knoxville checkered flag.

Last year’s event attracted about 400 participants. Event planners are expecting even more men, women and children to blaze the trail this year. “Our goal is to raise $7,500 to award scholarships to 15 deserving Knoxville High School Seniors in 2010,” Roy said. “We encourage runners and walkers to register online, by mail, or to stop in at the Red Rock Cultural Center 116 N. Second in Knoxville the evening of August 7 to preregister.”

For more information on the event, or to preregister online visit www.khsdfs.org, or contact Joe Cunningham at Iowa State Savings Bank in Knoxville at joec@issbank.com, or call 641-820-0283. Entries may be mailed to along with checks payable to: Knoxville Dollars for Scholars, Attn. Joe Cunningham, P.O. Box 438, Knoxville, IA 50138.

About Knoxville Dollars for Scholars
The Knoxville Dollars for Scholars chapter was established in 2003 to encourage post-high school education by providing scholarships to graduating Knoxville High School Seniors. The Knoxville chapter is an affiliate of the Citizen's Scholarship Foundation of America, a national, non-profit student and service organization.

About the Pella Rolscreen Foundation
The Pella Rolscreen Foundation contributes to the civic, cultural, educational, social and physical environment of the areas in which Pella Corporation team members reside through gifts to qualifying active, nonprofit, charitable organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c) (3) organizations whose purpose coincides with this goal.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 83-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-84-PELLA or visit www.pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

Solutions to save time and money

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:20:00 -0500

In an era of consumers crunched for time, Pella Windows & Doors brings beautiful time- and cost-saving solutions to the table. More convenient pre-finished options are now available from Pella, including its wood entry doors, for builders, homeowners, remodelers and business owners. The factory-applied stained finish, covering the door’s interior and exterior, saves time and money by eliminating the hassle of traditional on-the-job staining and finishing steps, applying a consistent look to both sides of the door.

“Offering a factory pre-finished entry door is another time-saving step on the job site that adds value for the builder, contractor or remodeler,” said market development manager, Alan Lockcuff, of Pella’s Heritage Division. “And ultimately, the customer benefits by enjoying a beautiful high-quality finish, which helps seal and protect the wood, and enhances the rich look and feel of the door.”

New stain colors available for Mahogany, Rustic Walnut, Demesne Cherry or White Oak Pella wood doors include Chapparal, Saddle, Chappo, Rawhide, Bordeaux and Rosewood.

“We much prefer to have Pella do the finish work,” said custom homebuilder Eric Johnson, owner of E.S. Johnson Builders in Davidson, N.C. “ We know they will get it sealed and completed in a much better way than having it done in the field.”

Finished with finishing
Other pre-finished products available from Pella include Designer Series® wood windows, Pella® Impervia® windows and doors, steel and fiberglass doors and all Pella vinyl products.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. In 2009, Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award as Partner of the Year for the third consecutive year for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

Pella� replacement windows, doors qualify for Canada's tax credits

Fri, 22 May 2009 12:11:00 -0500

A variety of Pella windows and doors qualify for Canadian tax credits as part of the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC). Created to spur economic activity in home remodeling and manufacturing industries in Canada, HRTC provides Canadian homeowners with 15 percent tax credit up to $1,350.

Savvy Canadian homeowners will couple the HRTC with the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program to offset the costs of installing ENERGY STAR®-qualified Pella windows and doors. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to help reduce a home’s energy usage.

“Today’s homeowners are looking at renovations with their utility bills in mind and now Canadian residents can benefit at tax time as well,” said Pella Corporation’s Vice President of Retail Replacement Annette Bravard. “The HRTC and ecoENERGY programs help offset the costs of home renovations and reward residents for installing energy-efficient Pella replacement windows and doors.”

Pella offers a wide variety of types and styles of replacement windows and doors that qualify for the tax credits.

For more information on the HRTC and ecoENERGY programs visit:
http://pressroom.pella.com/fast_facts/136/

To learn which Pella products qualify for Canada’s ecoENERGY program, contact your local Pella Window & Door Showroom representatives. To find a local Pella showroom in your area visit www.Pella.com.

*Please be sure to consult your tax professional to determine if the windows or doors you purchase are eligible for Canada’s tax credit program.

Pella manufactures quality windows and doors sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com: @Pella_News.

Pat Meyer named to lead Pella Corp as President and CEO

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:21:00 -0500

As part of its succession planning process designed to provide for smooth transitions, Pella Corporation has named Pat Meyer to succeed current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mel Haught as the company’s top leader upon Haught’s planned retirement Nov. 30.

Meyer, who joined the privately-held, family-owned company headquartered in Pella, Iowa, in 1990, will now serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) until becoming the President and CEO Dec. 1. Meyer most recently served as Corporate Vice President, overseeing operations of EFCO, A Pella Company, and the company’s Wylie (Texas) Operations and Project Management Office (PMO).

“We thank Mel for his leadership and dedication to Pella Corporation since 1991,” said Charlie Farver, chairman of Pella Corporation’s Board of Directors, in announcing the leadership transition. “Mel was part of the team that brought the continuous improvement (CI) culture to Pella Corporation that thrives today. We’re confident that Pat Meyer will drive Pella’s focus on innovation, CI and customer satisfaction well into the future,” Farver said.

Meyer brings management experience in sales, marketing, operations, finance, manufacturing and continuous improvement to his expanded leadership role. “Pella Corporation is a great company and I’ve welcomed the opportunity to lead a number of areas of the business during my career here,” Meyer said. “I’m looking forward to working together with our team members to focus on building Pella Corporation’s industry leadership in residential and commercial markets by delivering innovative products and services to meet the needs of our customers for new construction as well as remodeling and replacement applications,” Meyer said.

Meyer, a native of Granger, Iowa, earned his B.S. and M.B.A. in Business Administration from Drake University in Des Moines. Today, he serves on Drake’s National Advisory Board. In addition, he’s a graduate of Northwestern University’s Executive Scholar Program in Marketing, and the Harvard Business School’s General Manager Program. Meyer and his family now make their home in Pella, Iowa.

In announcing his retirement, Haught said he’s pleased that Meyer will succeed him. “Clearly, the Pella Corporation team has achieved many milestones and I’m proud of all that our team has accomplished over the years,” he said.

“Pat is an effective leader who’s performed well in a variety of roles with the company across the country during his impressive career,” Haught said. “I’ve always admired the way Pat has demonstrated a positive ‘can do’ attitude and I know he’ll guide the Pella team to continued business success in his new role,” Haught said.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making outstanding products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com. Follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

Pella Corporation raises $161,000 for juvenile diabetes research

Wed, 13 May 2009 03:04:00 -0500

Pella Corporation, a leader in the window and door industry, earned the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) World Achievement Award, presented by the Greater Iowa/South Dakota JDRF Chapter, recognizing the company’s leadership in helping others.

Pella Corporation President and CEO Mel Haught said that Pella team members raised $161,000 in their sixth official year of support for the cause. “Clearly, we’re very thankful for the leadership shown by Pella Corporation team members in the United States and Canada who together with their friends, families and communities have collectively raised more than $1.6 million for diabetes research over the years,” Haught said.

Haught credits the fundraising success to the dedication of individuals committed to helping find a cure for diabetes. “When it comes to using resources responsibly, JDRF is one of the most efficient charities and Pella Corporation is proud to help support their important cause,” Haught said.

Through JDRF, volunteers raise money for research to help find a cure for the disease which affects more than 20 million Americans. Although juvenile diabetics rely on insulin to survive, it is not a cure. Over time, diabetes takes its toll on virtually every organ in the body. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) gives more money directly to diabetes research than any other private health agency in the world.

About diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, debilitating disease that affects every organ system and reduces the average life span by 10 to 15 years. Type 1 diabetes — juvenile diabetes — develops when the body’s immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, which make the hormone that regulates blood sugar.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke and non-traumatic amputations.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation’s window and door manufacturing facilities are located in the Iowa communities of Pella, Carroll, Shenandoah, and Sioux Center, in addition to manufacturing operations in Columbia, S.C., Fairfield, Ohio, Gettysburg, Pa., Macomb, Ill., Murray, Ky., Portland, Ore., and Wylie, Texas. EFCO, a Pella Company which manufactures commercial building products, is based in Monett, Mo.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552, visit www.pella.com, and follow Pella on Twitter.com @Pella_News.

Chicago's Smart Home Features Pella's most energy-efficient windows

Mon, 11 May 2009 02:39:00 -0500

Proving smart can be beautiful, the Museum of Science and Industry has extended its Smart Home: Green + Wired, powered by ComEd and sponsored by Peoples Gas exhibit in Chicago. The three-story modular and sustainable “green” home on the museum’s grounds has been redesigned showcasing the ways, big and small, that people can make eco-friendly living a part of their lives — plus highlights unique home technologies for the 21st century.

Featuring Pella® Designer Series® windows throughout, the home combines the best practices of green environmental practices. Pella’s Designer Series windows and doors include blinds or shades protected between panes of glass and are rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands.*

“It is my hope the exhibit will educate and raise awareness about the vital importance of sustainable design while inspiring adults and children to make changes in their own homes that lead to healthier, greener living,” said Michelle Kaufmann, AIA, LEED® AP, award-winning Smart Home architect and green living expert. “One of the best parts about this exhibit is returning home to the Midwest to work with the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. I first visited the museum in the 8th grade and was inspired by the power of combining architecture and technology.”

Key components
With the help of key participant Wired magazine, the home will incorporate “smart” technologies, with a focus on energy efficiency, making greener choices and homeowner awareness. A home-automation system automates heat, lighting and window coverings to reduce energy consumption. An energy monitoring system will track electricity and water usage on a real-time basis, giving homeowners a direct way to see the resources they're consuming by the hour, day or month.

Pella windows contribute to the smart technology of the home. “Our windows demonstrate how to improve energy efficiency, and help block out the noise of the outside world,” said Ross MacNeill, Pella Windows & Doors, Chicago. “Pella Designer Series windows and doors with triple-glazing and laminated glass can reduce exterior sounds by more than 80 percent.** This is at least double the sound performance of a single-glazed window. By comparison, an eight-inch concrete block reduces sound by 95 percent.”

Exhibit information
The Smart Home is open for tours May 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010. Celebrating exciting new directions in sustainable living and spectacular, environmentally-friendly technology, Smart Home: Green + Wired offers guests guided tours of the 2,500 square-foot home and grounds, located in a park on the east side of the Museum. Within the home, guests can view the latest innovations in reusable resources, smart energy consumption, and clean, healthy-living environments in a contemporary setting. Smart Home: Green + Wired, powered by ComEd and warmed by Peoples Gas, is also sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Dominick’s; and the Motorola Foundation as part of the Museum’s 75th Anniversary. Tickets are now on sale at www.msichicago.org.

The Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry’s mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. The Museum first opened its doors in 1933. In 2008—more than 175 million guests later—the Museum commemorates its 75th Anniversary with a year-long celebration. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. Regular Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

To view Smart Home images visit: http://msismarthome.org

* Pella Designer Series wood windows and patio doors with triple pane glass have superior NFRC U-values and SHGC ratings.
**Computer simulation average compared to single-pane wood windows. Actual results may vary.

# # #

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to feature Pella� products

Fri, 08 May 2009 02:18:00 -0500

The Sunday, May 10, episode of ABC television network’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will include products manufactured and donated by Pella Corporation. The episode will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC-TV.

The makeover in Las Vegas, Nev., marks the 22nd appearance of Pella products to help complete the new construction of a home for a deserving family featured in the series. The Pella entry door manufactured in Fairfield, Ohio, is included in the new home built for this episode.

“The Pella team was honored to help create better views for this special Las Vegas family by teaming up with ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Corporation spokesperson. “The windows and doors and the skilled expertise of the team make Pella a natural fit for these unique projects. We thank the Pella Window & Door Showroom team in Las Vegas and local installers, in addition to our corporate team members who made this special project a reality.”

Past episodes  
Pella products were included on 21 previous episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” providing new or renovated homes for deserving families in Albert Lea, M.N., Geneva, N.Y., Fairmont, W. Va., the California cities of Los Angeles, Martinez and Penngrove and the New Jersey cities of Bergenfield and Irvington. In addition, Pella has provided windows and doors for homes featured on the show in: Billings, Mont., Alma, Ark., near New Orleans, La., St. Petersburg, Fla., Clarksville, Tenn., Bountiful, Utah, Purdy, Mo., Biloxi, Miss., Berry, Ky., Minot, N.D., Gladbrook, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. and Albany, N.Y.  

About “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” 
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), and is in its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is executive producer; and David Goldberg is president of Endemol USA.

About Pella  
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

Pella introduces BIM models for windows, doors

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:56:00 -0500

Pella Corporation now offers three-dimensional (3D) window and door models for use in Building Information Modeling (BIM) projects by architects, designers, and others looking for aesthetically correct, easy-to-use, data-rich 3D drawings. Pella introduces its latest innovation as architects gather for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national convention and design expo, April 30-May 2 in San Francisco.

“As we continue to provide the best construction documentation support for our commercial partners, we’ve developed a collection of Pella BIM models so designers can easily incorporate Pella products into their building designs,” said Pella Commercial Marketing Manager Terry Zeimetz, AIA, CSI, CCPR.

Pella’s Autodesk® Revit® families are now available for use with the Revit Architecture computer software. For ease of use, Revit users may access Pella products directly from the Revit design application by using the Autodesk Seek Web service and simply drag-and-drop the Pella models into their BIM project. Visit pellacommercial.com/BIM or download Pella’s 3D models from any of these Web sites: pellaadm.com, seek.autodesk.com,caddetails.com, or sketchup.google.com.

“We frequently include Pella in our commercial and residential projects,” said Mary Scro, AIA, NCARB, and partner with Z+ Architects, an architectural firm in Allendale, N.J. “Having Pella’s BIM models will make our job easier, faster and better, saving us time and money. Plus we can very quickly show our clients different product options.”

Pella’s new BIM-ready models complement other 3D and 2D drawing and specification resources currently available from Pella including 3D models for Google™ SketchUp, 2D drawings in dwg and dxf formats, and three-part specifications in CSI and AIA PRODUCT MASTERSPEC™ formats.

Innovations offer more style, color options
Other new commercial innovations from Pella include interior matched grilles between-the-glass and prefinished stained interiors for the wood window collection. Pella ProLine® and Architect Series® products now offer color choices for grilles between-the-glass to offer the look of individual panes of glass, with the energy efficiency and cleaning convenience of grilles permanently protected between the panes. The new grille color options — White, Tan, Brown, Ivory, Harvest, Cordovan and Brickstone — complement today's most popular stain and paint tones.

Also new in 2009, Pella expands its aluminum exterior color options for greater design flexibility to add a look of distinction to non-residential and multi-family projects Seventeen new feature colors are available on Pella Architect Series and Designer Series® products, as well as aluminum-clad wood, fiberglass and steel entrance doors. New colors include: Cranberry, Real Red, Stormy Blue, Naval, Eldridge Gray, Iron Ore, Almond, Classic White, Vanilla Cream, Sand Dune, Honeysuckle, Portobello, Fossil, Auburn Brown, French Roast, Summer Sage, and Deep Olive.

Sustainable solutions save energy
Pella Designer Series aluminum-clad wood windows and doors with double or triple glazing options offer blinds and shades between the panes of glass, protected from dust and damage, reducing lifecycle costs associated with the maintenance and replacement of traditional room side blinds and shades. Designer Series blinds or shades may be opened or closed to control the flow of light and the window sash may be opened for natural ventilation.

When closed, Pella between-the-glass blinds offer a 43 percent reduction in solar heat gain compared to traditional room side blinds, reducing potential cooling costs Research found windows with ordinary room side blinds accumulate 200 times more of certain airborne allergens than Designer Series products with between-the-glass blinds.1 In addition, Pella Designer Series products with triple-pane glass are No. 1 for energy efficiency2 and noise reduction when compared to top national brands with similar glazing.

For added convenience, Designer Series products now offer completely prefinished stained interior options.

Fiberglass composite casement windows debut
Pella Impervia®, crafted of fiberglass composite materials, adds casement and awning style window options in 2009, to provide more choices for architects and commercial property owners looking for highly durable, low maintenance windows or patio doors that will perform even in extreme weather conditions.

Pella Impervia windows are made from Duracast®, a patented five-layer, engineered fiberglass composite that is more durable than aluminum3, offers the thermal efficiency of wood, is priced competitively with vinyl, and comes in an impressive array of styles, sizes and options to fit your project requirements.

Architect Series Double-hung features impact-resistant glass
Pella’s newly redesigned Architect Series HurricaneShield® double-hung and single-hung window allows customers the full extent of impact-resistant protection without sacrificing aesthetics.Eliminating the need for brace clips and other visible reinforcement the natural beauty of wood interiors to radiate.HurricaneShield double-hung and single-hung products offer Missile D, Wind Zone 3 performance as the standard.The new design achieves performance ratings of +55/-60 psf in sizes up to 41” w x 84” h, 45” w x 77” h, 48” w x 71” h, 52” w x 65” h and +60/-75 psf on sizes below 33” w x 53” h.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. In 2009, Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award as Partner of the Year for the third consecutive year for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

Pella manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®. For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit pellacommercial.com.

1. Based on data from research conducted by the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at The University of Iowa.
2. Pella Designer Series windows and patio doors with triple-pane glass are #1 for energy efficiency and noise reduction among top national brands with similar glazing, providing superior NFRC U-values and SHGC ratings.
3. In testing performed in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) testing standards, Pella’s Duracast has displayed superior performance in strength, ability to withstand extreme heat and cold and resistance to dents and scratches.

Pella organizations plan Earth Day event at Pella Corp April 25

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:32:00 -0500

Pella Corporation, the City of Pella Public Works, Vermeer Corporation, Wal-Mart, Van Gorp Corporation, and Precision Pulley & Idler Inc. (PPI) are partnering to offer electronic recycling (eCycling) in honor of Earth Day 2009. Available to Marion County residents and employees of participating companies, the free event will take place April 25 from 9 a.m., to Noon at a designated area of the Pella Corporation parking lot near the intersection of Clark and South streets. in Pella.

Oskaloosa event open 8 a.m.- Noon
Pella event organizers have also partnered with Mahaska Communication Group (MCG) to hold an Earth Day eCycling event in Oskaloosa, Iowa. From 8 a.m. to noon, also on April 25, MCG will accept electronics for eCycling from Mahaska County residents in the Musco parking lot south of Hy-Vee (by the basketball courts).

Participating businesses and organizations planned Earth Day events to encourage local residents to safely recycling obsolete electronics to help protect the environment.

Variety of electronic devices accepted
Electronics accepted for recycling in Pella and Oskaloosa include computers, computer monitors, hard drives, computer keyboards, televisions, VCRs, stereos, computer printers, video game systems, and cell phones. A total of three computer monitors or televisions per vehicle may be dropped off. In exchange for providing recycling services at no cost at the April 25 events, donations will be accepted to help support local causes. (Cell phones or electronic devices other than computer monitors or televisions will not count as part of the three item limit for recycling through this event.)

Supported by local environmental leaders
Funding for this annual event is provided by the environmentally-conscious groups: Pella Corporation, the City of Pella Public Works, Vermeer Corporation, Wal-Mart, Van Gorp Corporation, PPI, and MCG.

Safe way to dispose of electronics, cell phones
Following the eCycling event, the sponsors, in partnership with Midwest Electronic Recovery of Walford and Clive, Iowa, will process and document the various types of electronics and cell phones, to help ensure items collected are safely recycled.

Midwest Electronic Recovery provides a safe, viable place to dispose old electronic technology while protecting the environment. This process reduces the risk of identity theft, as well as the protection of highly sensitive information stored on an electronic device. Items are safely recycled in accordance with applicable U.S. environmental regulations.

The eCycling Event is an extension of a successful electronic recycling program established by Pella Corporation approximately 10 years ago. Both Pella Corporation and Vermeer have embraced the challenges of environmental stewardship with comprehensive programs that maximize recycling opportunities, minimize waste, reduce consumption, and employ the latest waste management and recycling strategies to help ensure that products manufactured by each firm are made to last.

For more information on Pella’s eCycling event, please call Don Argo at Pella Corporation at 641-621-6585 or Teri Vos at Vermeer at 641-621-7908.

The four previous eCycling events were a resounding success collecting nearly 4,100 items with a combined weight of 117,331 pounds of electronic waste and over 1,425 homes participating. Among the items collected were computer monitors, personal computers, televisions, printers, scanners, and laptops.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

About Vermeer Corporation
Vermeer is a leading manufacturer of industrial and agricultural equipment, known for its innovation and market solutions. The company distributes more than 160 products globally from seven production facilities and offices totaling 1.5 million square feet, and features the premiere Global Pavilion training center and museum. Founded in 1948, the company serves the construction, landscaping, environmental, excavation and forage markets. Vermeer holds more than 115 product and design patents within its full line of utility and track trenchers, directional boring systems, tub grinders, tree equipment and hay harvesting products.

Vermeer products and solutions are backed by a worldwide sales and support network of independent Vermeer industrial and agricultural equipment dealers. In addition, Vermeer is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthful and clean environment. It is their vision to achieve environmental, health and safety excellence through continuous improvement of infrastructure, systems, and development of people. For more information, visit Vermeer.com.

About City of Pella Public Works
The City of Pella Public Works Department is responsible for providing a variety of services and managing important infrastructure in the community. The Department consists of the Streets/Storm Sewer, Water, Wastewater, GIS, and Airport Divisions. The Streets Division maintains over 58 miles of streets, seven miles of allies and 16 miles of storm sewer. The Water Division is responsible for the water treatment plant operations and over 77 miles of water lines. The Wastewater Division is responsible for plant operations and over 74 miles of sewer lines. For more information on the Public Works Department please call 641-628-1601 or visit cityofpella.com.

About Van Gorp Corporation
Van Gorp Corporation, Pella, Iowa, is an ISO certified manufacturer of quality conveyor components with markets throughout the world. Products include conveyor pulleys, shafting, rubber lagging, bearings, rollers, take-up frames, and other related material handling products. Van Gorp world class conveyor pulleys can be found operating around the world from gold mines in Alaska to copper mines in Chile; package handling in France to grain handling in Russia. For over 50 years Van Gorp has successfully provided products and services that have met or exceeded the needs of its customers. As a result of this disciplined focus, Van Gorp continues to retain its role as one of the largest conveyor pulley manufactures in North America. For more information, visit vangorp.biz.

About Precision Pulley & Idler, Inc.
Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI) is an employee owned manufacturing company that was founded in 1977 with the goals of providing high-performance conveyor components and competitive pricing, both combined with unparalleled customer service. These goals are quite evident in the growth of PPI’s product line. Starting with CEMA drum and wing pulleys in 1977, PPI has grown to include a full range of pulleys, idlers, take-up frames, bearings and conveyor monitoring devices.

PPI has 6 manufacturing plants in Iowa, 4 service centers in the United States, an office in Santiago, Chile and dedicated customer service staff across the nation, ready and willing to help with the sale and service of all our products. Our experienced staff deals with package handling, coal, power plants, grain, aggregate and mining applications on a daily basis!

From small roller tubes that only weigh a few pounds, to large turbines that take a special truck for the pulley, and another for the shaft, no job is too small or too big for PPI. From the Nile River Valley to the mountaintops in Chile, our products are on some of the largest belts in the world and are second to none. All this has made PPI a world leader in conveyor components. For more information visit: ppipella.com.

Pella� replacement windows, doors qualify for U.S. stimulus tax credits

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:12:00 -0500

Many Pella windows and doors qualify for tax credits for window and door replacement as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), commonly known as the economic stimulus bill signed into law Feb. 17.

“Today, Americans are spending more time entertaining at home and as a result, they are making upgrades to improve the use and enjoyment of their homes,” said Pella Corporation’s Vice President of Retail Replacement Annette Bravard. “The new U.S. window and door tax credit helps Americans save at tax time, and more importantly, energy-efficient Pella replacement windows and doors help homeowners save on utility bills for years. “

Under the new economic stimulus plan, American homeowners can claim a tax credit up to 30 percent of the cost of qualifying energy-efficient replacement windows and doors, not exceeding $1,500 for units installed in their primary residence 2009 or 2010.

Pella offers a wide variety of types and styles of replacement windows and doors that qualify for the tax credits. For example, Pella® Designer Series® windows and patio doors which feature triple-pane glass are rated number one for energy efficiency among top national brands.1 Pella’s vinyl products offer high performance Low-E glass as an option. This highly energy-efficient window is ideal for warm regions, where blocking damaging Ultraviolet (UV) rays is critical. Pella’s product blocks 95 percent of UV light as compared to 44 percent for clear, insulating glass.

For more information on the stimulus bill visit:
http://pressroom.pella.com/fast_facts/135/

For a complete list of Pella products qualifying for U.S. tax credits, or to schedule an in-home consultation, visit www.Pella.com.

An ENERGY STAR® partner
Pella’s commitment to making energy-efficient products runs deep. For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Pella Corporation a 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award as ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in windows, for continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

An ENERGY STAR partner since 1999, Pella was honored for its long-term commitment to providing highly energy-efficient products, and the company’s comprehensive integration of ENERGY STAR information in media relations, consumer education, advertising, Pella Web sites and training.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

1-Superior NFRC U-values and SHGC ratings

Pella advocates window safety

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:22:00 -0500

As temperatures rise, so can the potential for accidental falls as more North Americans open windows and doors to let in fresh air. To help promote greater safety, Pella Corporation has partnered with the National Safety Council (NSC), through its Window Safety Task Force, to share safety tips during National Safety Week April 5 – 11, for use year-round.

“For safety’s sake, keep an eye on children and keep their play away from windows and doors,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella’s window safety spokesperson and a NSC Window Safety Task Force member. “There’s no substitute for adult supervision, when it comes to maintaining child safety. So whether you’re a parent, a caregiver or have young children visiting in your home, practice window and door safety year-round.”

Pella offers these five tips to help enhance home safety:

Keep furniture like beds and dressers away from windows. Furniture placed under a window can create an enticement for a child to climb and the potential to fall.
Keep children's play away from windows, doors and balconies to help prevent an accidental fall or injury.
Remember insect screens are designed to provide ventilation and to keep insects out, NOT to prevent falls. For added safety, consider installing window guards or window fall prevention devices that meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
Keep windows closed and locked when not in use. When opening windows for ventilation, open those that a child cannot reach, like the top sash on a double-hung window.
Window treatments with traditional cords can contribute to childhood injuries. For added protection, choose blinds and shades with no room-side cords like Pella’s Designer Series® windows and patio doors, which feature blinds, shades or decorative panels between glass.

Additional window safety tips are available year-round at: http://www.nsc.org/resources/factsheets/hl/window_safety.aspx

Pella’s Close the door on fire! campaign also spreads home fire safety tips. For more details, visit: http://web.pella.com/aboutus/firesafety/Pages/overview.aspx

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

For third consecutive year, Pella Corporation earns national energy honor

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:09:00 -0600

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have awarded Pella Corporation a 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Pella’s accomplishments were recognized at a March 31 Washington, D.C., awards ceremony.

An ENERGY STAR partner since 1999, Pella will be honored for its long-term commitment to providing highly energy-efficient products, and the company’s comprehensive integration of ENERGY STAR information in media relations, consumer education programs, advertising, Pella Web sites and training.

Pella honored for third time
“Pella has earned the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for the past three consecutive years and now proudly continues its environmental leadership as a Sustained Excellence award winner in 2009 by providing sustainable solutions to our customers and providing valuable information about how to save energy,” said Elaine Sagers, vice president of marketing for the privately-held company known for quality and innovation. “Pella demonstrates its commitment to energy savings every day as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint.Through lighting retrofits and more energy efficient systems, we have reduced our electrical usage to the equivalent of 4,036 tons of carbon dioxide emissions."

The 2009 Sustained Excellence Awards are given only to organizations that have been named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for three or more consecutive years. These winners have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, and new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 organizations participating in the ENERGY STAR program.

“The ENERGY STAR awards represent achievements the Department of Energy is proud to recognize as they represent notable progress or sustained excellence in working to secure our energy future,” said Richard H. Karney, DOE ENERGY STAR program manager. “In 2009, our partners receiving these awards demonstrated superb commitment to advancing the adoption of energy-efficient products and addressing environmental challenges.”

According to the DOE, with the help of ENERGY STAR, Americans saved $19 billion on energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 29 million vehicles last year alone.

Save energy, help the environment
Improving energy efficiency is a priority for many environmentally-conscious and budget-minded home and business owners today. Pella products play a key role in conserving energy. Pella windows are up to 74 percent more energy-efficient1 and can help consumers save nearly 1/3 on heating and cooling bills.2 Plus, Pella’s Designer Series® window is rated No. 1 for energy efficiency among top national brands.3

Consumers looking for more information on how to save energy when it comes to choosing windows and doors can contact Pella for an in-home consultation by visiting www.pella.com or calling 888-847-3552.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s,® which features the Pella Design CenterSM, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

1. Calculated based on NFRC ratings for a Pella Designer Series® triple-pane wood window compared to a single-pane wood window in winter conditions.

2. Calculation based on average projected energy savings in a computer simulation using Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Resfen 5.0 standard criteria for a 2,000-square-foot home.

3. Superior NFRC U-values and SHGC rating

Haught of Pella Corporation Named to IBC Board

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:20:00 -0600

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has elected its leadership for 2009. Mel Haught, president and CEO of Pella Corporation, will serve as IBC chair. Thomas L. Aller, president of Alliant Energy-Interstate Power & Light, was elected vice chair. John K. Sorensen, president of the Iowa Bankers Association, will remain in his position as treasurer. Council members elected the leadership for this year at its 23rd Annual Business Meeting held last week in Des Moines.

"As the new leadership for the Iowa Business Council, Tom, John, and I will concentrate on long-term initiatives that Council members consider essential for competing in today"s global marketplace," Haught said. "IBC will continue to lead on major issues that are fundamental to fostering the attractive business climate and strong work ethic that sets Iowa apart."

Iowa Business Council members include the top executives of 19 of Iowa"s largest employers, the three Regent university presidents, and Iowa"s largest banking association. The purpose of the Council is to focus the personal commitment of its members in active leadership roles on major initiatives that promise to enhance the economic vitality of Iowa.

Key initiatives for the Council in 2009 include:
Education Excellence & Reform

instituting a coordinated, standardized, forward-looking pre-K thru 12 core curriculum that ensures equalized delivery and resources
aligning the offerings of colleges, universities, and technical schools with the preparatory education provided by the pre-K thru 12 system as well as the needs of the business workplace
requiring accountability and internationally-based performance measures along with higher, merit-based teacher compensation and improved professional development
encouraging greater administrative efficiencies on a regional and statewide basis
producing culturally aware and ethically-oriented graduates who have mastered key skills related to reading, writing, problem solving, math, and science

Health & Wellness

encouraging private insurers to compete for customers at all levels, driving efficiency, and transparency of performance results
enrolling the thousands in Iowa who are uninsured yet eligible for existing government programs such as Medicaid and the State Children"s Health Insurance Program
reducing chronic illness by changing human behavior with incentives provided for good health practices and disincentives for poor practices
increasing participation in innovative employee wellness programs, like Live Healthy Iowa and the Wellness Council of Iowa, that encourage broad-based participation

Workforce Attraction & Development

identifying specific skill level needs for effective workforce attraction and development
coordinating secondary and post-secondary curricula and career counseling focused on the skill level needs identified
creating awareness of career opportunities in Iowa among students
developing meaningful, career-oriented intern, apprentice, and mentor opportunities

Process Efficiency

encouraging the use of Lean Enterprise and other continuous improvement methods in non-traditional areas, e.g., government and education, to analyze how human and financial resources can be better utilized in public and private sector administrative systems, regulatory structures, and production methods, eliminating steps or unnecessary "touches" that impact the competitiveness of Iowa business and its workforce
creating the "Iowa Partners In Efficiency Award," recognizing employees or work units in any political subdivision of local, county, or state government that, through the use of Lean tools and techniques, significantly and measurably increase productivity and promote innovation that improves the delivery of public services to the benefit of the citizens of Iowa and the private sector

"The Business Council recognizes that these are difficult times for our state," Haught said. "It is moments such as these when stepping up to face the greatest challenges can produce the most profoundly impactful rewards. I look forward to an exciting and productive year leading this group of CEOs, all of whom are committed to identifying and addressing the major issues important to enhancing Iowa"s overall economic vitality."

Mel Haught was named president and CEO of Pella Corporation in 2002. During his 18 years with the company, he has served as vice president of manufacturing, senior vice president of operations, executive vice president, chief operating officer, and board member. Haught is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. He serves on the board of Hollister Incorporated, the Pella Regional Health Center Board, the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative, and the Policy Advisory Board of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Haught is a member of the Blank Children"s Hospital Wishes Endowment Cabinet and the Henry B. Tippie College of Business Board of Visitors at the University of Iowa.

Tom Aller was named president of Interstate Power and Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, in 2004. Over the course of 16 years with the company, he has served as vice president and president of IES Investments, Inc., interim executive vice president and senior vice president of energy delivery, and senior vice president of energy resource development. Aller received a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Creighton University and a master"s degree in municipal administration from the University of Iowa. He currently sits on the boards of Priority One in Cedar Rapids, Whiting Petroleum Corporation, Bankers Trust, Delta Dental of Iowa, Junior Achievement, the Cedar Rapids Community Theater Building Corporation, and the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor Committee.

John Sorensen was named president and CEO of Iowa Bankers Association in 1997 after having joined the organization in 1986. He serves on the American Bankers Association Board of Directors and as Chairman of the State Association Division. He is immediate past chairman of the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wis., serves on the boards of various state economic development groups, and is actively engaged in numerous community activities. The Iowa Bankers Association is the largest state banking association in the country, providing services to more than 400 financial institutions and their customers.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Providing careers for about 8,600 team members, Pella is recognized as the “Global Top Company for Leaders” in the small-to mid-sized category by FORTUNE magazine.

ABOUT THE IOWA BUSINESS COUNCIL
The Iowa Business Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, self-funded organization whose 23 members are the top executives of 19 of the largest businesses in the state, the three Regent university presidents, and Iowa"s largest banking association. Founded in 1985, the Council"s purpose is to focus the personal commitment of its members in active leadership roles on major initiatives that offer opportunity to enhance Iowa"s economic vitality and improve the lives of Iowans. Council members identify major economic issues, evaluate options, and assist in implementing solutions through collaborative public/private partnerships.

Collectively, IBC companies and institutions employ more than 210,000 Iowans and, in just the last ten years, have invested over $15 billion worth of capital in the state. Annually, the Business Council represents more than $250 million in financial contributions and volunteer hours given to numerous charitable causes around Iowa, and lead in technology innovation with over $2.5 billion in spending and procured grants for research and development. For more information, please visit the IBC Web site at www.iowabusinesscouncil.org.

It's home sweet hideaway as consumers nest in 2009

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:39:00 -0600

In 2009, it’s “home sweet hideaway” as consumers seek shelter from the economic, political and personal storms brewing nationwide, a leading home and lifestyle strategist told top industry media gathered at Pella Corporation’s exhibit today at the International Builders’ Show (IBS).

In spite of a difficult economic landscape, the desire to rebuild, remodel and reinvent the homestead remains a core part of consumers’ cultural DNA, says Robin Avni, senior director and lead consumer strategist with Iconoculture. “Consumers consider their lives an ongoing improvement project, but they are now looking to live to the best of their abilities rather than beyond their means,” she said. “Conspicuous consumption” is out, according to Avni, and that will mean a postponement of major appliance purchases, trading down for bargains, and seeking energy savings.

For the next few years, the idea of upgrading an existing home will replace the concept of trading up, Avni said. And even when market recovery gains momentum, she predicts that the footprint for homes will continue to shrink, with an emphasis instead on personalized features and amenities. “Building green will become more mainstream and less confusing as builders, contractors and consumers alike all get a better grasp of product potential and begin to see the value in ‘going green’,” she said.

About Iconoculture
Iconoculture is a cultural trend research firm that blends consumer-facing research with client-focused advisory services to help Fortune 1000 companies and top global agencies translate key cultural trends into actionable ideas for business. As Iconoculture’s go-to source on home, garden, outdoor living, architecture, design, entertaining and craft, Avni manages a portfolio of industry clients, providing qualitative research, cultural trend analysis, consumer insights and advisory services.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Providing careers for about 8,600 team members, Pella is recognized as the “Global Top Company for Leaders” in the small-to mid-sized category by FORTUNE magazine.

Rebuild. Restore. Remodel.

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:26:00 -0600

With a new year unfolding, remodeling, replacement and new construction markets remain at the heart of the economy, and on the minds of optimistic home and business owners.

“The desire to build, remodel and reinvent the homestead is a core part of America’s cultural DNA,” said Robin Avni, senior director, consumer strategist, home and garden at Iconoculture, Inc. and featured speaker in Pella’s exhibit at the 2009 International Builders’ Show (IBS). “Whether it’s aspiration, ingenuity or an unwavering ability to pick up the pieces, consumers consider their lives an ongoing improvement project. They are ever hopeful, but these days they aim to achieve balance by blending in a hearty dose of practicality while seeking the happiness, comfort and fulfillment they desire in their homes.”

Newest innovations
Pella Corporation unveiled its newest innovations this week at IBS in Las Vegas. Included in the 2009 lineup are rugged Pella® Impervia® casement and awning windows, beautiful blinds between-the-glass for vinyl patio doors, bold new grille colors and stained interiors for wood windows and fabulous new fiberglass entry door panels and glass designs.

Wood windows add more color, finish options
Interior matched grilles between-the-glass and stained interiors are new to the Pella wood window line. Pella ProLine® and Architect Series® products now offer color choices for grilles between-the-glass to offer the look of individual panes of glass, with the energy efficiency and cleaning convenience of grilles permanently protected between the panes. The new color options — White, Tan, Brown, Ivory, Harvest, Cordovan and Brickstone — complement today's most popular stain and paint tones. The Pella Designer Series® collection now offers completely finished stained interior options making the builder’s or installer’s job easier, as the Pella windows require no addition prep work prior to installation.

Also new in 2009, Pella expands its EnduraClad® aluminum exterior color options for greater design flexibility to add a look of distinction to your home or business. Seventeen new feature colors are available on Pella Architect Series® and Designer Series® products, as well as fiberglass and steel entry systems. New colors include: Cranberry, Real Red, Stormy Blue, Naval, Eldridge Gray, Iron Ore, Almond, Classic White, Vanilla Cream, Sand Dune, Honeysuckle, Portobello, Fossil, Auburn Brown, French Roast, Summer Sage, and Deep Olive.

Fiberglass composite windows expand style choices
Pella Impervia, crafted of fiberglass composite materials, adds casement and awning style window options in 2009, to provide more choices for builders, commercial property owners and homeowners looking for a window or patio door that will perform even in extreme weather conditions.

“Pella Impervia has been a good fit for us and our customers,” said Bruce Emerson, owner, BWE Construction in Lino Lakes, Minn. “It’s a good solid window that has a softer look to it on the interior. We like the fact that it lasts longer and is stronger than other window materials.” *

Pella Impervia can withstand the forces of Mother Nature without cracking, shrinking or warping in extreme weather conditions. The sleek-profiled innovative products made from Duracast®, the strongest most durable material in windows and doors, are virtually maintenance-free, energy-efficient and well-suited to today’s busy lifestyles and balanced budgets for home and business owners.* Builders and homeowners may choose from factory prefinished brown, white or tan color options.

Vinyl blinds-between-the-glass add privacy
Pella’s newest innovations in the vinyl category include blinds between the glass for sliding patio doors. The white blinds are protected between the glass so they stay clean and stay put when the door is opened and closed. The cordless design is well-suited for a home with children or pets.

Pella’s vinyl products now offer high performance Low-E glass as an option. This highly energy-efficient window is ideal for warm regions like the American Southwest, where blocking damaging Ultraviolet (UV) rays is critical. Pella’s product blocks 95 percent of UV light as compared to 44 percent for clear, insulating glass.

New styles of obscure glass are also available from the vinyl collection, ideal for rooms like bathrooms, where privacy is necessary but natural light is desired.

Entry doors expand
Pella Craftsman fiberglass entry doors are now available in 8-foot heights to make a grand entrance into a home. Pella now also offers fiberglass entry doors featuring a Deluxe Oval panel option as a popular choice for consumers looking for a more traditional style in doors. In addition, wrought iron grilles mount to the exterior of Pella fiberglass doors for added character. A great way to create a Western or Southwestern look with Pella low-maintenance fiberglass doors, the grilles are available on full and three-fourths light fiberglass doors with textured and Low-E glass.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Providing careers for about 8,600 team members, Pella is recognized as the “Global Top Company for Leaders” in the small-to mid-sized category by FORTUNE magazine.

* In testing performed in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) testing standards, Pella’s Duracast has displayed superior performance in strength, ability to withstand extreme heat and cold and resistance to dents and scratches.

Pella� Impervia� adds casement, awning windows

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:25:00 -0600

Neither wind nor rain nor sleet or snow stops determined mail carriers. Nor do those elements and other climate extremes faze Pella Corporation’s energy-efficient Pella Impervia line, expanding in the Spring of 2009 to include casement and awning window options.

“We’re pleased to offer more innovative solutions to builders and homeowners living in areas where a stronger, more durable window is a must,” said Duane Putz, director of sales and marketing for Pella Impervia. “This product is made for hot, cold, wet or windy climates and now it’s available in more styles.”

Pella Impervia can withstand the forces of Mother Nature without cracking, shrinking or warping in extreme weather conditions. The sleek-profiled innovative products made from Duracast®, the strongest most durable material in windows and doors, are virtually maintenance-free and well-suited to today’s busy lifestyles and balanced budgets for home and business owners.* Builders, remodelers and homeowners may choose from convenient factory prefinished brown, white or tan color options.

“I think this is a huge plus for Pella,” said Bruce Emerson, owner, BWE Construction in Lino Lakes, Minn. “We’ve purchased hundreds of Pella Impervia windows and dozens of patio doors for our projects and having another style option is great for our remodeling and replacement customers and our multi-housing market.”

Pella’s Duracast is nine times stronger than vinyl and twice as strong as aluminum.* Duracast offers excellent insulating qualities and superior energy efficiency, earning the ENERGY STAR®.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 84-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Providing careers for about 8,600 team members, Pella is recognized as the “Global Top Company for Leaders” in the small-to mid-sized category by FORTUNE magazine.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

Fifth through eighth graders invited to discover engineering

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:18:00 -0600

Elementary and junior high students in Mahaska and Marion Counties can look into their future and explore the world of engineering during a special evening event at Pella Corporation headquarters at 102 Main Street in Pella, Iowa, Feb. 12.

“Pella Corporation invites fifth through eighth graders and their parents who have an interest in learning more about the critical roles of engineers and technology in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce to take part in this exciting event called ‘Discover Engineering’,” said Martin Wesemann, Pella Corporation’s director of engineering.

Presented by Pella through its PEERS program now in its second year (Pella Corporation’s Engineering Educational Resources for Schools), in partnership with Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa, the event is designed for students and their parents or adult chaperones to explore career opportunities revolving around engineering and technology.

“As part of the fun, students will connect with Pella Corporation engineers and leaders from Iowa, ISU, and UNI, and participate in interactive stations to introduce them to different types of engineering opportunities to help elevate their interest in future careers,” Wesemann said. “In addition, adults will take part in a special session designed to help them learn how to foster their child’s interest in engineering and technology to help pave the way for the education needs and career interests of tomorrow,” he said.

Register online
To register for the free evening event open to students from Marion and Mahaska County schools, or whose parent(s) work at Pella Corporation, send the student’s name, grade, school and parental contact information including e-mail, phone, and home address and names of adults attending along with the child to Pella Corporation’s Carrie Baird by e-mail at: peers@pella.com. Registration deadline is Fri., Jan. 30 or once the attendance limit of 200 students and adults has been met.

“To maximize the learning, all students registering must be accompanied by an adult during the event,” Wesemann said.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them. Pella also earned the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Door Manufacturers.”

As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 83-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to feature Pella� products

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:02:00 -0600

The Sunday, Dec. 7, episode of ABC television network’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will include products manufactured and donated by Pella Corporation. The episode will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC-TV.

The makeover in Albert Lea, Minn., marks the 21st appearance of Pella products to help complete the new construction of a home for a deserving family featured in the series. Pella wood windows manufactured in Pella and Carroll, Iowa, and Fairfield, Ohio, were included in the new farm home built for this episode.

“The Pella team was honored to help create better views for this special rural Minnesota family by teaming up with ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Corporation spokesperson. “The windows and doors and the skilled expertise of the team make Pella a natural fit for these unique projects. We thank the Pella Window & Door Showroom teams in Waterloo and Mason City, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minn., and local installers, in addition to our corporate team members who made this special project a reality.”

Past episodes
Pella products were included on 20 previous episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” providing new or renovated homes for deserving families in Geneva, N.Y., Fairmont, W. Va., the California cities of Los Angeles, Martinez and Penngrove and the New Jersey cities of Bergenfield and Irvington. In addition, Pella has provided windows and doors for homes featured on the show in: Billings, Mont., Alma, Ark., near New Orleans, La., St. Petersburg, Fla., Clarksville, Tenn., Bountiful, Utah, Purdy, Mo., Biloxi, Miss., Berry, Ky., Minot, N.D., Gladbrook, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. and Albany, N.Y.

About “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), and is in its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is executive producer; and David Goldberg is president of Endemol USA.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

Pella Corporation names national sweepstakes winner

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:57:00 -0600

A Westphalia, Mich., homeowner, Wendy Koenigsknecht, will enjoy $30,000 of installed Pella® windows and doors, as the winner drawn from about 30,000 entries in a summer sweepstakes sponsored by Pella Corporation.

“We are so happy to be getting new windows and a new front door,” said Koenigsknecht. “We entered the contest when we were looking for a new window for our basement, never did I dream we’d actually win a whole house full of new windows.”

Koenigsknecht and her family live in a 1911 farm home outside of Westphalia. Renovated about 12 years ago, Koenigsknecht said the home is still in need of new windows on the main floor and a new front door. “I can actually see the daylight coming in through the cracks around the door. It definitely needs replacing.”

Pella Windows & Doors of Grand Rapids will work with Koenigsknecht on installation of the new windows and doors. “We couldn’t be more thrilled that the winner of this national contest was chosen right in our own backyard,” said Jeff Kenney, marketing manager of Pella Windows & Doors of Grand Rapids. “We are excited to work with Wendy on updating her home with Pella’s beautiful and energy-efficient windows and doors.”

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction and renovation projects. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them. For the second year in a row, Pella also earned the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Door Manufacturers.”

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to feature Pella�, EFCO� products

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 02:18:00 -0500

The Sunday, Nov. 2, episode of ABC television network’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will include products manufactured and donated by Pella Corporation. The episode will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on ABC-TV.

The makeover in Geneva, N.Y., marks the 20th appearance of Pella products, and the first for EFCO, a Pella Company, to help complete the new construction of a home for a deserving family featured in the series. Pella wood windows manufactured in Sioux Center and Carroll, Iowa, and Macomb, Ill., and EFCO aluminum doors manufactured in Monett, Mo., were included in the new home built for this episode.

“The Pella and EFCO teams were honored to help create better views for this special family by teaming up with ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Corporation spokesperson. “The windows and doors and the unique expertise of the dedicated people who supply and service them make Pella and EFCO a natural fit for these projects. We thank the Pella Window & Door Showroom team in and EFCO representatives Bon-Ton Glass, both of Syracuse, New York, in addition to our corporate team members who were so instrumental in this special project.”

Past episodes
Pella products were included on 19 previous episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” providing new or renovated homes for deserving families in Fairmont, W. Va., the California cities of Los Angeles, Martinez and Penngrove and the New Jersey cities of Bergenfield and Irvington. In addition, Pella has provided windows and doors for homes featured on the show in: Billings, Mont., Alma, Ark., near New Orleans, La., St. Petersburg, Fla., Clarksville, Tenn., Bountiful, Utah, Purdy, Mo., Biloxi, Miss., Berry, Ky., Minot, N.D., Gladbrook, Iowa, Kansas City, Mo. and Albany, N.Y.

About “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), and is in its 6th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Dominici is executive producer; and David Goldberg is president of Endemol USA.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling and replacement applications. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

About EFCO Corporation
Headquartered in Monett, privately-held professionally-managed EFCO provides innovative customer solutions to satisfy commercial design challenges from historical replication to cutting-edge new construction. EFCO team members are dedicated to supporting the building community with products, services, and programs that promote outstanding commercial design.

Since its introduction of thermally-improved framing and accessories in the 1970s, energy-efficient products have helped set EFCO Corporation apart from other fenestration manufacturers. The company’s environmental commitment continues to thrive through the use of technology to create energy-efficient solutions. EFCO is a proponent of energy conservation and recycling during manufacturing and is committed to environmental leadership by creating and implementing products and processes that will help support a "greener" world. For more information visit efcocorp.com or call 417-235-3193.

A remodel is reborn as a green refuge

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:00:00 -0500

Remodeling is rising to a higher standard, a green standard, that is. Phoenix developer Philip Beere is one of the first to remodel a single family home to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (www.usgbc.org) LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard for homes. Certified with a gold rating, the 1960s ranch in the Biltmore neighborhood of Phoenix features seven Pella double-pane wood windows exceeding ENERGY STAR® standards. LEED often homes have lower energy and water bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and help decrease potential indoor toxins. LEED certification readily identifies homes that have been third-party inspected, performance-tested and certified as truly green homes that will typically perform better than standard homes.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with how the whole house came together and one of the focal points is the fixed panoramic window on the front of the home,” said Beere. “Pella® Designer Series® windows were the obvious choice because of their energy efficient qualities and aesthetic appeal.”

Designer Series wood windows and patio doors are number one for energy efficiency among top national brands.*

Why remodel green?
Eco-friendly remodeling is easier on the earth, lowers costs and provides a healthier home in which to live. According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20 percent of America’s energy. Homeowners who choose to remodel green can lower their energy consumption by 30-50 percent, according to SBIC.

For example, it’s estimated that the newly remodeled Phoenix home will use $500 in annual utilities compared to $3,500 consumed by the pre-remodeled structure.

The 2,700 square foot home includes non-formaldehyde bamboo floors, counter tops constructed from recycled paper, a charging station for electrical cars, clay paints, reused framing materials, drought tolerant landscaping, satellite controlled irrigation system, low flush toilets, bio-based foam insulation, natural lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances, recycled-glass back splash, and a permeable-membrane driveway.

Maintaining the green theme, the home also has eco-friendly furniture, including organic bedding. Solar panels are offered as an option. The majority of the material generated from the demolition was recycled or donated to the Stardust Foundation and Habitat for Humanity.

Beere is founder of Green Street Development in Phoenix. For more information on the company, visit: www.greenstreetdev.com.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction and renovation projects. Pella earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them. For the second year in a row, Pella also earned the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Door Manufacturers.”

* Superior NFRC U-values and SHGC ratings

Pella earns EPA SmartWay(SM) Transport Partner status

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:31:00 -0500

PELLA, Iowa — June 24, 2008 — Pella® Windows & Doors is now recognized as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Transport Partnership program. Pella received the accreditation for its responsible management of transportation partners and private fleet and committing to improve the environmental performance of freight operations.

“This is a natural fit and affiliation for Pella,” said Steve Bowers, corporate logistics manager, Pella. “We have a deep history of being good stewards of the environment. And with our commitment to achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals, we’ll carry on that proud tradition.”

"I am pleased to welcome Pella® Windows & Doors to the SmartWay Transport Partnership," said Margo T. Oge, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "We welcome their participation in the SmartWay Partnership and congratulate them on their commitment to improving their freight-related environmental performance and fuel efficiency."

Pella’s goals as a new SmartWay Partner include:
• Seeking and contracting truck loads with SmartWay Partners.
• Communicating to those in the transportation industry Pella’s status as a SmartWay Partner.
• Developing a “no idling” policy for carriers parking at Pella sites.
• Incorporating an internal SmartWay Partner educational program for Pella’s more than 50 logistics employees around the country.

Pella also earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award for windows in 2007 and 2008 for its leadership in manufacturing energy-efficient windows and educating consumers about them.

SmartWay Partners
The SmartWay Transport Partnership is an innovative collaboration between EPA and the freight industry to increase energy efficiency while striving to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution.

Because of three-year commitments to upgrade their trucks with auxiliary power units, energy-efficient tires, enhanced trailer aerodynamics, and other improvements, the EPA estimates SmartWay partners are saving 600 million gallons of diesel fuel ─ a cost benefit of almost $2 billion ─and eliminating nearly seven million metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions that can contribute to global warming.

EPA launched SmartWay in 2004 to address the environmental and economic challenges surrounding growth in the freight industry. Through the program, EPA is now working with more than 600 businesses to improve both their bottom line and the environment by offering technical assistance, tools for evaluating opportunities to lower fuel use and emissions, and help in locating financing for the purchase of fuel-saving equipment and technology.

About Pella
Pella Corporation is a leader in designing, testing, manufacturing and installing quality windows and doors for new construction and renovation projects. Pella earned the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates award for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Window and Door Manufacturers.”
As a family-owned and professionally managed privately-held company, Pella is known for its 83-year history of innovation, making great products, providing quality service and delivering on customer satisfaction. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship to create satisfied customers. Providing careers for about 9,800 team members, Pella is recognized as the “Global Top Company for Leaders” in the small-to mid-sized category by FORTUNE magazine.
The company manufactures quality windows, patio doors and entry door systems sold through a Direct Sales Network operating Pella® Window & Door Showrooms across the United States and Canada and select building materials retailers, including Lowe’s®, which features the Pella Design Center, a “store-within-a-store.” For more information, call 888-847-3552 or visit www.pella.com.

Pella Corporation raises $210,213 for juvenile diabetes research

Tue, 06 May 2008 04:06:00 -0500

Pella Corporation, a leader in the window and door industry, earned the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) World Achievement Award, presented by the Greater Iowa JDRF Chapter, recognizing the company’s leadership in helping others.

Pella Corporation President and CEO Mel Haught said that Pella team members raised $210,213 in their fifth official year of support for the cause. “We’re especially proud of the Pella Corporation team members in the United States and Canada who together with their friends, families and communities collectively raised more than $1.4 million for diabetes research in just five years,” Haught said.

Haught credits the fundraising success to the dedication of individuals committed to helping find a cure for diabetes.

“We thank the many generous businesses and individuals for the incredible effort they have dedicated to raising millions for diabetes research,” Haught said. “JDRF is one of the most efficient charities around when it comes to using resources responsibly and Pella Corporation is proud to help support their important cause,” Haught said.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke and non-traumatic amputations.

About Pella Corporation
Pella Corporation’s window and door manufacturing facilities are located in the Iowa communities of Pella, Carroll, Shenandoah, and Sioux Center, in addition to manufacturing operations in Columbia, S.C., Fairfield, Ohio, Gettysburg, Pa., Macomb, Ill., Murray, Ky., Portland, Ore., Tucson, Ariz., and Wylie, Texas. EFCO, a Pella Company which manufactures commercial building products, is based in Monett, Mo.