Window and Door Sept. 2012 : Page 22

³ SPECIAL FEATURE —2012 Crystal Achievement Awards 8gnhiVa6X]^ZkZbZci 6lVgYh'%&' Crystal Achievement Awards were presented to the following companies: Most Innovative Window Large Manufacturer Designer Series Windows with SmartSync Technology Pella Corp. Small/Medium Manufacturer HSW60 Window/Door Combination NanaWall Systems Most Innovative Door Large Manufacturer Overture Folding Door Series Royal Building Products Small/Medium Manufacturer The Artisan Premium Fiberglass Door Collection GlassCraft Door Co. Most Innovative Component Window Accoya Wood Accys Technologies Innergy Rigid Thermal Window Reinforcements Deceuninck North America Door Array Light Control System ODL Inc. Glass/Glazing Component EnsoGlass Bella Fleur Corp. Unique Innovation TouchQuote WTS Paradigm Virtual Door Display Jeld-Wen Inc. Most Innovative Plant Vytex Windows Most Innovative Machine Frame/Sash Fabrication Sandy Door Machine Eugénie Technologies IG Production/Glazing Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System GED Integrated Solutions Most Innovative Marketing Progam Large Manufacturer Lead-Free Awareness Campaign Simonton Windows Small/Medium Manufacturer Dealer Program Sunrise Windows =dcdg^c\i]Z^cYjhignÈh^ccdkVidgh^ciZX]cdad\n!bVcj[VXijg^c\VcYbVg`Zi^c\ Industry Supplier Legacy Launch Kit Phantom Screens Best Product Literature Large Manufacturer Company Catalog Tiltco Small/Medium Manufacturer Product Guide Western Window Systems Industry Supplier Introductory Brochures Brio USA Best Industry Web Site Large Manufacturer MIenergycore.com MI Windows & Doors Small/Medium Manufacturer ProviaProduct.com Provia Products Industry Supplier ScreenItAgain.com Quanex Building Products 22 | Window & Door | September 2012

The 2012 Crystal Achievement Awards: Honoring the Industry's Innovators

Window & Door is pleased to present its prestigious annual awards recognizing the best in products, technology, manufacturing and marketing Honoring the industry's innovators in technology, manufacturing and marketing Crystal Achievement Awards were presented to the following companies: Most Innovative Window Large Manufacturer Designer Series Windows with SmartSync Technology Pella Corp. Small/Medium Manufacturer HSW60 Window/Door Combination NanaWall Systems Most Innovative Door Large Manufacturer Overture Folding Door Series Royal Building Products Small/Medium Manufacturer The Artisan Premium Fiberglass Door Collection GlassCraft Door Co. Most Innovative Component Window Accoya Wood Accys Technologies Innergy Rigid Thermal Window Reinforcements Deceuninck North America Door Array Light Control System ODL Inc. Glass/Glazing Component EnsoGlass Bella Fleur Corp. Unique Innovation TouchQuote WTS Paradigm Virtual Door Display Jeld-Wen Inc. Most Innovative Plant Vytex Windows Most Innovative Machine Frame/Sash Fabrication Sandy Door Machine Eugénie Technologies IG Production/Glazing Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System GED Integrated Solutions Most Innovative Marketing Progam Large Manufacturer Lead-Free Awareness Campaign Simonton Windows Small/Medium Manufacturer Dealer Program Sunrise Windows Industry Supplier Legacy Launch Kit Phantom Screens Best Product Literature Large Manufacturer Company Catalog Tiltco Small/Medium Manufacturer Product Guide Western Window Systems Industry Supplier Introductory Brochures Brio USA Best Industry Web Site Large Manufacturer MIenergycore.com MI Windows & Doors Small/Medium Manufacturer ProviaProduct.com Provia Products Industry Supplier ScreenItAgain.com Quanex Building Products Most Innovative Window Large Manufacturer Designer Series Windows with SmartSync Technology Pella Corp., Pella, Iowa Shades or blinds offered in the manufacturer's Designer Series windows can now be controlled by a remote control or by a home or building automation system using its SmartSync technology. The system enables homeowners to quickly and conveniently adjust blinds or shades in their windows to control light and glare and provide privacy. The integrated system works with Web-enabled devices like computers and most smart phones to help save energy as well. Pella suggests homeowners open southern-facing window treatments in the winter to help let in the sun's warming rays during the day, and close them at night to help keep heat in as outdoor temperatures drop. Likewise, closing blinds or shades during the day in the summer helps limit interior heat gain, helping reduce potential cooling costs. Between-the-glass blinds or shades featuring this technology can manage the sun's light and heat over two times more efficiently than windows without blinds or shades, the company reports. First introduced this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, SmartSync technology can be integrated with Iris, a cloud-based home management system being developed by Lowe's Home Improvement, and the Nexia Home Intelligence System developed by Schlage/Ingersoll Rand. Small/Medium Manufacturer HSW60 Window/Door Combination NanaWall Systems, Corte Madera, Calif. A custom window/door combination, the HSW60 system opens wide, seamlessly bringing the outdoors in. It can go beyond opening just one wall to open three sides of a structure without corners in both window and door heights in the same opening. This enables the unit to offer a complete outdoor feeling, but maintains aesthetics, weather protection and the simplicity of operation. A system of individual sliding panels that all ride on a single track, the panels can all operate and slide to any location, even a location that physically resides beyond the plane of the opening itself. The panels when stored or stacked are done so via various parking bay layouts that can store the panels in almost any position, parallel, perpendicular, or to some angle in-between. Multiple parking bays can be used in various locations to allow for the most optimized use of space, while complementing the design aesthetics. There are multiple roller configurations used in conjunction with a custom head-track that provides intelligence to the system. The different roller combinations intelligently direct the panels when moving to their appropriate parking bays. Behaving much like a traintrack switch, this innovation is not visible to the user but creates the ease of operation, and allows a single-handed motion to move and park each panel where needed. Seamless transitions and various flooring and countertop constraints are also solved with the ability to operate without the need for a sill or floor track. Adjustable sockets are available where the panels need to lock when closed and eliminates the need for a continuous sill when surroundings and design demand otherwise. The panels feature a multipoint locking system that is completely concealed and is a single-handed motion to engage. In addition, each panel shares a male/female interconnect that locks the panels into each other along with the locking rods that are placed in the head and sill. Most Innovative Door Large Manufacturer Overture Folding Door Series Royal Building Products, Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada The new all-vinyl folding door system presents the window and door market with a unique alternative to the traditional patio door offering and makes homeowners the envy of their neighbors. The multi-panel doors are offered in sizes up designs to 24 feet wide and 10 feet high for residential, light commercial and commercial applications. To maximize viewing area and bring the outside in, the doors are constructed with slim-line, all-welded PVC sash that offers an abundance of natural light to illuminate the living space. Manufactured by the supplier and sold through window and door manufacturers, the doors feature a highly-insulated, all-vinyl 6 9/16-inch frame that makes them suitable for all climates. The sash accommodate the most common IG configurations, ranging from 1-inch dual glazing up to 1-inch triple glazing – enabling the doors to meet the most stringent energy codes. The Overture door can also achieve R-6 ability without using such options as krypton, foam-fill or films and is Energy Star-qualified. Enhanced security is provided by a multipoint locking hardware as well as independent locking systems at every other panel. The high quality hardware provides years of maintenance-free operation. The introduction of the Overture Folding Door generated enthusiasm and interest among industry attendees at Win-Door 2011 last November in Toronto, the manufacturer reports. In addition, it was awarded "Coup de Coeur" (most interesting new product) at Contech, a recent building industry trade show in Montreal. Small/Medium Manufacturer The Artisan Premium Fiberglass Door Collection GlassCraft Door Co., Houston, Texas The Artisan collection features six unique woodgrain textures that are factory finished to create an appearance that rivals that of a real wood door. The unique realistic "green" finishes include Pacific knotty alder, American black walnut, antique cherry, reclaimed mahogany, rustic white oak and cottage fir, were developed in response to consumers' growing demand for the more realistic and warmer look and feel of wood, without compromising energy efficiency, durability and sustainability. The real wood look of the doors is achieved with the use of detailed layers of extremely finely defined woodgrain textures and patterns, coated with multiple layers of low VOC, water-based translucent stains and glazes with color enhancing technology that provide a rich complexity of color said to be unmatched in its realistic appearance. The Artisan factory finish is protected with a long-lasting UV top coat. The clear UV finish produces a high-quality, extremely durable protective top coat that allows the door to be packaged and shipped immediately. It offers unsurpassed protection through multiple delivery chains, installation processes and construction site abuse. The collection is available in a variety of options, including decorative glass, a unique decorative grillebetween- the-glass internal grille, exterior wrought iron grilles, SDL bars, and speakeasy doors. The Artisan factory pre-finished fiberglass door combines the best of both worlds, providing the desired qualities of a real hardwood's beauty, warmth and quality, while offering all the benefits of a low-maintenance fiberglass door built to last a lifetime, the manufacturer states. Most Innovative Component Door Array Light Control System ODL Inc., Zeeland, Mich. Aunique doorlite panel design for exterior doors, the Array Light Control System brings dynamic levels of light and privacy into the home. Two sliding panels of perforated aluminum provide users with a simple way to control privacy and light levels in a highly designed, fully assembled doorglass system. With a simple turn of the ergonomically designed SunDial control, the aluminum panels move from open to close – and anywhere in between – to provide light and privacy. As natural light moves through the perforated surfaces, the sliding slots create vibrant and varied degrees of illumination and privacy in the home and an increased sense of security. Unlike most doorlites, which have a static design, the sliding slots pattern changes with the day – or with the wishes of the user, who can easily close the panels for complete privacy. The doorlites employ the supplier's innovative TriSys technology, a three-piece framing system that offers superior performance in a clean and tightly constructed design. The Array doorlite is constructed of two panes of tempered safety glass insulated for air- and water-tight performance. The frame of the unit can be painted or stained, and the glass is low-E for increased energy-efficiency. In addition to provide light control and privacy, the aluminum panels give the doorlite a contempoary, industrial look well suited to many new homes designs. Window Co-Winner Accoya Modified Wood Accys Technologies, Windsor, United Kingdom Combining the established modification technique of acetylation with cutting edge proprietary technology, this high performance wood is created for demanding outdoor applications; from windows and doors, decking and cladding, to bridges and boats. Wood for Accoya is sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured using a non-toxic process. However, its properties exceed those of the best tropical hardwoods and it can handle applications that are presently only considered feasible with nonsustainable materials, the company states. In durability tests, Accoya wood is said to outperform teak and other naturally durable species. In British testing, wood window L-joints exhibit no rot or decay after 13 years and the product has a confirmed 60 year service life in exterior applications. Testing has also proven the wood to be resistant to termites, fungus and moisture, the manufacturer reports. In life cycle assessments, the product outperforms concrete, steel and aluminum. It has also been determined to have a smaller carbon footprint than steel, aluminum, PVC and unsustainably sourced tropical hardwood. It also reported to be 17 percent more thermally efficient than typical softwoods and 40 percent more efficient than typical hardwoods. The company's wood modification technique is said to make the consistent supply of durable, dimensionally stable, sustainable, non-toxic wood a reality. The process does not introduce anything into the wood that does not already naturally occur within it; but the resulting change in the wood's chemistry makes it more durable, stable and reliable. Window Co-Winner Innergy Rigid Thermal Window Reinforcements Deceuninck North America, Monroe, Ohio An advanced pultruded fiberglass product, Innergy reinforcements offer a more energy efficient alternative to aluminum reinforcements for PVC windows and door profiles. The pultruded profiles offer superior thermal performance, which helps manufacturers achieve improved energy efficiency ratings and performance ratings. Eliminating the "thermal bridge" that can occur with aluminum reinforcements, the material also improves condensation resistance and prevents staining that can occur with metal reinforcements. The pultruded profiles easily slide into the fabrication process and replace aluminum extrusions without the need for retooling or special equipment. They also offer a high resistance to impact versus other reinforcement products and will not permanently set when impacted or subjected to a sustained load. Designed to replace existing aluminum reinforcements, the pultruded reinforcements are also designed to be waiverable so that code retesting is not required. Developed under an agreement with Bayer MaterialScience, the product uses resin materials that are up to 20 percent bio-based from renewable sources including soy, the manufacturer also points out. Glass/Glazing EnsoGlass Bella Fleur Corp., Canby, Ore. EnsoGlass panels are designed to provide form, function and beauty for a variety of applications, including windows, doors, skylights, room dividers and jalousies. Offered in translucent to opaque versions, the panels combine real flowers, reeds, grasses and leaves with hand-made and machine-made materials for sun control and even power generation by encapsulating photovoltaic solar cells, the manufacturer states. The product features a Solid-Core, the supplier notes, which means there is no lamination and the panels are not only resistant to damage from moisture, humidity, extreme conditions, but they are also more than 100 times stronger than regular glass. Most Unique Innovation Co-Winner TouchQuote WTS Paradigm, Middleton, Wis. An iPad selling tool, TouchQuote assists with the selling, quoting, pricing, and ordering process making the in-home visit quicker and easier than ever before. Also for use on jobsites, retail showrooms and other places windows and doors are sold, the product makes it possible to quickly and seamlessly present a product line, gather information about a job, configure and price units, and close the sale using an iPad. Configuration and pricing data can be customized, comparison quoting can be generated in seconds, and an agreement and/or invoice can be printed or emailed to the homeowner on the spot. The simplicity of the iPad brings both speed and professionalism to the sales process, with the software enabling sales consultants to focus on the customer and on the sale and not be distracted by calculating pricing and options. Window and door companies benefit because sales managers can see all consultants are using the best process on the market. Supplying the window and door industry with configuration software for many year, WTS Paradigm leveraged its existing technology–used by many window and door manufacturers, distributors and dealers–to create TouchQuote for the iPad. The new tool enables one-time data entry that provides efficiencies through an entire life cycle of a window sale and eliminates mistakes and reworks due to re-keying and human error. Co-Winner Virtual Door Display Jeld-Wen Inc., Klamath Falls, Ore. Combining the virtual (a digital screen) with the physical (a door panel), the Virtual Door Display features a programmable/changeable glass insert that can generate limitless possible design combinations. Housed in a door panel, the display screen showcases virtual glass designs – including grilles, blinds, decorative glass and leaded glass, thus reducing the need for multiple glass and door samples. The Virtual Door Display was an in-house project at Jeld-Wen's Design Center retail business unit. It not only works in the showroom, but also at trade shows, home shows, and even for R&D, as it enables potential new designs to be taken for a "test drive." The display eliminates the need for multiple physical samples–lowering cost and dealer investment. It also reduces the need for new physical samples when glass designs or options change. The technology enables written or video messaging on the virtual screen that acts as a silent salesman as well. For the viewer, the unit shows subtle variations like caming, glass color and opacity. The illuminated screen also enhances the beauty of glass designs and enhances the customer's experience and engagement, through movement, color, selections and fun. Finally, it provides customers with opportunity to view multiple options that might otherwise be cost, space or logistically prohibitive for the dealer to showcase. Most Innovative Plant Vytex Windows Laurel, Md. Quality products, great service, dedicated employees, professional installation crews and a safe efficient, state-of-the-art working environment together result in satisfied, loyal customers. Vytex Windows has operated with this manta for 24 years. It sees its employees as its most valuable asset. Diverse in ethnicity, language and customs–more than 30 nationalities–they are united by a bond of trust in each other and in management to provide them with the best possible machinery and a comfortable working environment. This results in outstanding quality levels in all products manufactured, officials point out. Manufacturing team members know that through constant cross-training, Vytex provides new opportunities that foster growth within the company. The cross-training program keeps employees challenged, motivated and involved. They know they play a significant role in helping the company make the manufacturing process safer and more productive. They know their opinions are important in the decision making process. Vytex's dealer customers will confirm the importance of the workers at its plant. They take pride in bringing their homeowner customers to the facility, where the customer is guided on a tour of the factory and allowed to meet many team members and ask questions about how windows and doors are made. The homeowner leaves with confidence knowing they have seen first-hand the technology that will be employed in the manufacture of their new windows and doors and the caring quality of Vytex employees whose goal is to exceed customer expectations every day. The modern 160,000-squre-foot manufacturing plant is equipped with the latest achievements in window production technology, controlled and monitored by the Winsys software system. The system allows for careful, detailed management of scheduling, manufacturing, finished goods and shipping functions of the company. This control guarantees that 100 percent of the scheduled production is competed each day. In the past four years, Vytex has spent more than $3 million adding several multi-profile cutting stations, sash fabrication centers, CNC corner cleaners, quad-stack four-point welders and VyCore foam filling equipment for to enhance its frame and sash production. In addition, colorizing the exterior of its windows has grown exponentially, it reports. It now offers 26 standard colors as well as custom colors. In 2011, it coated 102 different colors on its window and door products. Other valuable options offered to customers include simulated divided lite technology that enables the company to offer the look of a wood divided lite sash, Vywood paintable stainable interior woodgrain laminates and a Bavelloniglass beveling machine that cuts V groove patterns into the glass – including both standard and custom designs. At the heart of the manufacturing facility is the T.A.P.E. (Total Automated Producton Eqiupmemt) insulating glass line. Operated by four well-trained team members, the line is capable of producing in excess of 1,000 IG units per shift using the company's warm-edge Duratex spacer system. This allows Vytex to offer customers a multitude of glazing and grid options, including krypton filled tripleglazed IG units achieving thermal values as high as R-8. In 2011, the company introduced R-5 glass in a dual-pane configuration but without the traditional hard-coat low-E glass, it reports. Vytex dealers appreciate the fact that it not only provides very energy efficient windows, but the manufacturer values their feedback about its product. This feedback has helped drive the steady stream of new products, options and enhancements. Other important initiatives at the Vytex plant include a sophisticated quality control program which provides daily measured results to all team members. Diligence in maintaining the program has resulted in each individual team member stepping up to provide the best possible quality in of the company's window and door products. Each employee looks forward to viewing the "Quality Performance Results" each day. Each employee has pride in ownership for a job well done. The company also instituted the "Green Theme" several years ago. A company-wide recycling program encompasses glass, vinyl, aluminum, steel and cardboard. The manufacturer also seeks to minimize the use of power in the production of its windows and doors. Team members have embraced a leadership role in making the planet a better, safer place to live. Well trained employees – coupled with the latest technology – has resulted in Vytex being a most innovative manufacturing facility. The company receives a multitude of notes, letters, emails and phone calls every week letting them know just how pleased homeowners are with their new windows and doors. More importantly, these messages always make clear how impressed dealers and homeowners are by its caring people – the heart of Vytex, executives conclude. Most Innovative Machine Glass/IG Processing Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System (ATLAS) GED Integrated Solutions, Twinsburg, Ohio Adaptive to unique IG unit combinations (both duals and triples), the Atlas line assembles triple IG units in 20 second cycle times with machine-controlled consistency to deliver uniform high quality along with higher production rates. The machine allows highly-flexible, schedule-driven production and seamless integration, the supplier notes. Available in straight-through or X-Y configurations, the line can fit into any plant layout. The complexity of manufacturing both dual- and triple-pane IG in any sequence is made possible through GED's WIN IG-5 software and the "no-touch" Vortex vacuum lift technology. The software provides complete production control with a visual interface that provides grid, spacer and glass alignment. Operators process each unique IG in a one-piece flow manger. The Atlas Queue Management Module allows for remakes, deletions and additions of IG units to the schedule; enabling seamless recovery from production or emergency stops. The line's Topping Station provides non-contact center lite handling for triple IG units. Vacuum mechanisms lift and suspend the lite in mid-air, ensuring contamination-free placement, alignment and assembly of triple IG units. The Atlas Positive Pressure Clean Room is specifically designed to eliminate all dust. The touchless assembly also minimizes chance of glass breakage and damage. By eliminating operator handling of glass, the line also helps protect workers from injuries and fatigue. Frame, Sash or Panel Fabrication Sandy Door Machine Eugénie Technologies, Terrebone, Quebec, Canada The Sandy vertical machining center for custom door fabrication cuts hinge holes, standard and multipoint locking hardware holes and cut-outs for door lites–all without manually moving the door. Designed for metal, vinyl and fiberglass doors, the machine can cut up to 150 doors per eight-hour shift, while requiring only a 60-square-foot area. The three-axis CNC machine with eight virtual axes features a user-friendly interface and offers such capabilities as fully automated door height adjustment varying between 24 inches to 96 inches and partial depth cuts in doors to allow the use of decorative plates. The machine is also designed to cut painted doors. The supplier offers a version designed specifically for high production, and versions designed for fixed-height doors or automatic height adjustment. Additionally, it offers a version designed specifically for wood doors. With a cabinet enclosure designed for reduced noise emission, the machine can also provided with a loader and unloader for up to 25 doors, a dust vacuum system and numerous other options. The unit can be linked with a company's main computer system and also can with a bar code door identification system. Most Innovative Marketing Program Large Manufacturer Lead-Free Awareness Campaign Simonton Windows, Columbus, Ohio. In 2011, while much of the industry continued to debate the merits of Environmental Protection Agency Lead Remodeling, Repair and Painting rulles, Simonton Windows decided to embrace the opportunity to educate remodelers and homeowners about the hazards of lead paint in homes built before 1978. The company created a multimedia campaign to make people aware that lead dust, created by the friction of opening and closing windows in older hopes, can have serious and damaging effects on people–especially children and pregnant women. To bring expertise and knowledge about the lead safety issue to the campaign, the window manufacturer turned to Rick Nevin, a consultant to the National Centerfor Healthy Housing, a leading advocacy group involved with the issue. "Replacing older windows is one of the best ways to reduce lead risks," he asserts in the campaign. "Make sure to use only a contractor that is certified in lead-safe work practices and strongly consider the use of Energy Star qualified windows." The theme of "Get the Lead Out" was established as a cohesive message for conumers and contractors, with a special website page created for all audiences at www. simonton.com/leadsafe. Another central element of the campaign was a YouTube video explaining the risks of lead exposure. The multi-faceted campaign went much further, however. To reach consumers, the company created a "Get the Lead Out" informational brochure. To get the message to a wider audience, it reached out to "Mommy Bloggers," informing them about the lead-safe video. It also sent a "Lead Paint Hazards and Older Windows" press release in conjunction with National Poison Prevention Week. Targeting professionals, Simonton created a "Get the Lead Out" informational brochure for contractors, and also sponsored a pull-out educational poster on the RRP rule in Replacement Contractor and Remodeling. For its customers, it featured cover stories in its InFocus and NDX Advantage e-newsletters. Finally, Simonton featured the "Get the Lead Out" campaign in its blog and Facebook page. It also urged its customers and others to share the video link and information via Twitter, Facebook and other social media. Small/Medium Manufacturer Dealer Program Sunrise Windows, Temperance, Mich. In 2011, the vinyl window manufacturer introduced to dealers and homeowners completely redesigned materials and programs to support the Sunrise window brand. After conducting market research and "voice-of-the-customer" events, the company determined that its dealers were in need of new materials and programs to support their replacement window selling efforts. While the company had developed many programs and produced many support materials in its 17-year history, it decided to do a full redesign of existing materials and the development of new tools that whould provide dealers a full menu of commonly-branded support materials. What makes the project unique is commonality of the look and message and the breadth of materials in the program–both those materials re-designed and new additions to the program. Literature includes a new 24- page full-line brochure and smaller pieces for consumer shows. New matching display materials were introduced as well. For in-home selling, Sunrise created a binder and tablet presentations. Online, it revamped its consumer website and dealer portal to provide access to its new marketing tools. The comprehensive program and new materials has made its dealers far more impactful in the home selling Sunrise windows, as well as additional performance and aesthetic options, the company reports. With the success of the common branding theme, the manufacturer continues to utilze the same look and feel as it introduces new products and options in 2012. Industry Supplier Legacy Launch Kit Phantom Screens, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada A Legacy retractable door screen with an integrated Latch and Release handle was launched officially at the International Builders' Show in early February 2012 and then immediately afterwards to the network of Authorized Phantom Screens Distributors. Phantom's nomination covers the business-to-business marketing material for the launch of the Legacy door screen to its distributor network. The Legacy kit was a new approach to a product launch for Phantom and one that the company expected to create a sense excitement. The purpose of the kit was also to provide resellers with the necessary tools to sell Legacy right "out of the box," as well as underlining the importance of the Legacy product to Phantom Screens. The launch kit, also available for distributors to buy for their dealers, included a gift wrap overlay, personalized letter to the distributor or dealer, a keepsake photo and photo frame, a sales guide, brochures and rack cards, USB video guides and point-of-purchase and tabletop displays. The response from the distributor network was enthusiastic. Comments made on a distributors' online forum included "Christmas in February! Very nice launch kit I must say. Thanks to all for making it so great." Another customer wrote, "Very nice launch kit. This arrived just in time for our Builder Show here. Looking forward to showing it off. Thank you!" Distributors also ordered more than 100 kits for their dealersThe results of the program included increased sales. The actual physical launch of the new product was in two parts. The first was an upgrade kit, which enabled owners of existing Phantom door screens to enjoy the benefits of the new latch and release handle. This product was launched in combination with Legacy to the network on February 15, 2012 with a target of 4,000 kits sold by the end of March. This total was easily exceeded and a total of 5,800 were sold, the supplier reports. The second phase of the launch was the factory installed product which was released to the network on April 2, 2012. More than 2,000 units were ordered on the first day–representing over a third of the month's anticipated orders. Best Product Literature Manufacturer Co-winner The Design Center Literature System Tiltco Div., Windoworld Industries, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada With a simple philosophy to make unique, advanced, modern, and reliable window, door and curtain wall systems for its clients, Tiltco's corporate identity has changed in the last year with more emphasis on design. This change is reflected in its new company literature – targeted at architects and designers who are looking for a fresh, new and modern look or for people who just like to explore their boundaries and come up with unique ideas for their living spaces. The marketing material is eye catching and modern, and serves clients in a simple and informative way. The System Overview pamphlet and the Paint Selection pamphlet are designed to be an easy read. Each is one page, created for clients who wanted a quick overview of products and popular colors and finishes. The company catalog also follows the same idea as the pamphlets, but incorporates more images and a more in-depth description of products, finishes and company background information. The System Overview CD, designed to give clients an overall description of the manufacturer's products with an option of downloading different files for each (PDF or AutoCAD). It's divided into different categories to make it easy to use and compatible for both PC and MAC computers. Best Product Literature Manufacturer Co-winner Western Window Systems Tiltco Div., Windoworld Industries, Phoenix, Ariz. When Western implemented a logo change and new brand in the middle of 2011, one of the essential ingredients to the new look and feel of the company was its product literature. The company's Product Guide has become its most valuable tool, and the quality of the piece has dramatically enhanced the marketplace's perception of Western and the quality of its products, the company states. The piece provides a comprehensive look at the company, its values, its project portfolio and its individual product lines. The company's products are most often used in modern, contemporary homes. As a result, it needed literature that reflected that same sense of clean design that is used in such homes. The guide's success in achieving that starts first with the stark white cover that features nothing but Western's new logo embossed in the center. It communicates to the customer a bold confidence in the brand, and everything from the simplicity of the cover, to the substantive size and weight of the piece, to the quality of the paper, play a role in evoking a sense of curiosity in the customer that propels each of them to read further. As they flip through the pages the reader becomes engrossed in the piece by the quality of the photography that is displayed inside. Western took a "less is more" approach. Rather than bogging down its literature with industry jargon or a massive list of available configurations, it used the Product Guide as an opportunity to create a sense of lifestyle that the manufacturer can help it customers achieve. The minimal amount of content displayed is actually used to compliment and recognize the company's architect partners and the integral role they play in bringing homes and our products to life. Some of CAD details and hardware pictures are important and provide relevant information, so the design team worked to show those components with quality photography and careful placement to enhance the brochure rather than bog it down. An electronic version of the Product Guide can be downloaded from the company's website. It also offers an iPad version. Western believes, however, that the guide also leaves a strong impression when the customer hold it in his or her hands. The literature has been celebrated in the marketplace, the company reports. One customer describes it as "the finest piece of marketing literature in the entire industry." "This is like a coffee table book," says another. "I love to leave it next to luxury home magazines in our waiting area and show it to every homeowner we are building for. They absolutely love it." Industry Supplier Introductory Brochures Brio USA, Rochester, N.Y. The Brio Group, a manufacturer of hardware for sliding and folding doors based in Sydney, Australia, expanded its operations with the launch of Brio USA Inc. last year in Rochester, N.Y. To help introduce itself, the company developed three brochures – one providing a company overview, the second for the Weatherfold range of architectural hardware for exterior folding doors and the third for its Brio 612 retractable pleated insect screen. Each carries a common theme of "Where Ideas Unfold," as well as a bright yellow circle on the cover that is cut-out to highlight the company's product offerings. The company brochure introduces the screen and hardware line, as well as finish options. The other two feature more photos to highlight each product lines' capabilities, as well as pages devoted to detailed drawings of hardware components and various technical data and information. Best Industry Website Large Manufacturer MIEnergyCore.com MI Windows & Doors, Gratz, Pa. MI Windows & Doors launched a special site in 2011 to support its new MI EnergyCore window system. The website was designed from the ground up to take advantage of mobile devices and social media like YouTube and blogging. To make the site as user friendly and media rich as possible, new content such as product videos, customer-friendly blogging features like, "Ask the Expert" and "FAQ" were implemented. The site has been designed around several different customer types with easy access for homeowners who are looking for information about energy efficient windows and doors, professionals like builders and architects who need installation and technical information, and a password-protected dealer portal with tools to help market, sell and support the new window line. Designed to be device neutral, the site supports all platforms, including all major web browsers, iPads and Android-based tablets, and Smartphones like Blackberrys, iPhones and Androids. It is coded using HTML 5.0 and JavaScript so that animations and videos work on all devices unlike Flash-based sites that exclude many customers who use Apple products. The mobile version of the site will load automatically and provides a robust experience while still allowing users to access the full site if they choose to. Another unique feature of the website is the ability to create and update a custom iPad application that uses the same content. The application has been rolled out to the MI sales force and MI EnergyCore authorized dealer channel. The application is able to take selected content and download it locally to the iPad so that an internet connection is not needed to view videos, access technical documents, price lists, brochures or sell sheets. Small/Medium Manufacturer www.ProviaProducts.com ProVia Products Inc., Sugarcreek, Ohio The new ProVia website brings all the manufacturer's products (doors, windows, siding & stone) under one product umbrella and is driven by an elegant, custombuilt CMS system that incorporates an online visualizer. The online visualizer is completely compatible with ProVia's proprietary dealer visualizing software, ProVia Studio. Both the online visualizer and ProVia studio are used to allow homeowners the ability to select and see how particular products, colors and styles look on a home. There were two major objectives in creating the new site. The first was to engage homeowners at longer intervals and at deeper levels. The second goal was to generate deliverable leads for dealers. The website is relationship-oriented and visually stimulating with many impactful product and glamour shots. This allows homeowners to "play" with products, which makes the site very consumer friendly and engaging. Homeowners are able to navigate to any product, select a product style, then hit a "customize" button to seamlessly move into the product visualizer where they can actually design their own door, window, siding or stone applications. Those selections are then viewable on model homes and can be emailed, printed or shared to Facebook. One thing that makes this online visualizer treatment so unique is that at any given point within the site, the user can select a product and begin designing from that entry point. Homeowners are also able to upload a photo of their own home on the website, where it is converted into a pre-masked image and delivered direct to the nearest dealer as a hot lead. That dealer will then visit or bring the homeowner into the showroom and load the masked home into ProVia Studio, the company's proprietary dealer software. This allows the dealer to work with the homeowner to visualize and apply various colors, styles etc. until the homeowner chooses the product(s) for them and the sale is finalized. The website's Professional section is designed to attract and provide information for architects and professionals looking for a supplier in the multi-family and non-residential markets. Available on the site are technical information, drawings, documents and data required when professionals are looking for a supply partner. The back-end database integrates directly with ProVia's data to provide realtime results when searching for a nearby dealer, allows users to search by product line, multiple product lines and as a homeowner or a contractor looking for a distributor. Results are displayed as a list or as a list and Google map with icon push pins denoting ProVia dealers. Results also display premium status results with icon indicators for dealers that meet stringent criteria to qualify as a Platinum Club member, including trainted and certified installers on-staff and ProVia Studio visualizing software in their offices. Data forms filled out prior to the returned list of results are also converted into viable leads for customers. Supplier www.ScreenItAgain.com Quanex Building Products, Houston, Texas Through ScreenItAgain, Quanex offers an end-toend solution to help OEMs and dealer/distributors streamline aftermarket window and door screen and grille replacements, effectively maximizing sales of these products and boosting overall customer satisfaction. Replacement screens and grilles are not product lines for most window and door manufacturers and dealers, but a necessary offering that customers expect. Through ScreenItAgain.com, Quanex not only provides customers access to industry-leading aftermarket screen and grille products, it offers an array of options made just for the OEM, including microsite development, product fulfillment and customer service. By outscourcing screen and grille replacements through the site, OEMs can provide expanded capabilities and custom offerings, simplified, online ordering and an improved end user satisfaction. Said to be the first and only website of its kind, ScreenItAgain.com's interface is user-friendly with step-by-step guides to measuring and ordering window screens, sliding door screens and window grilles in the desired materials, colors and options to meet desired performance and aesthetic requirements. The new site addresses the goals in a variety of ways, but overall, Phantom's staff set out to use more visual and interactive features to enhance information flow and accessibility. Ease of navigation was enhanced through reduced click-through pages, intuitive information layout, fast loading pages, less copy, and stronger visuals. Clear messaging was used to help differentiate Phantom from competition, and there is a stronger call-to-action by increasing "Questions?" and "Where to Purchase" touch points throughout the site. The site also delivers an improved customer experience through the use of more videos of all installed product lines that demonstrate how the screens work and look in one's home; case studies of completed projects that allow homeowners to learn about different product benefits and see the end results; and features such as mesh selection charts that allow visitors to learn more about different options that are available to meet specific needs. Finally, the site features easier access to contact info for all distributors and their dealers, so that consumers may easily locate suppliers in their respective areas. The site's structure also allows for future growth into social media and online service strategies. With these elements met, Phantom says the new site will enable it to continue its sales growth through increased organic traffic, more customers will be introduced to its products, it will generate more leads and inquiries to its distribution network and generate more awareness of retractable screen products among consumers. The Fine Print – How the Winners are Selected To truly determine the industry's most innovative products, companies, organizations and technologies, Window & Door gathers a broad range of input for our Crystal Achievement award program. To do this, we solicit a wide range of manufacturers, dealers, distributors, suppliers and others, representing all segments of the industry, to serve as judges. We also invite previous winners, recognized innovators themselves, to vote on these awards. Executives involved in the wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, steel and composites segments of the industry, as well as suppliers of glass and glazing products, hardware, software and equipment, participate. We have judges involved primarily in windows and patio doors, as well as representatives from the entry door business. Each judge receives a package of nominatons, submitted by magazine readers and others, and is anked to rank the nominees in each category they choose to judge. For our manufacturing and marketing categories, we use smaller panels of judges, which allows us to provide them with sample materials and/or more detailed information. Judges cannot vote for their own companies. Winners are chosen based on cumulative rankings of the judges. Window & Door wants to make the Crystal Achievement Awards truly represent the industry's best, and each year we look to gather as much industry input as possible. Participating as a judge can be a rewarding experience, so if you are interested in judging next year's program, contact John Swanson at jswanson@glass.org. Special thanks to the 2012 Technology Judges The following window and door executives, representing suppliers, distributors, dealers and manufacturers, served as judges in the technology categories for the 2012 Crystal Achievement Awards. Window & Door would like to thank them for the time and effort they invested to make these awards representative of the industry's best: Douglas Adams, Industry Consultant Ken Barman, ViWintech Windows & Doors Ernie Cappello, Window-Fix Inc. Chris Cooper, Joseph Machine Co. Ron Crowl, Fenetech Inc. Alicia Dedman, Detering & Co. Steve Dillon, Veka Inc. Scott Gates, Western Window Systems Amber Grayson, Grayson Group Sales & Marketing Craig Heinberg, Ashland Hardware Systems Jon Hill, Keystone Certifications Andy Hodge, Winsys/Friedman Corp. Axel Husen, Interlock USA Larry Johnson, Quanex Building Products Kimberley Kenzevich, Amesbury Tony Kesicke, Vista Window Co. Scott Knisely, Bystronic Glass Greg Koch, Rehau Inc. Matt Kottke, Truth Hardware Jim Lett, ABE Doors & Windows Nick Lipp, EDTM Inc. Bob Maynes, Mathews Brothers Todd Metz, Timeline Windows & Doors Angela Palmer, Thermal Industries Tony Pauly, Ventana USA Jonathan Sagner, Premier Window & Building Inc. S. Joseph Shaheen, GED Integrated Solutions Peini Spinazzola, Plastpro Inc. Michael Sugrue, Winchester Industries Jason Wadal, Urban Machinery David Winter, Highmark Digital Amy Zimmerman, Jeld-Wen Inc. Take a Look at Custom Reprints Don't overlook the ready-made marketing tool right at your fingertips. As a Crystal Achievement Award winner, use a custom reprint to promote your success. A custom reprint is perfect to . . . • Hand out at trade shows and business meetings • Mail to customers and prospects • Help your sales repesentatives • Include in your media packet • Use as a dealer promotional piece • Educate and motivate your employees Additional copies of the September issue are also available to award winners at the discounted price of $2.50 per copy, maximum of 50 copies per company. For a custom reprint quote or to order additional copies of the magazine, please call 703/442-4890 ext. 140 or send desired quantity and your phone and fax number by e-mail to cthacker@glass.org Special thanks to the 2012 Manufacturing Judges The following manufacturing executives, representing companies that previously were honored with an award for Most Innovative Plant, served as judges in the manufacturing categories for the 2012 Crystal Achievement Awards. Window & Door is grateful that these recognized innovators offered their time and expertise to help us select the winners in the most innovative plant and machinery categories. Steve Chen Crystal Window & Door Systems Gary Delman Sunrise Windows Greg Dickie Atlantic Windows Allen George Champion Windows Manufacturing Ken Kussen Mastergrain Special Thanks to the 2012 Marketing Judges The following marketing and PR executives served as judges in the marketring categories for the 2012 Crystal Achievement Awards. Window & Door is grateful that these recognized innovators offered their time and expertise to help us select the winners in the most innovative marketing program, product literature and website categories. Cindy Bremer Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Chan Hoyle Velux America Tyson Schwartz Thermal Industries Alison Smith Durabuilt Windows & Doors Todd Woods Window World Inc.

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