One longtime local manufacturer, American Openings, has weathered the storm by focusing on different markets and expanding product offerings.
Founded in 1992, American Openings makes windows, doors and related trim at its south-side plant, and sells and installs its products across the region.
Before the housing-market collapse and recession, new-home construction comprised about half of the company's sales, said Tom Regina, founder and president of the family-run business.
Now, to keep its own doors open, the company is relying on multiunit construction - particularly apartments, student housing and apartments for seniors - and renovation work.
"There's a lot of rehab projects going on right now. That's one of the things that is creating a tremendous amount of work, especially in Albuquerque and Phoenix," Regina said, noting that many old apartments are being rehabbed to make them more energy-efficient.
Read more: azstarnet.com/business/local/how-window-door-maker-is-surviving-housing-bust/article_45cdf96b-807e-5bbe-b21f-f4a8c893a9c9.html#ixzz1bgFi9pPa
How window/door maker is surviving housing bust
Date: 25 October 2011
Source: http://azstarnet.com
With new-home construction still in the dumps, suppliers of components like windows and doors have been suffering.