Banking Crisis Affects Home Improvement Suppliers

Have you been following the story in the news recently about the factory that closed down when Bank of America shut off their credit line? The employees began to occupy the plant and refused to leave until they were paid their promised severance payments. After 6 days, the workers were able to negotiate the payment.

The name of the company? Republic Windows and Doors. It’s a window and door manufacturing plant in Chicago employing about 300 workers. It makes windows and doors for both new construction and remodeling.

And it’s not the first home improvement supplier to abruptly close upon losing their bank funding. Other manufacturers supplying the home improvement market which have closed include Kensington Windows, Silver Line Building Products (an Andersen subsidiary), Milgard Windows & Doors and Heartland Building Products.

As manufacturers close and consolidate, we would be wise to keep up-to-date so that we can steer our customers clear of these products. If you find that you have installed some of these products, you should contact the manufacturer to find out how they will handle any product warranties. Be proactive.

Click here to read the full story in Replacement Contractor Online.