MEDFORD, Wis., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurd Windows & Doors held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 10, 2009, officially reopening its Medford, Wisconsin wood window manufacturing facility. More than sixty business leaders and local and state dignitaries including Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, Wisconsin 87th Assembly District Representative Mary Williams, R-Medford, and Mayor Mike Wellner were on hand for the event.

The celebration commemorated the completion of the company's multi-million dollar wood window facility renovation and consolidation, which began in June. Dominic Truniger, president of Hurd said the event provided the opportunity to celebrate the newly renovated facilities, but more importantly, to also share with the community and state leaders the company's plans for future expansion in central Wisconsin.

"Our renovation and consolidation is an important catalyst for the advancement and profitability of Hurd," began Truniger. "This new space is a tangible result of our new ownership's vision and is just the start of more to come. We have a lot to be excited about at Hurd."

Specific details of Hurd's renovation include the consolidation of two Merrill, WI facilities into its Medford facility, saving operating expenditures for nearly 400,000 square feet and reducing the company's environmental footprint. The interior of its Medford facility was given a dramatic facelift throughout both levels including all new bright white painted walls and ceilings, new flooring, and new highly energy efficient lighting. A new roof, dust collection system, and new manufacturing equipment were also part of the investment. To greater improve the company's efficiencies and reduce operating costs, all manufacturing lines were reconfigured to reduce non-value added activity and simplify the manufacturing process.

Despite the challenging U.S. economy and an uncertain beginning to the year, Truniger pointed out during his presentation the fact that the company made more progress in 2009 than any other year in its history. "Over the course of 90 years, the Hurd brand has weathered some significant storms -- none more intensive than 2008," said Truniger. "But we have not only survived, we have thrived. So, yes, we are optimistic for what the future holds."

One area of success for the company in 2009 was international sales, which grew to 12% of the total company's sales. In May, Wisconsin's Governor Jim Doyle honored Hurd with his Export Achievement Award in the Medium Manufacturer category for their extraordinary results in international sales. The company also received its industry's prestigious Crystal Achievement Award from Window & Door Magazine in September for its new H3(TM) window line, which garnered the title "Most Innovative Window of the Year," and Hurd is currently a nominee for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.

"It is refreshing to hear good news coming from Hurd," said guest speaker Williams. "Taylor County has been hard hit by the recession and Hurd is an encouraging example of our manufacturing resilience." She added that Taylor Country is one area that has been at the top of the list for jobs lost in the state.

Hurd has an aggressive plan to continue innovating in 2010 and beyond, which they shared with the audience at the closing of the event. These plans include a new line of wood window products geared to the remodel and renovation segment and continued expansion of their award-winning H3(TM) window line that they will debut at the industry's largest trade event -- The International Builders' Show -- on January 19-22, 2010 in Las Vegas.

ABOUT HWD Acquisition, Inc.

HWD Acquisition, Inc. is headquartered in Medford, Wisconsin. Hurd is a brand with a 90-year tradition of building custom wood windows and patio doors to the highest standards of excellence and quality. Hurd products, which are sold exclusively through more than 400 distributors in the United States and in 20 countries worldwide, are manufactured by approximately 500 craftsmen. For more information, visit www.hurd.com or call (715) 748-2011. Toll free: 1-800-433-4873.

SOURCE HWD Acquisition d/b/a Hurd Windows & Doors

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