JELD-WEN was founded by Richard “Dick” Wendt, an entrepreneur at heart, who learned the art of managing a manufacturing company under the tutelage of his father, Caradco executive Lester Wendt. In 1957, Iowa-based Caradco sent Dick to Oregon to help run the company’s millwork plant in Klamath Falls. Caradco decided to sell the plant at auction. Dick and four business partners, Larry Wetter, John Biehn, Gerry Wickersham, and Bill Taylor bought many of the assets on October 25, 1960 and named the new company JELD-WEN.
The name JELD-WEN had already been in use for several years by the Wendt family; in the 1930s Lester Wendt bought a small farm outside of Dubuque, Iowa, as a family retreat. After holding a family contest to name the farm, Dick’s cousin Jeanette Coughlin thought of the name JELD-WEN, an acronym for the names of Dick’s immediate family, and a shortened version of Wendt.
With just 15 employees, JELD-WEN quickly gained the reputation of producing a reliable product. After just two years, JELD-WEN became successful enough to begin acquiring new manufacturing facilities and expand its product offering.
One secret of the initial success of JELD-WEN was the company’s resourcefulness and deliberate decision to use for a high-value purpose every bit of raw resource that entered its doors, a philosophy that still stands true today.
They are the largest global manufacturer of windows and doors in the world, operating 115 manufacturing facilities in 19 countries located primarily in North America, Europe, and Australia.
JELD-WEN designs, produces, and distributes an extensive range of interior and exterior doors, wood, vinyl and aluminum windows and related products for use in the new construction repair or remodelling of homes and non-residential buildings.
JELD-WEN Canada’s innovative Northern Tri-Pane Collection Windows are designed with True Tri-Pane Technology to provide superior energy efficiency and enhanced home comfort all year long.
They are a recognized leader in manufacturing energy-efficient products and has been an ENERGY STAR Partner since 1998.
JELD-WEN is one of the world’s largest solution providers to the building products industry and one of Canada’s most recognized Window and Door brands. They believe a home is more than just shelter, it is your legacy. So, they design and manufacture products that are innovative, energy efficient and of the highest quality to build lasting value for the homeowners and the professionals who use them.
JELD-WEN recently participated in Habitat for Humanity’s initiative to raise money for their home building program, which helps families achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.
Why is JELD-WEN a member of the RRHBA? They like to connect with existing and potential clients by sharing exciting news about their products and their company. They value the reputation the RRHBA has built within the Regina region and would appreciate the opportunity to be a recommended supplier of windows and doors.
What is the most beneficial part of being part of the RRHBA? This is a great opportunity to reach the Saskatchewan market and be a credible partner within the community the RRHBA have built since 1955. They believe the RRHBA is the perfect place to promote their products and make new valuable connections within the industry.
Click here to contact JELD-WEN Windows and Doors for your window and door needs.