For over 50 years, countless homes and businesses have called on Milgard to provide them with the very best and to help them make their dreams a reality. How did Milgard become the most recognizable and reputable window and door makers in the world? Why are they so successful at what they do?
A Brief History
The Milgard story began in 1958. Maurice Milgard, Jr. and son Gary started Milgard Glass Company in a small building in Tacoma, Washington. Maurice’s other son joined the company a few years later in 1961 and within just a short amount of time, the family diversified into aluminum windows.
In 1962, Gary left the glass company to start Milgard Manufacturing, an aluminum window fabricating company. Gary’s goal was to provide a reliable source of quality aluminum windows that were styled and crafted to meet the unique architectural requirements of the western U.S.
Later, in 1968, Milgard Manufacturing began producing sliding glass doors in addition to their windows, and in 1970, aluminum frames were redesigned to fit both single-pane and insulating glass. This design was suitable for cold weather areas where previously wood-only frames had been effective.
Milgard enjoyed nearly 20 more years of continued growth, and then in 1989, the company introduced their first version of windows with vinyl frames. A dramatic new line of windows and doors, introduced the next year, was the result of similar new technology and the fiberglass series became (and still is) very popular with homeowners throughout the United States.
Milgard continues to grow and in addition to the original Tacoma location, the company has added sales, manufacturing, and service facilities in Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Sacramento, Simi Valley, Hollister, Temecula, and Dixon, California; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona; and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
A Manufacturer, Not A Distributor
While many window and door companies are simply distributors, Milgard is a vertically-integrated window and patio door manufacturer. What this means is simple: they make their own insulated glass units. They produce their own vinyl components. They make their own fiberglass frames.
To ensure top quality from start to finish, Milgard begins by precisely controlling their vinyl compound formulation to withstand the harshest of climates. They extrude their own frame material and fabricate all vinyl windows and doors to order, giving them tight control of quality and consistency. Furthermore, all other windows and doors receive the same level of attention.
Milgard also tempers their own glass and Milgard Tempering, Inc. was started in 1980 in Tacoma to respond to the high demand of tempered glass in the Pacific Northwest. In 1992, a second tempering plant was opened in Dixon, California. Skilled workers and modern equipment have enabled Milgard Tempering to become one of the most respected tempered glass manufacturers in the country.
Through vertical integration, Milgard is able to control quality every step of the way. The end result? Higher-quality products, all of which are backed by the industry’s best guarantee: a full lifetime warranty!
The Keys To Success
Milgard’s longstanding one unwavering goal is to be simply the best window and door manufacturer and they will settle for nothing less to achieve this. To achieve this goal, Milgard is committed to three guiding principles:
1) The individual must be respected.
2) The customer must be given the best possible service.
3) Excellence and superior performance must be pursued.
Employees of Milgard are highly respected and revered as integral components to the growth and success of the company as well. Milgard workers are the best of the best and the company is proud of the fact that over 3,000 employees work hard every day ensuring that customers receive high-quality and superior service. The management team understands and appreciates their hard work and dedication.
The Bottom Line
When homeowners look for replacement windows and doors, it can sometimes be a tedious task. There are lots of decisions to be made and the last thing anyone wants is to not believe or trust in products and/or service from a company.
From humble family roots to a booming company with facilities in multiple states and over 3,000 employees, Milgard has become more than just a trusted name in the world of replacement windows and doors. They constantly innovate and strive for perfection and won’t stop until they have achieved it.
Milgard offers the finest products as well as unbeatable guarantees that go beyond a simple “warranty.” Call on the best in the business today and experience the Milgard difference!
US Window & Door is proud to work with and carry the the Milgard line and looks forward to helping homeowners find and install the right windows and doors.
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