Jeld-Wen's new facility to add a second shift

STATESVILLE, N.C. – In January, Jeld-Wen celebrated the grand opening of its VPI Quality Windows manufacturing plant and it has already announced that it has added a second shift ahead of schedule.

The second shift is expected to create approximately 20 new jobs when it kicks off in the next couple months. Jeld-Wen, which ranks #4 in the FDMC 300 list of top 300 companies, has committed to creating at least 235 new jobs at the Statesville facility over the next five years. The company currently has 685 associates in North Carolina.

Jeld-Wen's VPI Quality Windows is a privately held window and door manufacturer that makes commercial and residential grade, vinyl windows and patio door systems.

“We expect to significantly grow our multi-family and commercial window business through this investment as well as our innovative and energy-efficient solutions,” said Gary Michel, the company's chair, president and CEO. “We chose Statesville for its geographic location, qualified labor pool, and logistical benefits. We have been pleased with the skilled workforce in Statesville and are looking forward to growing together here.” 

More than 30 associates are working on one production line to manufacture custom windows for commercial and multi-family residential buildings for customers in the Eastern U.S. The second shift will be added in two-to-three months. Ultimately, the Statesville plant will have four production lines and approximately 235 associates. VPI was founded and has a sister plant in Spokane, Wash.

Doing the right thing and being a good citizen is at the heart of the company. Jeld-Wen leadership and VPI plant manager Jon Funk announced the company is contributing $10,000 to Purple Heart Homes plus windows for 10 tiny homes to assist veterans in need.

“It is organizations like Jeld-Wen supporting the mission of Purple Heart Homes that allow disabled veterans to have a safe home. Your contribution and donation of windows for future homes will provide many veterans the dream of a safe place to call home," said John Gallina, CEO, Purple Heart Homes.

Jeld-Wen announced in May 2021 that it would invest $8 million in Statesville to establish the new production facility, with an annual payroll impact of more than $12.1 million per year. The company’s expansion is being facilitated in part by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) of up to $2.2 million over 12 years.

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Larry Adams | Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).