|
In 2022, Associated Materials is reflecting on its achievements while making significant investments to position the organization for even greater success for years to come. With 75 years in operation, Associated Materials and its associates continue to focus on developing innovative products for homes across North America and improving customer experiences.
Associated Materials is one of the largest multi-brand manufacturers and distributors in the North American building products industry. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, outside of Akron, Ohio, and with $1.8 billion in annual revenues, it offers a unique vertical integration of manufacturing, distribution and installation of products including vinyl windows, vinyl and composite siding and metal siding and trim. It also distributes other building product solutions to ensure customers find everything they need for their exterior.
Founded in 1947 as Alside, which now is an Associated Materials brand, the company launched with the introduction of baked enamel aluminum siding after building on developments that came out of World War II. Other innovations followed, including vinyl siding in 1979, with the construction of the manufacturing facility in West Salem. Manufacturing there has contributed to vinyl windows and doors, some of the first ENERGY STAR®-rated products and, most recently, ASCEND® Composite Siding.
Today, the Associated Materials family of brands includes Gentek, Alpine, Alside, and Preservation with popular product models such as Mezzo® and Regency windows, ASCEND and ALIGN composite cladding, Charter Oak and Sequoia Select vinyl siding, and Sierra Steel and Satinwood metal siding and trim. It operates more than 125 distribution facilities across the United States and Canada and 4,700-plus employees.
With a rich, celebrated history, Associated Materials has been proud to be part of the West Salem community for more than 40 years. As the company enters its next chapter and builds upon its legacy, there are opportunities to make an impact on our future. The company is growing and looking to add talent to the team.
Earlier this year, Associated Materials was acquired by funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates (“SVPGlobal”), a global investment firm with over $18 billion of assets under management. Since the acquisition, Associated Materials has committed to making significant investments in upgrading and broadening the company’s capabilities.
In June, with the announcement of a new Chief Executive Officer, James Drexinger, an internal transformation began with a focus on energy-efficient, easy-to-install siding and windows that fit in this economic environment. Tens of millions of dollars are being invested to add capacity and bolster research.
“Even during a time of rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, especially in the housing market, SVPGlobal is investing in Associated Materials,” stated Drexinger in a recent interview with Plastics News. “Our company’s portfolio has the right products for growing markets, as well as installation partners.”
Associated Materials is ranked as the 15th largest pipe, profile and tubing extruder in North America, according to Plastics News,
and No. 6 among profiles processors. Along with West Salem, plastic products are also produced at its facilities in Ennis, Texas, and Burlington, Ontario, Canada.
Expansion projects are underway at several plants to increase productivity for its ASCEND line, named the “most innovative building material” of 2021 at the virtual International Builders Show. ASCEND, made in West Salem, combines a glass-reinforced polymer with graphite-infused polystyrene to produce a Class A fire-rated cladding that also resists strong winds and impact. It’s 75 percent lighter in weight than other siding, so it can be installed easier and faster, while the graphite polystyrene adds strength, energy efficiency and wind load resistance to 180 mph.
With the labor shortage showing no end in sight, contractors and homeowners are looking to save time and money with products like ASCEND, which can be installed with not only fewer laborers but needs no sealing, joint flashing or caulking. ASCEND and Mezzo windows are also used by Mina Starsiak Hawk, TV personality and owner of Two Chicks and a Hammer.
“Approximately 70 percent of our business is in the repair-and-remodel segment, which we love for a good number of reasons,” Drexinger said. “It’s not quite as cyclical in terms of the peaks and valleys that new residential construction can have.”
“I think it’s the innovative products we have, the product mix we have, and the end markets we have with a network of supply centers working in partner with local contractors every day,” stated Drexinger. “We continue to have a beautifully integrated model where we manufacture our products, and we move them through our company distribution systems. That’s unique in the industry but it’s a model that has served us incredibly well.”
In the next few years, the company plans to add new supply centers to its U.S. distribution network and invest in improvements and innovations to build upon the company’s legacy.
“We’re at a beautiful inflection point with our 75-year celebration,” said Drexinger. “We’re respectful of all this company and the teams have accomplished, and we’re using it as a springboard for the next chapter of innovation and service to our customers. The mission is really enhancing where families live and work, and we’re literally looking to do that one place at a time for generations to come.”
To learn more about Associated Materials and view current job openings, visit associatedmaterials.com/careers.
|
