Window manufacturer to expand its operations in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania-based manufacturer that recently achieved a landmark breakthrough in "green" window technology is consolidating and upgrading its operations in Bucks County and will create 50 jobs within three years, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced on August 24.

Haddon Windows & Doors, which acquired the assets of Accu-Weld LLC last year, is in the process of making improvements to its manufacturing facility in Bensalem.

"The fact that Haddon Windows chose southeastern Pennsylvania as the site to expand its operations and create more than 50 new green-collar jobs is great news for the region's workforce," said Governor Rendell. "This competitive project shows how smart state investments help companies relocate or expand in Pennsylvania, while creating jobs and leveraging private investment."

Haddon Windows will also consolidate an out-of-state operation into its Bensalem building. The $2.4 million project will create at least 50 jobs and retain 137 existing positions. The company recently completed a $400,000 installation of a "cool roof" to save energy, reduce its carbon footprint, and improve the working environment for its employees.

Haddon is the first company to introduce an operable R5-rated window in a traditional dual-pane design. Previously, all windows that achieved an R5 rating were triple-pane and utilized a third sheet of glass or film. The U.S. Department of Energy is promoting R5-rated windows because they offer significantly higher energy savings.

"We have been working hard to help Pennsylvanians save energy and money and Haddon Windows' breakthrough will be another important element in the options consumers might consider in their homes," Rendell said.

Haddon Windows and Doors was created in 2009 with the acquisition of Accu-Weld and Speyer Door and Window. Haddon's products are available through its dealer and contractor network.

"We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Rendell and his economic development team," said John Haddon Jr., president of Haddon Windows & Doors. "This breakthrough, and the commonwealth's support of our work and business, is another milestone in our mission to make energy efficiency affordable."

The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state.

The Bucks County Economic Development Corporation worked with the company and the Governor's Action Team to secure a $100,000 funding offer for the project from the Department of Community and Economic Development. The offer includes a $75,000 opportunity grant and a $25,000 training grant.

"This is another exciting project for Bucks County in the growing green energy field," said BCEDC executive director Robert F. Cormack. "Haddon Windows has worked with BCEDC since arriving in the county and, with this project, we were able to continue our strong relationship with the Governor's Action Team and advance our shared objective of supporting businesses looking to relocate or expand here while creating and retaining jobs."

Since Governor Rendell took office in 2003, the Governor's Action Team has successfully completed 1,163 projects, resulting in commitments to create 128,105 new jobs and retain 300,573 existing positions. The commonwealth has offered more than $2.2 billion in assistance for these projects, which will leverage more than $16 billion in additional investment.