By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com
The future of manufacturing plants in Salisbury seems dismal. However, one plant has added 150 people to its staff over the past year and expects to add more in 2010.
“The growth has really come from the new products that meet the energy code,” PGT Plant Supervisor Monte Burns said.
“Since they have put out the stimulus, consumers are doing everything they can to reap the benefits from it,” added Debbie LaPinska, vice president of PGT sales and marketing.
PGT is a window and door manufacturer, with its home base in North Venice, Fla.
“The Florida facility focuses on the market in Florida,” LaPinska said. “But as part of our growth strategy, we wanted to grow outside of Florida and be more of a national player in the window market.
“We are reaping the benefits of having the plant here in Salisbury. We are focusing on the 26 states east of the Mississippi.”
In January of 2003, PGT acquired Bennings Windows and Door of Lexington, which they outgrew in less than three years. In October of 2006, the Salisbury PGT facility was fully operational. It now employs more than 450 people, mostly from Rowan County.
“At one point, we had as many as 300 temps brought in,” said Burns, who noted they still have temporary positions.
“This operation really runs pretty efficiently,” LaPinska said.
“When we bring in temps, our goal is to take them to hired,” Burns said. “We have hired half of the temps this year to full-time positions.”
Burns said the Salisbury facility features glass manufacturing, something other window companies usually have to buy from different suppliers.
“Most companies buy all of those products from outside,” Burns said, noting that the Salisbury facility was able to make tempered and heat-strengthened glass, laminated safety glass and more.
Burns claims Rowan County workers are what sets PGT above others.
“Our local talent is one of our greatest assets,” he said. “This whole community comes with a manufacturing background.
“I can’t say enough about the college system here in Rowan County. They’ve done a great job on the Ready to Work certificates, and have been very beneficial.”
LaPinska said buying local also helps the company stay afloat.
“There’s a pretty good housing market here and in Charlotte,” LaPinska said. “More support would help everybody.”
PGT supports local businesses in North Carolina. For instance, weather stripping is bought from Statesville, and some glass from Mooresville. All maintenance and tools are bought locally.
“Supporting your neighbor helps them support you,” Burns said.
“Restaurants, stores ó everyone benefits,” LaPinska said. “It’s a trickle-down effect.”
LaPinska and Burns also credit PGT’s success by thinking about the future.
“We look for opportunities to grow,” LaPinska said. “We go out and find anything we feel keeps us innovated and moving.”
LaPinska said PGT is currently working on a curtain wall project for a new hotel in Miami, the Indianapolis Marriott, the University of Kentucky Medical Center and UNC’s DNA Testing Lab Center, to name a few customers.
“The building in Miami has the highest windload ever designed,” Burns said. “We are taking advantage of our ability to manufacture glass.”
“The only way we’re able to take on projects such as these is due to our glass capabilities,” LaPinska said.
“And the people,” Burns said. “A lot of these products involve blueprint reading, and we’ve got great talent in this community to support that.”
Company officials are constantly thinking of ways to give back to their employees, which boosts morale, Burns said.
The facility has a “Crisis Connection” project that is year-round. Employees with a death, illness or in need of financial help are eligible to receive that help.
Tickets are sold to employees for a chance to win gift baskets. In just one day, $1,200 was raised.
Employees are also given the chance to purchase a company logo T-shirt.
“One time our team members purchased over 500 T-shirts,” Burns said. “That’s a pretty good indication that they like the company.”
After Thanksgiving, PGT’s president and CFO made a trip to Salisbury for the annual Christmas dinner for all employees.
“It’s really not surprising to see the president walking around the facility, knowing people by name,” LaPinska said, noting that employees appreciate officials taking time to get to know employees and thank them for their hard work.
Amanda Edwards has been with PGT for nearly two years and said PGT’s eye for quality and focus on the future is what keeps her coming in every day.
“We’re giving our customers quality,” Edwards said. “I take great pride in our windows. They really stay on the edge of what our needs will be like in the future. The engineers really know what they’re doing.
“Everyone is really hands-on when it comes to things, and they have an open door policy. They are truly interested in you, and everything comes from their heart.
“When I send this window out, it might as well have my name on it.”
Johnny Jones of Salisbury has been with PGT for seven months, and was promoted to team leader in September.
“It’s a great work environment,” Jones said. “It’s really more of a family environment.
“The morale is a lot better, which usually means better performance and better quality from employees.”
Richard Geib of China Grove will be with the company for one year come February.
“They care about their employees, and the employees are the backbone of the company,” Geib said. “I actually look forward to coming to work here. The employees are like family ó we look our for one another.
“The company really keeps safety in mind, too. Safety is a big concern.”
Geib is a technician specialist, who helps to work out bugs of anything new that comes in, and then cross-train other employees.
“They like to promote from within,” Geib said. “They have employees help employees. Through education, they give you that opportunity.
“They really do care about us.”
PGT Industries is located off Heilig Road in Salisbury and plans on expanding in 2010, adding temporary and full-time jobs.