The H3 window ... advanced energy efficiency and easy installation.
Innovation keeps Hurd ahead
Hurd continues to build on its strength and has recently launched a range of products including H3 and Ultra-R windows that address the market requirements for innovation and energy efficiency.
01 January 2012
HURD Windows & Doors, one of the US’ largest and most successful wood window and patio door exporters, has maintained its enviable status in its niche sector through innovation that has seen the company launch award-winning products and more recently through acquisition of complementary lines.
Among its most recent innovations are its H3 and Ultra-R windows. The mid-priced, high-tech H3 window boasts a design like no other, says Scott Klieforth, Hurd’s international sales manager. Introduced in 2009, the H3 window is a unique product that integrates three materials – extruded aluminium, vinyl, and solid wood – into one perfect window using the patent-pending Fusion Technology, he says.
“It was voted the ‘Most Innovative Window of the Year’ by the US Window & Door magazine in 2009 and its climbing sales continue to result in significant growth for the company,” says Klieforth.
The H3 offers advanced energy efficiency, superb construction, noticeably enhanced aesthetics, a tight seal, and makes for easier installation.
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The Ultra-R, meanwhile, is claimed to be among the most energy-efficient windows on the planet and was launched under a collaboration with Southwall Technology.
Klieforth elaborates: “During 2011, the company has continued to build on its reputation for innovation by partnering with Southwall Technology to introduce Ultra-R windows that boast an R-20 centre-of-glass rating, which rivals the thermal value of a 2 by 6 insulated wall.”
Another recent breakthrough innovation from the company is CoreGuard, regarded as the best wood protection in the industry, and a Hurd exclusive.
“CoreGuard is a proprietary formula developed by a Hurd on-staff chemist in 2008. It protects wooden windows to the very core from wood rot and deterioration from insects and termites,” he says.
“While other manufacturers seem to offer just low-e glass, Hurd has an entire Eco system of glazing options. It is the only wood window manufacturer offering a lifetime limited warranty and the only brand with CoreGuard, the best wood protection in the business,” he adds.
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A unique casement designed for the H3. |
The company has also boosted its product lines through a key acquisition last year (2011), when it added the renowned brand of vinyl windows, Superseal Windows and Doors, to its portfolio.
Commenting on the company, Klieforth says: “Celebrating more than 50 years in business, Superseal has set the standards for top-quality products and exceptional service in the vinyl window and door industry. Unlike ordinary vinyl lines, Superseal offers consumers an unlimited number of exterior colours including 15 standard and superior energy performance, which is best demonstrated by its flagship R5-rated double hung.”
These latest developments have enabled the company offers five comprehensive product lines including all-wood, low-maintenance aluminum-clad wood and Hurd FeelSafe coastal impact, in addition to the award-winning H3, and vinyl.
A manufacturer and exporter of wood windows and patio doors, the company is recognised the world over by its Hurd brand of products that come in an extensive array of colours, styles, sizes, shapes and options.
Hurd’s aluminum-clad wood fully encases the beauty and warm of wood in heavy-duty extruded 0.050-inch-thick aluminum. “The cladding is at least twice as thick as other manufacturers’ roll-form cladding, and comes in unlimited colour choices plus anodised finishes,” Klieforth claims.
He continues: “Hurd’s all-wood windows and patio doors have the muscle to take on light commercial and sophisticated historic projects. For historic renovations or restoration, Hurd can custom match profiles and trim details, maintain historic accuracy, and provide all the benefits of modern, energy-efficient performance.
“FeelSafe hurricane-resistant windows and patio doors feature high-strength, shatter-resistant glass. Since they’re engineered for extreme conditions and everyday comfort, FeelSafe windows are perfect for just about any coastal project. They stand up to the fiercest storm and the most determined burglar with performance ratings as high as DP +65/-85.”
Hurd’s high-end custom window and door products, which are sold exclusively through more than 400 distributors in the US and Canada and in 20 countries worldwide, are manufactured by approximately 350 craftsmen in Medford and Merrill, Wisconsin.
The company has received a number of accolades over the past two years. In February 2011, the company was honoured with the prestigious ‘Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year’ award for its local-to-global commitment. Other recent honours include an award for social responsibility and humanitarian efforts awarded by the World Vision organisation (in February 2011) and Wisconsin’s Export Award (in May 2010).
Through its 92-year history, the brand has made its mark in the US and international window and door industry by overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities and introducing many leading technologies.
The company’s president and CEO Dominic Truniger comments: “We are focused on expanding our international market presence and hold ourselves accountable to the mantra of ‘easy to do business with’. This is what complements our innovative product mix and makes us a successful export partner to many around the world.”
The company currently has select partnerships available around the globe.
