Crystal Windows to Integrate operations with and expand Chicago manufacturing affiliate

Crystal Window & Door Systems, Flushing, N.Y., in a major move to increase its market presence has initiated steps to integrate its Chicago-based affiliate manufacturer Crystal Windows & Doors Illinois Manufacturing (Crystal Chicago) operations into the New York-based company’s national operations, according to an Oct. 19 release. The move will combine the 80,000-square-foot Chicago factory with Crystal Windows current 340,000-square-foot network of window production and aluminum extrusion facilities. Plans also call for the expansion of production capabilities and product lines made by the Chicago facility. The integration effort is scheduled for completion this year with expansion activities continuing into 2010 and thereafter.

Crystal Chicago began operations in 1996 as a separate entity with support and an equity investment from Crystal Window & Door Systems in New York. Over the past 13 years, the Chicago manufacturer has maintained an informal affiliation with the 20-year old New York corporation, but has operated independently. Crystal Chicago has focused solely on the City of Chicago and the surrounding metropolitan area, while the larger New York manufacturer has expanded nationally. Integration of Crystal Chicago operations into Crystal’s national business will strengthen brand recognition, provide resources to expand distribution in the greater Chicago metropolitan area and adjoining states, improve logistics, reduce product delivery times and increase customer service, according to the release.

The Crystal Chicago operation previously only produced four of the many Crystal product lines, but expansion plans call for it ultimately to manufacture most of the corporation’s popular vinyl and aluminum window lines. Upgrading the Chicago manufacturing facility’s insulating glass production also is scheduled. In addition to integration of manufacturing operations, the New York and Chicago entities are unifying other functions such as sales, marketing, purchasing, information technology, logistics and R&D.

“I am excited about combining our operations with New York. The synergies and opportunities this close collaboration presents are enormous,” said Anne Liang, vice president, Crystal Chicago. Steve Chen, executive vice president, Crystal in New York, added: “This integration allows Crystal Windows to rapidly expand its national manufacturing capabilities and forgo the huge capital and time investment that an entirely new facility would require. This alignment and expansion will allow us in very short order to better support our customers throughout the Midwest.”