Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. continues to steadily grow its business and contribute to the building product industry’s improving economy. Its recent new product introductions have generated increased demand, national industry honors and more local job opportunities.

Kolbe was founded 68 years ago in Wisconsin and has become one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of windows and doors for residential and commercial markets. “We have built our reputation on quality craftsmanship and customization. While other businesses were cocooning during the economic downturn, we were actively investing in our future,” Kolbe’s president Mike Salsieder says with pride.

Leading Kolbe through these challenging times, Salsieder maintains an optimistic vision bolstered with diligently researched data. He continues, “We researched the emerging market trends and developed unique designs to meet homeowners’ desires for contemporary aesthetics and larger spans of glass. We added larger sizes and new configurations, including patio doors that help open interior spaces to the outdoors. We introduced innovative products to meet both residential and commercial buildings’ requirements for enhanced energy efficiency, occupant safety, low-maintenance and longevity. We optimized our existing space to accommodate these new product lines. We kept our focus on continuous improvement, training and involving our team members in productivity and process improvements, and upholding our standards of excellence.”

Seventy-three full-time equivalent positions have been filled since June 2013, according to Ann Micholic, Kolbe’s vice president of human resources. She notes, “We have hired new team members in marketing, field service, human resources, IT, and manufacturing. We currently are hiring for maintenance, manufacturing and sales, and are always looking for strong candidates. We want to ensure a good fit for a long future. We are very proud to have hundreds of associates in our Quarter Century Club, celebrating 25 years of service with Kolbe.”

“Our people are at the heart of Kolbe’s success. Their creativity, drive and commitment are why our company is known for custom craftsmanship, attention to detail, top-notch customer service and superior quality products,” adds Kolbe’s executive vice president Jeff De Lonay.

Recognizing the company’s industry-leading achievements, Builder magazine ranked Kolbe #1 in quality in the wood/wood clad window category. The ranking was determined by the magazine’s readers, which include more than 112,000 builders, architects and other home-building professionals. Kolbe’s ascension to the top of the list in 2014 leap-frogged five other competitive brands in this category.

In 2013, Kolbe also was honored with:
* Three Crystal Achievement Awards from Window & Door magazine for outstanding achievements in marketing
* Inclusion of the new VistaLuxe™ Collection in Architectural Record’s annual Record Products Competition
* The DIY Network show “I Want That” showcasing its innovative door products

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Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co.