News
September 7, 2017
StateWide Windows Surpasses One Million Hours Without a Lost Time Injury and 10-Months Without a Recordable Injury
Elkhart, Ind. — StateWide Windows of Elkhart, Indiana reported today that its 190 plus employees have worked over one million hours without a lost time injury. The firm builds windows for the recreational vehicle, truck cap and livestock trailer industries.
“In addition to our milestone of a million hours since our last lost time accident, year-to-date we have had zero recordable injuries at StateWide,” said Doug Eberlein, director of operations for the Elkhart, Indiana firm that is a division of the Truck Accessories Group (TAG). “Actually we are currently at 10 months straight without a recordable injury.
This shows we have strong momentum in recognizing safety as a core value to our business.”
Eberlein explained that in a business category in which accidents are statistically high, the metal extrusion and glass production segment, StateWide’s core value of “Safety” has yielded significant results. “Safety has to be recognized as a core value in the organization,” he said. “You can’t say safety is a priority because priorities tend to get shifted. You have to have a good foundation and a safety culture. Our team members understand that they are responsible for the 60-square-feet in front them. We empower them to raise their hand or stop production when an unsafe event takes place.”
He said that every morning StateWide has a pre-shift meeting to discuss key process measures, the meeting starts with safety. “Every week we have a general theme that is drafted into five daily topics to start the shift each day. We walk the floors weekly with the team members and look for safety issues. We get their input and ask questions.”
“As an example of team member engagement; if an operator has a machine that is leaking oil, they have the authority to say ‘stop’ and lock out the machine until it is corrected. By taking this stance, it has really gained momentum and belief within the facilities that safety is a core business value at StateWide.”
Involvement of the Human Resources department and a systemized approach to resolution is also key. Angel Kaper, human resource manager for the StateWide facility explained, “It’s about problem resolve and resolution,” she said. “If an employee has a problem on the line we have a PRR (Problem Resolve and Resolution) request form that starts the process to make it better. The employee initiates the process. So it’s not us dictating to them what needs to be done.” Kaper stated that each year there is a safety theme complete with T-shirts for the team. “They vote on the theme. Stuff like that that we implement every year that has an impact. This year it’s ‘Accidents bring jeers. Safety brings cheers.’ ”
Eberlein stated that StateWide’s safety culture starts from the top at TAG Corporation. “We have great corporate support from Truck Accessories Group,” he said. “We have a monthly corporate safety steering committee meeting that pulls all the business units together from Indiana, California, Pennsylvania and Washington to collaborate on safety. So if there is an injury in another business unit, we all talk about it and understand the root cause so we can look at our own business unit to see if we can address things and be proactive.”
He said his parent company, JBPCo also conducts surprise inspections to assure compliance to Federal, State and Corporate EH&S Policy. “Our team members are aware that when we have an issue, it will get attention all the way to corporate. We openly talk about it, investigate it, and fix it.”
There are cost benefits to making safety a core value. “It has a correlation to the bottom line,” said Eberlein. “Whether you are self-insured or you are insured through a third party, your rates are predicated on safety. So if your facility is in a position where people are getting hurt daily, you are either going to have increased insurance rates the following year or you will get dropped or have to seek another insurance company. If you’re self-insured then you’re paying for those injuries right out of pocket – both translate directly to the bottom line.”
“But the most important factor is our people know we care,” he said. “The longer we run this program, the more faith we have from the shop floor to the management team that we do truly care about their well-being. As your team has a sense security and safety, the more ingrained your work force becomes in believing in the organization, and you become a better organization because of it.”
The company is planning an event to celebrate both its one million hour milestone and its team’s adoption of a new internal computer business system. “It’s a dual purpose milestone celebration if you will,” said Eberlein. “We are also launching a business system through JD Edwards, so we will do that in combination of hitting that million hour mark with a big celebration company-wide.”
About StateWide
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of windows and doors for over 70 years. In 1995, the company expanded its product line to include windows and doors for the livestock trailer industry. StateWide Windows is located in Elkhart, Indiana, employs more than 190 people, and supplies more than 400 customers worldwide in the RV, livestock trailer and truck cap industries.
To learn more about StateWide Windows, visit www.state-wide.com
Phone: 800-860-2594
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August 30, 2017
StateWide Windows Showcases Clydesdale Series of Heavy-Duty Feed Doors and Frameless Windows for Horse Trailers at the 2017 NATDA Trade Show in Booth 987 in Indianapolis September 7 – 9
Elkhart, Ind. — StateWide Windows of Elkhart, Indiana will showcase their feed and manger access doors for livestock trailers as well as its line of frameless windows at this year’s tenth anniversary North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) annual show. Visit Statewide Windows in booth 987 at the show held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The doors are part of its well-respected heavy-duty line of feed and manger doors, known as the “Clydesdale Series”. The trade show offers 335,000 square-feet of the latest trailers, parts and accessories.
“We’re one of only two feed door window manufacturers producing this heavy-duty door,” said StateWide Director of Sales Jason Barhydt—who not only sells the doors, but helped engineer them as well. “It’s a mill extrusion with a longer flange, graphite-coated pins and a heavy-duty look.” Part of this look comes from strong hinges that are welded to the frame rather than riveted. “Our hinge pins are graphite coated and are ½-inch in diameter. Others use ¼-inch stainless steel. Our competition’s doors are painted extrusions, with maybe .060” walls. Ours are .100” walls in a heavy-duty aluminum. Our inner frame also has a hollow flange, which gives it a lot of strength.”
The key component to each of these Clydesdale doors is StateWide’s heavy-duty hinge system. The Clydesdale Line includes three types of feed and manger doors:
· Radius—Can commonly be seen on several brands of horse and pig trailers on the market today and features a very popular rounded frame, giving it a sleek, modern look
· Mitered—Square and fully welded for a style that is as rugged as it is functional and durable
· Panel— Similar to doors or windows that OEMs are building themselves, with the ability to color match any OEM’s trailer designs with custom skins
About StateWide
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of windows and doors for over 70 years. In 1995, the company expanded its product line to include windows and doors for the livestock trailer industry. StateWide Windows is located in Elkhart, Indiana, employs more than 175 people, and supplies more than 400 customers worldwide.
To learn more about StateWide Windows, visit www.state-wide.com
Phone: 800-860-2594
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June 8, 2017
StateWide Windows and LEER Offering ‘Learning and Earning’
Opportunities for Students in Elkhart this Summer
Elkhart, Ind. — StateWide Windows of Elkhart and their parent company Truck Accessories Group (TAG) (home of LEER Truck Caps) are offering students at home for the summer an opportunity to gain valuable experience in manufacturing by offering a number of positions at their StateWide Windows plant at 3518 County Road 6 East on the north side of Elkhart or at their TAG/LEER truck cap plant at 28858 Ventura Drive, just off the bypass on the south side of Elkhart. College students looking for a summer job have a wealth of options in northwest Indiana, where the unemployment rate has dipped below two percent, giving them a choice of where they earn both experience and much needed funds for the coming school year.
StateWide Windows and LEER are encouraging these students to make that employment choice with them by offering highly competitive wages and other incentives, along with a family-friendly atmosphere and experience working in the booming RV industry, which forecasts a number of job opportunities for college graduates in the coming years, as well as work in the horse trailer window and truck cap markets. Both companies pride themselves on strong employee values and a shared company mission statement of being a great place to work, learn and grow.
"In the highly competitive employment environment of Elkhart County Indiana, our company stands out with exceptional employee retention rates and future growth opportunities, said StateWide Director of Operations Doug Eberlein. "We've maintained a loyal group of team members and achieved a retention rate of over 80 percent of our employees having been with the company for more than three years. "LEER is the most widely recognized brand name in the truck cap industry and the number-one selling brand of pickup truck covers and tonneaus, so having our name on a resume is a huge plus for a college student looking for work after graduation, said Corporate Director of Human Resources for Truck Accessories Group, Barry Kosek.
"We'd also love to give students the chance to work and learn at one of our plants and have them come back every summer with the hope of eventually making LEER or StateWide their first job out of college. Those employment opportunities aren't limited to men, either, as StateWide's workforce is comprised of 70 percent women. The work at StateWide consists of mostly light assembly positions, with heavier manufacturing duties at truck cap maker TAG/LEER. Each offers different learning and earning opportunities for those interested in gaining experience in manufacturing processes.
StateWide and Truck Accessories Group offer students looking for summer work the following:
- Now hiring full and part time
- No experience necessary
- $12 per hour to start
- 9-4 workday, 4-hour Fridays (at StateWide Windows only)
- Family friendly workplace
- If a candidate continues employment after graduation, he or she will have a 401K that matches 60 cents on the dollar, 10 paid holidays, vacation pay, and sick time plus signing and referral bonuses and raises within 30 and 90 days
May 4, 2017
Business Trade Release
StateWide Windows Now Offering a Complete Selection of Frameless, Bonded Windows to RV Manufacturers Nationwide
Elkhart, Ind. - StateWide Windows of Elkhart, Ind. is pleased to announce that it now offers a full line of frameless, bonded-style windows to the recreational vehicle (RV) industry. Backed by a fully staffed engineering and design department, the company also prides itself in working with RV manufacturers to create unique windows for specific RV models, needs and applications. According to the company, StateWide Windows employs lean manufacturing techniques at its Elkhart, Indiana window facility to assure consistent quality and timely delivery as a Tier-One supplier to RV manufacturers.
StateWide Windows is the originator of the first frameless style window used in truck caps. Frameless, bonded windows were first developed in 2000 when StateWide engineers discovered a way to bond glass to an aluminum frame creating a new look for LEER truck caps. Today, as part of the larger Truck Accessories Group (TAG), StateWide Windows benefits from the buying power and stability of other major suppliers of windows. StateWide currently builds windows for three major truck cap brands, as well as its OEM RV, livestock and cargo trailer window business.
"Over the last three years we've engineered frameless window solutions for some of the largest RV firms in the business," said Jason Barhydt, national sales director for StateWide Windows. "Today we offer hundreds of variations in sizes, including double vented, single vented or static frameless bonded windows. We pride ourselves in providing our manufacturing customers with consistent quality to assure there are no variations on their assembly line so each window fits to specification."
Barhydt a former production and engineering manager who helped develop some of the unique windows the company now supplies to the RV industry, stated that service and engineering support in the field is another signature service attribute at StateWide Windows.
"Much of our sales team is backed by engineering and design experience," explained Barhydt. "Our team has the background and experience to help our customers' manufacturing and design teams develop solutions before and after assembly begins."
About StateWide Windows
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of windows and doors for over 70 years. In 1995, the company expanded its product line to include windows and doors for the livestock trailer industry. StateWide Windows is located in Elkhart, Indiana, employs more than 170 people, and supplies more than 400 customers worldwide.
March 31, 2017
March 1, 2017
StateWide Windows Fosters Family Friendly Culture and Stability to Keep Employee Retention Rates High
Elkhart, Ind. — In the highly competitive and fluid employment environment of Elkhart County Indiana, one company stands out with exceptional employee retention rates. StateWide Windows has maintained a loyal group of team members achieving a retention rate today of over 80 percent of its employees having been with the company for more than three years. This rate of retention is almost unheard of in the high-turnover recreational vehicle industry of Elkhart County. A full 37 percent of the StateWide team members have been with the company for over 10 years. Another 48 percent of the workforce has been with StateWide for five plus years. 7 have over 20 years with the firm.
“We pride ourselves in maintaining a loyal family of team members,” said Director of Operations, Doug Eberlein. “We accomplish this through adhering to the values of our company’s internal mission statement of making StateWide Windows ‘A great place to work, learn and grow.’ for everyone. Our family of team members are the most valuable asset we have, so we treat them with respect accordingly.”
StateWide Windows is a tier-one manufacturer of aluminum-framed windows and frameless, bonded windows for the truck cap, horse trailer, recreational vehicle, cargo trailer and shuttle bus industries. In 2006 the company was purchased and became a division of Truck Accessories Group (TAG) alongside the LEER family of companies. The company changed it name from StateWide Aluminum to StateWide Windows in 2013 to more accurately reflect the market it serves. In 2017 the company will celebrate its 78th year in business.
Eberlein also spoke to the stability StateWide offers its employees. “I think the fact that we’ve been an established business for so many years,” he said, “supplying the windows for Leer Truck Caps and the TAG group as our primary focus, we offer our team more stability than many big RV builders and tier-one parts manufacturers in our region.”
Eberlein explained that the StateWide Window’s workforce isn’t subjected to the habitual cycle of layoffs and rehiring so common with other manufacturers in Elkhart County. “Since we have a pretty even work schedule, our people appreciate the stability and reliable income we provide to their families. We understand how disruptive layoffs are to households, both from a financial standpoint and scheduling of childcare point of view. We try our best to avoid them.”
StateWide was a pioneer in developing innovative technologies for the window market. The firm introduced the first bonded windows for the truck cap market and the first drop down feed doors to the horse trailer market. According to Eberlein, in the last three years, StateWide has steadily grown its market share looks forward to significant growth in all its business segments over the next five years.
Today, at 170 employees, StateWide windows continue to grow. A full 70 percent of its team is comprised of women. “Since the majority of our team is female, we have some special accommodations we have developed over the years to help take the stress off our families,” said Human Resource Manager, Angel Kaper. “Providing time off for moms and dads when the schools close down for snow days in the winter. Holiday’s that coincide with school days off, and just fostering an environment our people can learn and grow are good examples of how we are family friendly.”
HR Manager, Kaper added that the StateWide Windows offers competitive wages and benefits, a drug free workplace, excellent benefit packages and a culture in which employees are treated with respect.
A Safe Place to Work
StateWide Windows also prides itself as a great place to work, learn and grow safely. Director of Operations, Doug Eberlein explained that in a business category in which accidents are statistically very high, the metal extrusion and glass production segment, the StateWide core value of “Safety First” has yielded a significantly lower incident rate than industry standard.
“The health and well being of our people is at the top of our corporate principles,” said Eberlein. “Above all else, we want our team to stay safe. We have continuous safely programs with rewards for our teams when we reach our safety goals. It’s very rewarding working for a company that looks out for its people. We call it StateWide Pride,” he concluded.
About StateWide Windows
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of aluminum windows and doors for over 75 years. The company is located in Elkhart, Indiana, and employs more than 170 team members supplying more than 400 customers worldwide.
To learn more about StateWide Windows, visit www.state-wide.com
Phone: 800-860-2594
Feb. 13, 2017
StateWide Windows to Showcase Clydesdale Series of Heavy Duty Feed Doors at NATM Show Feb. 15-17, Booth 325
Elkhart's StateWide Windows, maker of livestock, horse trailer and RV windows, engineered, designed, researched and developed the successful line of Clydesdale Series feed and manger doors that can now be seen on products from several major OEMs in the RV and horse trailer markets. More information is available on their website at www.state-wide.com, or at the NATM show in Orlando from Feb. 15-17 in booth 325.
Dec. 12, 2016
StateWide Windows Employees Make Charitable Donation to
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County as Part of Holiday Celebration
Elkhart, Ind. - StateWide Windows of Elkhart, Ind., a major window supplier to the recreational vehicle, truck cap and horse trailer industries, hosted their annual Employee Appreciation Banquet on Friday, Dec. 12 at their manufacturing facility in Elkhart, Ind. In addition to celebrating the season with a holiday buffet, the management team rewarded their staff of 180 for a number of accomplishments achieved during the year and made a cash donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County.
Prizes were given to employees who served on the safety committee, snow patrol, perfect attendance, those who submitted suggestions for improvements at the company during the year, and individual employees who were promoted during 2016. A number of employees also received recognition for service periods of 5, 10, 15, 25 and 30 or more years with the company, with the longest serving employee being with StateWide for 38 years. Several other prizes, including a large screen television, were raffled off to employees as part of the event.
"We take this opportunity every year to recognize our employees for their diligence and hard work," said Vice President of Marketing and Sales Dan Wright. "I think it shows how much our employees enjoy working here when you see how many of them have been here for 10 years or more. We're very proud of our employees and the culture we've build here at StateWide."
Executive Director Glen Stutzman and Community Engagement Coordinator Shelby Herms were also in attendance as representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County, and were presented with a $667 donation raised by StateWide employees. "It's huge to have a company like StateWide that stands with us and supports our fundraising events," said Stutzman. "This support helps us to realize our mission, which is to help those kids facing adversity to reach their potential."
About StateWide
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of windows and doors for over 70 years, with a current product line that includes windows and doors for recreational vehicles and the livestock trailer industry. StateWide Windows is located in Elkhart, Indiana, employs more than 120 people, and supplies more than 400 customers worldwide.
Sept. 8, 2016
Trade Show Release
StateWide Windows Launching Clydesdale Series of Heavy-Duty Feed and Manger Doors for Horse and Pig Trailers at 2016 NATDA Nashville Show Booth #708
Elkhart, Ind. - StateWide Windows of Elkhart, Ind. has announced the introduction of a newly named category of feed and manger access doors for horse and pig trailers that will be showcased at this year's North American Trailer Dealers Association (NATDA) annual show. The doors are part of their well respected heavy-duty line of feed and manger doors, and are being re-launched as the "Clydesdale Series" at the show, which takes place in Nashville, Tenn. from Sept. 8-10. OEMs and dealers can check out StateWide's products at booth #708 at the show.
"We're one of only two feed door window manufacturers producing this heavy-duty door," says StateWide Product Manager Jason Barhydt-who not only sells the doors, but engineered them as well. "It's a mill extrusion with a longer flange, graphite pins and a heavy-duty look." Part of this look comes from strong hinges that are welded to the frame rather than riveted. "Our hinge pins are graphite coated and are ½-inch in diameter. Others use ¼-inch stainless steel. Their doors are painted extrusions, with maybe .060" walls. Ours are .100" walls in a heavy-duty design. Another innovation is that our inner frame has a hollow flange, which gives it a lot of strength."
The key component to each of these Clydesdale doors is StateWide's heavy-duty hinge system. The newly named Clydesdale Line includes three types of feed and manger doors:
- Radius-Can commonly be seen on several brands of horse and pig trailers on the market today and features a very popular rounded frame, giving it a sleek, modern look
- Mitered-Square and fully welded for a style that is as rugged as it is functional and durable
- Panel- Similar to doors or windows that OEMs are building themselves, with the ability to color match any OEM's trailer designs with custom skins
StateWide National Sales Manager Dan Wright breaks down the offerings in this newly named series of feed and manger doors: "The Clydesdale Series includes the Radius HD (Heavy-Duty) Feed Door, Radius HD Manger Door, Miter HD Feed Door, Miter HD Manger Door and Miter Panel HD Feed Door. This is our ‘best' option in feed and manger doors. Most companies offer ‘good,' ‘better,' and ‘best.' We only offer ‘better' and ‘best.' After the Clydesdale Series, our ‘better' line is now going to be called the Mustang Series." This series of doors includes StateWide's 425 Feed Door and 425 Manger Door, according to Wright.
Barhydt explains that the development of this heavy-duty line six years ago came about after polling manufacturers and dealers out in the field and being told there needed to be a sturdier, more durable door on the market. "When retail customers look at buying a trailer, the first thing they do is open the door and try to rack it," he says. He is referring to how people test the stiffness and integrity of a door by rocking it back and forth with their hands.
"The least amount of racking will tell you whether it's a good door or not," says Barhydt. "StateWide eliminates racking issues by designing a hinge assembly that utilizes higher tolerances than the industry standard to make the pin fit tighter. As a result, the doors are much sturdier. A stiffer, more ‘un-rackable' door is what we created and why we have such a great hinge system in the Clydesdale Series. We can't wait to show off this successful line of doors to new dealers and OEMs at this year's NATDA show."
About StateWide
StateWide Windows has been a manufacturer of windows and doors for over 70 years. In 1995, the company expanded its product line to include windows and doors for the livestock trailer industry. StateWide Windows is located in Elkhart, Indiana, employs more than 120 people, and supplies more than 400 customers worldwide.
To learn more about StateWide Windows, visit www.state-wide.com
Phone: 800-860-2594
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Statewide_Window_-_Growth_Story_-_Elkhart_Truth.pdf
Jan. 17, 2014
STATE WIDE ALUMINUM CHANGES NAME TO STATEWIDE WINDOW
ELKHART, Ind.— State Wide Aluminum, manufacturer of windows and doors for the RV, truck and trailer industries, changed its name to StateWide Window, Inc. effective Jan. 10, 2014.
The company decided to change its name to more accurately describe the products it manufactures and the markets it serves. The company has also introduced a new logo as part of updating its brand identity. In addition to the new name and logo, the company has changed its focus to concentrate on customer service with a more integrated approach. StateWide Window will partner with customers, leveraging its engineering expertise to help them incorporate StateWide windows and doors into their products as well as to develop new and innovative products for specific customer applications.
"Our new name better represents what we do," said Jim Johnson, general manager. "We aren't an aluminum company. We are transportation window specialists, and we needed a name that tells customers exactly what we make and how we can help them design better products."
StateWide Window is a global leader in the manufacture of windows and doors for the RV, bus, truck cap and livestock trailer industries. Since its inception in 1970, the company has been located in Elkhart, Ind. StateWide Window employs more than 200 people and supplies more than 400 customers nationwide.
For more information contact Dan Wright, sales manager, at 574-262-2594 or dwright@state-wide.com.
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