Lowes to Open Door Manufacturing Plant

Lowe's Corp. has announced plans to open a millwork manufacturing facility in Janesville, Wis., which has the industry wondering what impact this will have on window and door manufacturing. Alan Campbell, president of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, said he was surprised by the news though he didn't have further comment as many details of the venture were not known.

Lowes plans to invest $7.5 million in the project, according to a company press release which also states that Lowes will be using a 210,000 square foot building that had previously been used by General Motors. The new plant will manufacture pre-finished ad unfinished interior and exterior doors made of steel, fiberglass and wood and sold under the Reliabilt brand.

Lowes says it expects production to being in September with shipping to follow in October. The facility is expected to produce 200,000 interior doors and 130,000 exterior doors each year.

The company currently operates two other millwork facilities in Thomasville, N.C. and White House, Tenn.