Cardinal IG is a privately-held OEM (original equipment manufacturer) that supplies insulating double- and triple-pane glass units to branded window manufacturers from its plants around the country, including the plant in Odell with its 225 employees that opened in 2004.
Window manufacturers such as JELD-WEN, VPI and Mercer, find that Cardinal IG can provide top service with better quality products than they can make in their own plants. By out-sourcing and out-performing this part of the window-making process, Cardinal allows its customers to focus on their core competencies and frees them from having to consider source materials and the variables that occur in fabricating insulating glass units. Customers report increased efficiency which reduces labor costs and contributes to bottom-line profitability. As Plant Manager David Windsor says, “It’s a fun business. We have great customers and the best glass products and I think we contribute to our customer’s success in the market.” Plus, he adds, “We have more exciting products coming out in 2013 to help window manufacturers match Energy Star regulations and that will add value for the homeowner. In the end, it’s all about helping our customers better compete in the market place.”
Headquartered in Minnesota, Cardinal Corporation is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Interestingly, the Odell location was perfect for the insulated glass plant because of its 700 foot elevation. Multi-paned glass sealed at the facility locks in this atmospheric pressure and allows Cardinal to serve customers at much higher elevations. If the plant were at sea-level, they would have to install a capillary tube to equalize pressure in the windows in order to service the same customers!
Windsor is excited to be in the Gorge at this point in time with all of the business optimism and talented people that are finding the region. “The area was struggling a bit when I first visited in 2002. It’s exciting to see others moving in as they realize it’s a great area for business with access to the metro area and a wonderful workforce and local government support structure.” Cardinal is a Gold Sponsor of the GTA for access to workforce training and the work the organization is doing to help the next generation of employees be successful here, something Windsor himself is passionate about.
Contact David Windsor at 541.354.4000 or dwindsor@cardinalcorp.com or learn more at cardinalcorp.com.