Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

CARY, N.C. -- Ply Gem Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America, through its subsidiary, Ply Gem Industries, has signed an agreement with Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (FBHS) to acquire Simonton Windows - one of America's leading vinyl window and patio door manufacturers with revenues over $300 million. As part of the deal, Ply Gem will also acquire all assets of SimEx, a vinyl and PVC foam extrusion manufacturing operation in West Virginia, from Fortune Brands. The transaction, valued at approximately $130 million, aligns with Ply Gem's plans for growing strategically while contributing to earnings growth through targeted acquisitions of complementary specialty product lines.

The transaction combines two leading low-maintenance, energy-efficient residential window businesses under the Ply Gem umbrella, and is expected to:

Create a more comprehensive, balanced portfolio by combining Simonton's strength in the repair and remodeling (R&R) market with Ply Gem's leadership in the new construction market.

Establish a stronger national residential windows platform with manufacturing scale and channel distribution advantages to serve both R&R and new construction customers.

Generate opportunities for operational efficiencies to enhance customer service and propel future profitability and growth, core tenets of Ply Gem's strategic vision.

"The addition of Simonton Windows is in full alignment with our strategic growth plan and will better balance the mix of end markets that we serve while strengthening our core capabilities and contributing significantly to revenues in the future," said Gary E. Robinette, Ply Gem's President and CEO. "A prominent brand, Simonton has consistently been ranked a leader in the J.D. Powers Window and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudySM and is known for exceptional quality and service. Simonton Windows ideally complements our existing portfolio of window products."

Robinette adds, "Simonton is a perfect fit for the Ply Gem culture, and we are confident this new addition will help us achieve synergies and competitive advantages that drive growth in top line sales and customer and shareholder value."

Expected to close in October pending regulatory approval, Ply Gem is funding the deal through a combination of cash-on-hand and new debt. After giving effect to anticipated cost savings and synergies, the acquisition is expected to be credit accretive.

Ply Gem will operate Simonton Windows as a stand-alone business unit, similar to the way the company's existing Siding and Window groups operate today. Simonton customers will continue to be serviced through its existing relationships.

"We will be very pleased to welcome the experienced Simonton management team to Ply Gem when the deal is closed," said Robinette. "We look forward to working with them - and all Simonton associates - in the years ahead to build and maintain the best exterior building products company in the industry," said Robinette.

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Ply Gem Industries to Acquire Simonton Windows

ALS #IceBucketChallenge
This is the NightScenes Landscape Lighting Professionals #39; #ALS #IceBucketChallenge video. We are also donating $200 to the ALS Association to help fight this muscular disease. We are challenging...

By: Paul Gosselin

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ALS #IceBucketChallenge - Video

1516 Nottinghill Drive, O #39;Fallon, Illinois 62269
This lovely O #39;Fallon cul-de-sac home has just undergone a total transformation including all new carpeting, hardwood and tile, new stainless steel stove and dishwasher, complete repainting,...

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1516 Nottinghill Drive, O'Fallon, Illinois 62269 - Video

Trusted Maid Services Chula Vista
http://www.mollymaid.com/local-house-cleaning/ca/east-south-county.aspx is Chula Vista #39;s source for the most trusted home cleaning, and cleaning services in ...

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Lawn treatment with Worm Casting

By: Wiggle Farm

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Lawn treatment with Worm Casting - Video

Donna Tatting

Chisago County Master Gardener

It seems we just got started on summer, and here we are talking about fall. There is still plenty of warm season left to enjoy our yards and gardens, but some lawn care chores are best done now.

My lawn really suffered from the long, cold, snowy winter. I waited months for those bare spots to fill in. For some, its just not going to happen.

Mid-August to mid-September is the best time to repair a lawn or to seed a new lawn. There is still plenty of sunlight and the nights are cooler, good for germinating seeds and growing new plants.

Choosing the right variety of grass for your lawn is very important. First, consider how much sun the area receives. Kentucky bluegrass is a favorite for full sun or light shade. Creeping red fescue is the most tolerant of shade. Its a good idea to use a mixture that blends the attributes of several varieties of grass.

The best advice for sowing grass seed is to make sure you have good seed-to-soil contact and that you water regularly if we dont get enough rain.

During this late summer season and into the fall, keeping the lawnmower height at 2 to 2 inches. Cutting it shorter will severely limit its ability to make and store food for growth in the spring.

If you fertilize your lawn only once a year, do it in mid to late October. Nutrients will be absorbed and stored until needed for spring growth. Lawns that have received late-season fertilizing are often the first to begin growing in the spring.

Some recent research has shown that an early spring feeding can be very beneficial as well.

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Now is the time for fall lawn care

A Lower Makefield man who claimed he was Jesus after one of his three arrests last month is headed to trial but not before receiving mental health treatment.

In a brief court appearance Wednesday, Andrew Buzzo, 41, who police say is a disabled veteran, agreed to waive his preliminary hearing in two of the three cases against him.

In return, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office agreed to request that Buzzo be released on his own recognizance so he can enter inpatient treatment. As part of the agreement, Buzzo also will surrender all firearms he possesses.

Buzzo was incarcerated in Bucks County prison in the three cases; two on bail of 10 percent of $25,000 and one on 10 percent of $50,000. He is facing charges of fleeing and eluding an officer, possession of marijuana, reckless endangerment, theft, receiving stolen property, DUI and institutional vandalism

Lower Makefield police say Buzzo was seen driving his car in a figure-eight pattern July 8 on the lawn of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on Makefield Road, then getting out of his car and kicking down a wooden cross on the property.

When police stopped Buzzo on Afton Avenue, he claimed he drove on the lawn because it was his property, as he is Jesus and all belongs to him, and drove in the figure-eight pattern because in the Bible the number means a new beginning, a resurrection, a probable cause affidavit shows.

He kicked down the cross because he didnt want to be reminded of the extreme torture he endured when he was crucified, police said.

During that arrest, police said Buzzos eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and they found a pipe similar to ones used to smoke marijuana on him. Buzzo admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day, but said he was fine to drive, police said.

Police again encountered Buzzo on July 25 when he allegedly led them on a high-speed chase along Route 1 into Bensalem. Police allege that Buzzo had flashing blue and red lights activated in his silver BMW X5. Buzzo allegedly refused to pull over, was passing vehicles in the oncoming traffic lanes and, at one point, was driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 1 before making a U-turn and continuing south on the highway, according to a probable cause affidavit.

He was stopped on Route 1 near the Neshaminy exit, where he had to be removed from the car, police said, adding that marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the cars center console.

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Lower Makefield man arrested 3 times in July headed to trial

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) When Durham resident James Wilson's lawn mower failed several weeks ago, he said he wanted to find a lawn service without flipping through the phonebook.

He had a half-acre of grass to cut, which had grown to around 8 inches tall.

But, he discovered he could solve his problem with a smartphone app.

Launched in Durham earlier this month, Mowz is an Apple and Android application that connects customers with local lawn care services.

A customer downloads the app, enters their address, grass length and some other details about their lawn. The app then calculates the price, and a customer can schedule the service as early as the next day.

"With our app, you know exactly when providers are going to be there," said Wills Mahoney, co-founder of Mowz.

Once the Mowz provider is done mowing, they take a picture of the lawn and the customer rates the job for quality control. Customers can then use the provider for future jobs.

Wilson said the service cost him $69, which include the mowing, weed-eating, and grass blowing.

About 70 percent of the Mowz revenue goes to the providers.

The application hires local contractors who choose from submitted requests. Mahoney said the contractors must have at least $500,000 in general liability insurance and that Mowz checks on the service itself.

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App allows Durham residents to find yard service

AAP Some of the most common daily activities could be causing hearing damage, an expert has warned.

Hairdryers, food processors, lawn mowers, noisy restaurants and even the daily train commute are putting Australians at risk of hearling loss, an expert says.

One in six Australians suffer from hearing loss, and this is expected to rise to one in four by 2050.

"Exposure to everyday noises, not age, will be the leading cause of hearing loss in the near future," says Professor Richard Dowell, director of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital Cochlear Implant Clinic.

A new Cochlear survey found that while 71 per cent of Australians know going to a nightclub and listening to loud music on headphones can damage hearing, less than a quarter believe hearing can be affected by day-to-day noises.

The level at which noise can cause permanent hearing loss begins at about 85dB, typical of a hairdryer, food processor or kitchen blender.

Prof Dowell says there's a belief that if you don't do something very often, such as going to live music events or attending a sporting event, it won't damage your hearing in the long run.

"However, no matter how seldom you participate in an activity, there is still the very real possibility that it is causing you permanent damage."

Health organisations and groups are encouraging Australians to look after their hearing health as part of Hearing Awareness Week, which runs until August 30.

It comes as parents of some of Australia's 20,000 deaf children are fighting to block the sale of Australian Hearing, which they say is an essential Federal Government service providing free hearing aids and cochlear implants to thousands of young Australians.

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Everyday noises can damage your ears

Crossett City Council members were given an update on Media 3, adopted two resolutions and discussed a lawn maintenance issue during their meeting on Monday, Aug. 18.

In old business, Lisa Gulledge updated the council on franchise taxes owed by Media 3 to the city. Gulledge said the company, which was a year behind on taxes, is up to date and currently owes taxes on the second quarter for the year.

City Attorney James Hamilton gave a background on when the city entered into an agreement with the company. Hamilton said the city's contract is due for renewal. He also noted that if the city chooses not to renew the contract, the company may continue to provide service, but that the service, which is already poor, may become worse.

Mayor Scott McCormick said he is aware the contract is due for renewal and has been waiting for the company to contact the city to renew the service. It was also noted that the renewal was due in June.

The council also discussed service the company provides to citizens. Mayor McCormick said although a lot of people prefer satellite over cable, there are citizens who subscribe to cable and those he has spoken with do not appear satisfied with the service.

McCormick said he has spoken with other cable companies, but those he has spoken with do not feel it would be profitable to provide services to the city. "I know a lot of folks here in Crossett are upset with the cable system, and there are times I get upset with them because I have cable at my house," added the mayor.

The council approved a motion for Hamilton to contact Media 3 regarding the franchise tax and the company's intentions for its customers in Crossett.

Under new business, the council adopted two resolutions for the levy of five mills to be collected on real and personal property to be collected next year and a resolution to levy 2.4 mills for the ongoing maintenance expenses for the city public library to be collected in 2015.

In other business, Robert Wright spoke with the council concerning citizens blowing grass clippings onto city streets while mowing. Wright said although the city has a street sweeper, the sweeper can not keep up with an excessive amount of grass clippings being thrown out onto streets. Wright asked that citizens blow clippings back onto their lawns when mowing and stated that the clippings will actually assist in fertilizing lawns.

With no other business the meeting adjourned.

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Crossett Council Gets Cable Report, Complaint about Lawn Clippings