The Southwest California Manufacturing Council (MCIE), a constituent of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce, was honored to meet at the manufacturing facility of Milgard Windows and Doors, a prominent player in the United States window and door manufacturing industry. The event was facilitated by the City of Temecula Economic Development’s Tanis Earle. Several MCIE executives were cordially invited to attend.
Five members of Milgard’s leadership team delivered presentations, providing insights into the company’s operations. The facility, spanning over 200,000 square feet, has been serving Southern California homeowners from San Diego to Goleta since approximately the year 2000. Last year, the production output reached 9,000 to 10,000 windows per week, with approximately 90% of this volume dedicated to replacing existing windows, while the remaining percentage was allocated to new home builders.
As the plant was preparing for an upcoming OSHA VPP Star inspection (Voluntary Protection Program – Occupational Safety and Health Administration), a scheduled plant tour was postponed. This postponement provided an opportunity for plant leaders to elaborate on their various initiatives aimed at enhancing production efficiency, minimizing lost-time accidents, and optimizing warehousing space.
Warren Lee spearheaded the presentations, elucidating Milgard’s transition from a publicly-traded corporation to a privately-held entity under the ownership of MITER Brands in 2020. The leadership structure within the plant underwent a change in 2022. The monthly and quarterly financial pressures associated with public trading were mitigated as MITER Brands’ culture took precedence.
The presentation revealed significant reductions in workplace accidents. Employee turnover, which had previously stood at 61%, has now decreased to 17%. The company has implemented iPads throughout the plant to facilitate suggestions from plant personnel. In 2024, a warehouse was eliminated, and Ken Boddie outlined a systematic and deliberate process to relocate employees from the closed plant to the Temecula operation.
Mr. Boddie explained that the plant requires a “warehousing” of approximately 5% of its previous production, such as product specially packaged for retail giant Home Depot. The primary focus is on producing windows and doors that are directly transferred from production to trucks, in the order that the trucks should be unloaded.
(Although this may appear straightforward, it resonates more profoundly with my personal experience. Two years ago, I purchased replacement windows, sliding doors, and other fixtures for my home from Milgard. Remarkably, no two windows were identical! However, all were delivered simultaneously, and their installers successfully completed a one-day installation. My neighbor had a similar experience, which prompted me to make a similar upgrade.)
Plant production leadership emphasized an ongoing pursuit of increased production and enhanced customer service. They were transparent about seeking assistance in this endeavor. However, Human Resources Manager Indira Houtenbrink highlighted how MITER Brands also fosters community engagement through its MITER Foundation. This remarkable program requires employees to dedicate 40 hours to non-profit organizations within their community while being employed by the company.
Financial and labor resources are generously donated to organizations that support veterans, animal care, child health care, housing, clothing, and food deficiencies, among numerous other causes.
Plant leadership has extended an invitation to the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire for a plant tour and an update on this exceptional manufacturer’s journey.
