Gabriel Orengo visited and toured the Marvin Window and Door Factory in Warroad, Minnesota along with nine architects from Florida on June 9-12, 2012. Rick Hopkins -Regional Manager for Window Classics Corporation from the Tampa Showroom guided the group to Minnesota.

In Minneapolis the group joined Rachael Spire a local architect for a city tour to visit commercial and residential building landmarks focusing on fenestration. Some of these buildings included works done by Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. Marvin Windows provided hospitality arrangements and representatives (Dan Demolee, Connie from HR, and Dianne Sourdiff) to guide the group at the factory and for dinner hospitality Monday night.

“It’s amazing to see how these windows are made in person and the dedication of the workers” says Gabriel. “Marvin Windows recycles all their material even saw dust is used to heat their facility in the winter. Nothing is wasted. Every piece of wood is inspected to get the most out of each piece of wood.” Marvin Windows started as a lumber company and grew into the company we now know as Marvin Windows. The yellow rose in their logo stands for northern elegance and southern charm. The group got the privilege to meet Frank Marvin and Bob Marvin.

“It was a great chance to network and have fun together while learning. I would recommend this trip to anyone involved in Residential Design” says Gabriel. “You can touch a window at a show room but it does not compare to seeing in person and how it is made. You develop a greater understanding and insight that most don’t have.” The group was awe by the signature series department. This section focuses on custom windows and historical reproductions. Many of these custom applications have made it to the standard line of windows. What is amazing about Marvin Windows is that even though the factory uses automated machines and special conveying systems designed in-house, all windows are still assembled by skilled hands instead of robotics.