Timmins Windows and Doors develops local manufacturing plant.

• Author: DOBROVNIK, FRANK
• Position: Brief Article

A Timmins retailer is opening a new window of opportunity to local economic development.

Timmins Windows and Doors began construction of its first manufacturing plant outside of Sudbury on August 18. A retail presence in Timmins for the past eight years, the newly named Timmins Windows and Doors Manufacturing is expected to move into a 10,000-square foot retail/manufacturing complex at 1215 Riverside Drive in March.

The plant, projected to employ nearly 20 people in addition to its current complement of three full-time sales staff, will initially concentrate on the construction of a variety of poly-vinyl chloride windows and the sub-assembly of steel-insulated residential glass doors.

Up until now all windows and doors have been manufactured in Sudbury, under the auspices of parent company Sudbury Windows and Doors. Manufacturing Branch Manager Chris Sawicz says the local presence in Timmins will fill a need in the Northern Ontario company's second-biggest market, particularly for after-sales service.

"It brings more local appeal to everything," Sawicz says. "Our customers get the products faster (and) there's far better service. You belong more to the community (with a...