Resource Center

Windsor & Amwood Celebrate 20 Years

Monday, September 9, 2024

This month, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dave Dorn, Vice President of Manufacturing and Field Operations for Amwood and Windsor Building Systems, to discuss a milestone anniversary that both companies celebrated. On July 26, 2004, Amwood purchased the assets of Windsor Building Systems, marking the beginning of a partnership that has flourished for two decades. In recognition of this significant event, the two companies came together to celebrate 20 years of collaboration and success.

The Anniversary Celebration
The event was a gathering of current Windsor production and office staff, including a few remote employees, alongside some key members from Amwood. Among the attendees were Amwood owner Doug Scott and several Amwood employees, as well as notable figures from Windsor’s history. Len Linzmeier, the original founder of Windsor, attended with his wife, Betty. Also present were retired Windsor employees Marv Hammes, one of Len’s first hires, and his wife, Ginny; Dave Laufenberg and his wife, Nan; and retired Amwood employee Virgil Waugh, accompanied by his wife, Gerri. Tracy Grande and Ben Vadnais, who both worked for Windsor and now contribute to Advantage Homes, also joined in the festivities.

Reflecting on 20 Years: Stories from the Past
One of the highlights of the celebration was the sharing of stories that highlighted the rich history and enduring relationships between the two companies. Len, who once worked for Gene Scott, Doug’s father, after branching out on his own, began panelizing homes with Windsor in 1971. Just two years later, in 1973, Gene started panelizing homes with Amwood. Despite being competitors, Len and Gene maintained a friendly rivalry that would later come full circle when Doug purchased Windsor in 2004.

One amusing story shared during the event was how, during the summer of 2004, Windsor struggled to secure enough materials for their jobs. While they had plenty of fuel, lumber was in short supply. In a show of solidarity, one of their builders offered to ensure that Windsor would get the lumber they needed, provided they could get their trucks to the lumber yard. This story underscored the strong relationships Windsor has built with its builders—relationships characterized by mutual support and commitment.

Another memorable story involved Doug Scott’s purchase of Windsor. To reassure Windsor’s employees and demonstrate that the company was in good hands, Doug instructed Dave Dorn to purchase enough lumber to fill the plant’s property line. This act symbolized the stability and longevity that Windsor would continue to enjoy under Amwood’s ownership.

Favorite Moments and Reflections
When asked about their favorite part of the event, the consensus was clear: listening to Len and Doug share stories about the history of both companies was a highlight for everyone. Their anecdotes provided a sense of continuity and pride in the shared history of Windsor and Amwood.

Employees Who Have Been There from the Start
The event also served as an opportunity to recognize the dedication of employees who have been with the company for the entire 20-year journey. Mark Wahl, Kevin Schraufnagel, Dick Hills, Steve Foslin, and Dave Dorn have all been with Windsor for over 20 years. Their long-standing commitment is a testament to the strong company culture and the value that Windsor and Amwood places on its team members.

The Evolution of the Business
Reflecting on how the business has changed over the last 20 years, both Marv and Dave noted the significant advancements in technology. Tasks that were once labor-intensive and done by hand are now performed by computerized saws. Plans are programmed into the system, and the saws do the rest—a stark contrast to the manual processes of the past. The introduction of technology has streamlined operations, making the production line less complicated and more efficient.

As Windsor and Amwood look to the future, this celebration of 20 years serves as a reminder of the strength of their partnership, the importance of their history, and the promise of continued innovation and success.

To learn more about Windsor go to www.WindsorBuilds.com.