PGT REPORTS FIRST INCREASE IN SALES SINCE 2006

PGT INDUSTRIES WHICH HAS A PLANT IN VENICE REPORTED THAT SALES INCREASED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2006.  THE MAKER OF HURRICANE-RESISTANT WINDOWS AND DOORS SAID SALES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR ROSE 4.6% OR A BIT MORE THAN $2 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.  ROD HERSHBERGER, PGT’S PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SAID IN A STATEMENT RELEASED WEDNESDAY THAT THE REASON FOR THE INCREASE WAS DUE MAINLY TO EXPANSION OUTSIDE OF FLORIDA.  HE SAID DURING THE DOWNTURN, PGT HAS DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY TO ESTABLISH A STRONGER FOOTHOLD IN NEW MARKETS, INCLUDING STATES OUTSIDE OF FLORIDA, WHERE SALES INCREASED BY 28.3%.  THE COMPANY HAS TWO FACTORIES…ONE IN SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA, WHICH HAS 500 EMPLOYEES, AND ONE IN VENICE WHICH EMPLOYS ABOUT 700.