H.I.G. Capital, a leading global equity firm consisting of $7.5 billion of equity capital, has purchased Accu-Weld LLC.

H.I.G. targets growth companies; invest in management and capital improvements to the success of the company. H.I.G. currently manages over 200 companies worldwide, with main offices in Miami, Boston, San Francisco, London, Hamburg and Paris.

The purchase of Aluminum Shapes/Arch Holding LLC, the parent companies of Accu-Weld LLC, the manufacturer of one of the most energy efficient window systems, was completed on August 8th. Finalization of the purchase will release Aluminum Shapes/Arch Holding LLC from Chapter 11.

We look for a seamless transition during the purchase, as well as opportunities for new innovative products and manufacturing efficiencies in the coming years.

It is exciting when an industry leading window and door manufacturer becomes a stronger competitor, because the end user becomes the real winner. We will maintain our position to continue to fabricate high quality products using state of the art extrusion and manufacturing processes. This is a true win-win situation. Thank you all for your loyal support of Accu-Weld LLC, manufacturers of custom EnergyStarTM compliant window & door systems for 27 years.

The H.I.G. Capital web site is www.higcapital.com.

1/02- Extensive market research found that windows with SunClean self-cleaning glass to be a popular choice with builders, remodelers and homeowners. Self-cleaning glass was the number one “dream house feature” in a recent survey conducted by Better Homes & Gardens magazine. In a separate PPG-sponsored study, 69 percent of homeowners said they would likely consider windows with self-cleaning glass. These results all suggest that SunClean self-cleaning glass could be the most exciting glass technology to hit the industry in years.

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Accu-Weld Embraces New Manufacturing Methodology

During the 2001 fiscal year Accu-Weld adopted an innovative manufacturing style to improve efficiency and productivity. With the assistance of a special implementation group, Accu-Weld has successfully incorporated the Kaizen Breakthrough Methodology as part of its manufacturing and management philosophy.

Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning “change for the better.” With that concept in mind, Kaizen Breakthrough Methodology centers around helping companies unite management and staff to work together toward eliminating waste, increasing quality and production, improving delivery/lead times and creating better morale.

This new strategy allows us to better serve you by providing the highest-quality products in the most efficient timeframe, and all without passing on any additional costs to you.

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New Tilt-Latch Now Available for Epoch 2300

Bensalem, Pa. – 8/10/01 – The popular Epoch 2300 Series double-hung window received an upgraded tilt-latch mechanism with a recessed tilt-latch for enhanced ease of operation and cleaning.

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Accu-Weld Updates Casement Window Weatherstripping

Bensalem, Pa. – 8/2/01 –Accu-Weld announced that effective September 15, 2001, the color of bulb weatherstripping on its white casement window products will change from black to white weatherstripping for a more blended appearance.

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Accu-Weld Introduces New Balance System

Bensalem, Pa. – 4/1/01 – All of Accu-Weld’s double hung windows are now equipped with a CALDWELL® Quick-Tilt Constant Force Balance System to replace the spiral balance. We incorporated this industry-recognized “constant force” balance system as part of our continued commitment to enhancing Accu-Weld window systems with state-of-the-art technology.

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PPG Licenses Window Manufacturers to Use Intercept Insulating Glass Technology

PITTSBURGH – 1997 – PPG Industries has announced the addition of five window manufacturers as licensees of its proprietary, patented technology for producing energy-efficient "warm edge" Intercept insulating glass units.

PPG now has 47 North American licensees of its technology for producing Intercept insulating glass units for windows and doors. Intercept insulating glass units have a U-shaped thin-metal spacer between the two glass panes that results in better energy performance than standard insulating units, especially around the perimeter, giving them a "warmer edge."

Glass Equipment Development (GED) of Twinsburg, Ohio, is supplying the necessary manufacturing equipment for producing the unique spacers. GED is North America's largest manufacturer of insulating glass equipment and PPG's business partner for Intercept insulating glass unit technology. PPG and GED commercialized the technology in 1992. PPG is a global producer of glass, coatings, chemicals and fiber glass.

Licensed to use PPG's Intercept insulating glass unit technology are Accu-Weld LLC, Bensalem, Pa.; Acorn Window Systems, Quincy, Mich.; Jones Paint & Glass, Provo, Utah; Northeast Aluminum Windows, Philadelphia, and SuperSeal Industries, South Plainfield, N.J.