_COVID-19

OSHA and WDMA Discuss Employer Requirements on COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association recently participated in a high-level briefing with senior staff at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding the announcement that employers with more than 100 employees will be required to ensure that all employees are vaccinated…

Industry Groups Applaud Exclusion of Construction from the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard

The Construction Industry Safety Coalition issued the following statement about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's decision to apply an Emergency Temporary Standard on COVID-19 only to the health care industry.  

OSHA Changes Guidance on Employer-mandated Vaccinations, Recording Procedures

ENR reports that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised previous guidance regarding employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as guidance regarding the recording of adverse reactions experienced by employees to vaccinations.

Crystal Windows Offers Free On-Site COVID Testing for Employees

Crystal Window & Door Systems’ New York City headquarters and production facility continued its response to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing weekly employee testing. The voluntary, no-cost testing will be available to all 370 Crystal New York employees during work hours on Tuesdays for the…

OSHA Announces National Emphasis Program on COVID-19 Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) on COVID-19 worker safety, which will focus on increasing OSHA inspections and enforcement efforts at high-contact worksites.

President Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill

President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, into law on Thursday, March 11.

OSHA Issues Revised Employer Guidance on COVID-19 Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced revised guidance for employers pertaining to workplace safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised guidance is a result of an executive order signed by President Biden that directed OSHA to issue stronger guidance on COVID-19…

CDC Releases Guidance on Vaccination Rollout

The Centers for Disease Control released guidance for federal state and local governments regarding the vaccine implementation against COVID-19. The guidance is based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an independent panel of medical and public health experts.

Federal Reserve Reduces Minimum Loan Size for Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve Board adjusted the terms of the Main Street Lending Program. The minimum loan size for three Main Street facilities available to for-profit and nonprofit borrowers has been reduced from $250,000 to $100,000.

OSHA Publishes Guidance on Face Coverings in Warm Climates

NAM Initiative Promotes COVID-19 Safety

The National Association of Manufacturers launched the Creators Respond Commitment to promote the use of face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and other health practices.

Marvin Halts Furloughs, Restores Employee Pay

The Marvin Companies ended factory-worker furloughs and restored salaries to pre-pandemic levels, effective Aug. 1, due to resilience in the U.S. housing market, reports Twin Cities Business.

Modernize Publishes E-Book for Contractors About Navigating COVID-19

Modernize published "An Essential Contractor's Guide to Navigating COVID-19," an e-book resource to aid contractors as they coordinate with prospective clients to close new business and conduct ongoing projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Street Lending Program Fully Operational

States Address COVID Workplace Standards

Virginia and Oreon are among the states that operates its own federally approved safety and health agency. Both states are developing emergency workplace safety standards around COVID-19.

NAHB Chairman Issues Open Letter About Coronavirus Safety

NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke sent an open letter to the nation's residential construction workers asking them to continue following guidance to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. 

PPP Deadline Extended to August

President Trump signed legislation on July 4 extending the deadline for small businesses to apply for Payment Protection Program loans to Aug. 8, reports The Hill.

FGIA Virtual Conference Highlights Leadership, Manufacturing and Management during COVID-19

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance hosted its Virtual Summer Conference June 23-25. A major focus of the content was challenges facing companies in the COVID-19 world. The event featured a panel about manufacturing during coronavirus, a session about financial relief programs and a…

Industry Groups Applaud Decision to Reject OSHA Temporary Standard Around COVID-19

Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore and National Association of Home Builders CEO Jerry Howard issued the following joint statement on the D.C. Circuit Court's decision to reject a lawsuit brought by the AFL-CIO…

Marvin Pivots to Address Needs During COVID-19

Marvin is making a specialized ventilator box for use in ICUs and surgery, reports the Star Tribune. It worked with the University of Minnesota to develop it and Polaris, which has a nearby plant, is also helping with bending the polycarbonate plastic.

North Star Windows Manufactures PPE for Frontline Workers

North Star Windows & Doors shifted production processes so that it can manufacture up to 3,000 face shields per week.

Industry Leaders Share How to Navigate, Prosper During the Pandemic

The covidsummit.buildingip.com site and accompanying downloadable PDF contains more than 10 hours of online discussions that took place April 22-24 during the Building Industry Leaders COVID-19 Crisis Summit.

PPP Loans Eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral

President Trump signed into law H.R. 7010, the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020,” on June 5, which modifies certain provisions related to forgiveness of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program and allows loan forgiveness recipients to defer their payroll taxes.

Coronavirus Likely to Add Momentum to Increased Home Building in Smaller Markets

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hasten a housing trend already taking place across the nation--residential construction activity that is expanding at a more rapid rate in lower density markets such as smaller cities and rural areas.

Federal Reserve Releases Additional Information on Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston recently released additional information for potential lenders and borrowers in the Main Street Lending Program, including a form loan participation agreement, lender certifications and covenants, borrower certifications and covenants, updated Frequently Asked…

House of Representatives Passes Two Bills to Improve PPP

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, on May 28. The legislation is written to improve the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by providing small businesses with greater flexibility when utilizing PPP loans. 

How to Reopen the Workplace: Part 2, Safe Factory Solutions

Manufacturers can institute measures to contain the coronavirus by identifying individuals who might be infected; prevent spread by instituting social distancing and other safety policies, and cleaning work areas; and comply with privacy protections to protect employee identities.

OSHA Releases Revised Enforcement Guidance for Recording Cases of COVID-19

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a memorandum providing interim guidance for enforcing the requirements of recording cases of COVID-19, which went into effect on May 26.

DOL and IRS Extend Timeframes for Some Employee Benefit Plans

The Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service have extended timeframes for some group health plans, according to a joint notice.

Houzz: Major Home Improvement Projects Continue During Coronavirus Pandemic

More than half of homeowners, 52 percent, who were in the midst of a home renovation or design project when the coronavirus pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020, were able to continue with their renovations, according to a report from Houzz.

PPP Update: Loan forgiveness, audits and more

The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program offers much-needed emergency financing for companies affected by the COVID-related economic downturn. However, the program has introduced numerous questions among business owners, many of whom are now concerned about available…

How to Reopen the Workplace: Part 1, The Office

As state stay-at-home orders are lifted, many employees may be returning to the office. “Preparing Your Office and Employees for Returning to the Workplace,” a webinar presented by the American Society of Association Executives, offered further insights from consultants and professionals for…

Lamatek Manufactures Adhesive Backed Foam for Face Shields and PPE

Lamatek Inc. of West Deptford, New Jersey began manufacturing adhesive backed foam strips for brow liners on PPE face shields early in March, when it became clear that there was not enough PPE for healthcare workers and first responders.

Two Renewal by Andersen Employees Test Positive for COVID-19

Renewal by Andersen’s Cottage Grove temporarily closed after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Marvin Avoids Layoffs, Plans Temporary Furloughs

In a published interview, Marvin CEO Paul Marvin reports avoiding layoffs despite a “sales downturn.” The company began furloughing employees the week of April 20 at plants in North Dakota and Virginia and reports it is "very likely" that it will furlough employees at the Warroad plant sometime in…

Roto Frank Will Not Attend BAU

Roto Frank Fenster-und Türtechnologie will not attend BAU 2021 in Munich, Germany, according to a company statement. The plan was to focus on property-specific hardware solutions for aluminum facades, windows and doors at the trade fair, say officials.

CDC Offers Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

MI Windows Closes Two Milgard Production Facilities

MI Windows and Doors plans to close the Milgard manufacturing facilities in Aurora, Colorado, and Grand Prairie, Texas, over the next few weeks in response to the weakened economic conditions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the company.

Remodeling Spending to Decline Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Owner expenditures for home renovations and repairs are expected to decline at least through the first quarter of next year due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies…

Therma-Tru Fabricates Face Shields for Ohio Healthcare Workers

Therma-Tru is making protective facial shields with 3D printing machinery facilities in Maumee, Ohio, and Edgerton, Ohio, for hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Ohio. Therma-Tru plans to deliver more than 80 face shields every week for the foreseeable future.

New Home Sales Fall 15.4 Percent in March on Coronavirus Concerns

Sales of newly built, single-family homes fell 15.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 627,000 units in March, coming off a downward revision in February, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Senate Approves Package to Add Funds to Small Business Lending Programs

The Senate approved a package on April 21 to replenish the depleted Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs.

Pennsylvania Construction Set to Resume May 8

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced that public and private residential and non-residential construction may resume statewide starting Friday, May 8, in accordance with safety guidance the administration will issue.

White House Issues Guidance for Re-opening America

President Trump unveiled a three-phase approach to re-opening America. Based on the advice of public health experts, the steps are designed to help state and local officials when re-opening their economies, getting people bakc to work while maintaining safety considerations.

OSHA Issues Alert for Manufacturing Safety Amid the Coronavirus

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect manufacturing workers from exposure to the coronavirus.

Housing Starts Down in March on Coronavirus Effects

Reflecting the growing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, total housing starts decreased 22.3 percent in March from a downwardly revised February reading to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.22 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and Commerce…

SBA Exhausts Funds for Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration ran out of its $350 billion funding on April 16 for its Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, both of which were created under the CARES Act to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tracker Follows Impact of COVID-19 on Contractors

The Farnsworth Group and Home Improvement Research Institute partnered to provide manufacturers and retailers with updates about COVID-19's impact on the home improvement industry.

Builder Confidence Posts Historic Decline Amid Pandemic

Reflecting the growing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes plunged 42 points in April to 30, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

NGA Announces April 22 Webinar, 'All about SBA Loans'

In an upcoming April 22 webinar from the National Glass Association, financial expert Marco Terry will provide insights on emergency financing options for companies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Deceuninck Reorganizes, Reduces Workforce in Ohio

Deceuninck North America is reorganizing its Monroe, Ohio, operations, with a 30 percent reduction in its workforce, effective immediately.

Fensterbau Frontale Canceled for 2020

Pella Makes Face Shields for Health Care Professionals

Pella Corp. is making facial shields in its 3D printing facilities in Pella, Shenandoah and Sioux Center, Iowa.

Roto Frank of America Donates Surgical Masks

Roto Frank of America Inc. of Chester, CT donated surgical masks to the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, on April 8. 

NAHB Urges Construction Pause on April 16 to Educate About Coronavirus

The National Association of Home Builders is urging members, and all residential construction companies, to halt work for at least 10 minutes on April 16 to educate workers on what they should do to keep themselves safe from coronavirus and to help flatten the curve for everyone.

PGT Innovations Responds to COVID-19

PGT Innovations issued the following statement in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

C.R. Laurence Shares Updated Coronavirus Response

C.R. Laurence shared the following letter about its ongoing response to COVID-19.

WDMA Hosts Free Webinar: The Changing Environment for the Housing & Remodeling Market

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association will host a free webinar this Friday, April 10th at 3 p.m. ET.

FeneTech Plans Free Virtual User Conference

FeneTech Inc. will offer its customers a virtual user conference after canceling its annual user conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAM Provides State and Local Governments Resource Map

The State Partners and Local Governments Resource Map provides up-to-date information on state and local declarations and their impact on manufacturing operations and facilities.

Renolit Will Not Attend Fensterbau 2020

Renolit will not participate in the rescheduled Fensterbau Frontale 2020 trade fair, which had recently been postponed to June.

DHS Recognizes Construction as Essential Business

On March 28 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued version 2.0 of its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response. The Guidance now includes…

Masonite Responds to COVID-19, Temporarily Closes all UK Facilities

Masonite International Corp. issued a statement regarding its response to COVID-19;  temporarily closes all UK facilities and reports stay-at-home orders have impacted some operations in Canada..

US Department of Labor Publishes Guidance around Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Jeld-Wen Responds to COVID-19

Jeld-Wen shared the following statement on its website in response to the coronavirus.

Lifetime Windows & Siding Responds to COVID-19

Lifetime Windows & Siding, a dealer of Infinity from Marvin windows and James Hardie siding, released a letter from CEO Peter J. Svedin.

GED to Remain Open as Essential Business to Construction Industry

Bill Weaver, GED president and CEO, issued the following statement on its website, stating it will remain open because it is an essential business to the construction industry, and sharing steps it is taking to ensure its employees remain safe.

Infograph Breaks Down State-by-State COVID-19 Policies

Politico released a guide to the current policies put in place in all 50 states to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Pella Corp. Launches Virtual Appointments

During this period of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pella Corp. announced its plans to help homeowners with their window and door replacement projects. The Iowa-based, privately held manufacturer has launched free virtual appointments with their experts as a safe solution for…

Ontario and Quebec Temporarily Close Non-essential Businesses

Canada’s provinces of Ontario and Quebec ordered non-essential businesses to close as of Tuesday, March 24, as reported by AP News.

MFM Building Products Responds to Coronavirus

Tony Reis, president of MFM Building Products Corp., issued the following statement about its response to COVID-19.

SWISSPACER Will Not Attend Fensterbau Frontale

SWISSPACER announced it would not attend Fensterbau Frontale, which the COVID-19 pandemic caused to delay it from March to June.

OSHA Issues Guidance for Employers Recording Workplace Exposure to COVID-19

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued guidance for employers recording workplace exposures to COVID-19.

MI Windows and Doors Team Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

A team member at window manufacturer MI Windows and Doors’ Hegins, Pennsylvania, facility recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

President Trump Signs COVID-19 Legislation

President Donald Trump signed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, into law on Thursday, March 19. The act provides economic relief to individuals impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including emergency sick leave and family leave.

Pella Responds to Coronavirus

Fenestration Canada Launches COVID-19 Information Hub

Fenestration Canada launched a COVID-19 Information Hub for the Canadian Fenestration Industry, citing the crucial need for access to information and keeping the health and safety of its member as a priority.

FeneTech Cancels Users Conferences in June

FeneTech canceled its annual user conferences scheduled for June 1-3 in Aurora, Ohio, and June 9-10 in Vienna Austria.

Chelsea Building Products Responds to Coronavirus

Gary L. Hartman, vice president of sales and marketing for Chelsea Building Products, issued a statement to its customers March 13 in response to COVID-19:

Coronavirus Update: 2020 GlassBuild America Status

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and as of now, GlassBuild America will proceed as scheduled, Sept. 15-17, in Las Vegas.

Veka Responds to Coronavirus

Veka Inc. issued several statements in response to the coronavirus, all of which focus on the company taking the "necessary steps to protect the continuous, safe operation of our business as it pertains to all stakeholders, including our employees, our customers, ownership and the communities in…

Gilkey Windows Responds to Coronavirus

Mike Gilkey, president of Gilkey Windows, issued the following statement on its website regarding COVID-19:

Soft Tech Implements Response to COVID-19

Soft Tech leadership has implemented precautionary measures in response to COVID-19, including asking staff to work from home.

C.R. Laurence Alters Will Call Service Practices Until March 30

C.R. Laurence altered its Will Call service practices until March 30, according to a statement released by the company. The statement cited concern for the health and welfare of employees, and the guidance on the enhanced guidance from authorities on social distancing.

ProVia President Responds to Coronavirus

Brian Miller, president and CEO of ProVia, issued an email to ProVia customers about the coronavirus. He assured customers that ProVia is monitoring developments related to COVID-19 and taking steps to protect the health and safety of its customers, employees and families.