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Brilliant
Ideas Through the Years
1988 Decor Design Blocks is founded by Julian and Marlon Carlson and based in Canada. Company name later changes to Hy-Lite Block Windows and features acrylic blocks in an exclusive wave pattern invented by the brothers.
1989 Hy-Lite wins a WAVM award for a prototype of a round top window made of acrylic blocks.
1990 Hy-Lite wins another award for the round top window at the Hardware Packaging Expo. Company introduces concept of tube lighting concealed within acrylic blocks.
1991 Hy-Lite relocates to Rancho Cucamonga, California. Company introduces aluminum-framed block windows.
1992 Hy-Lite relocates to Banning, California. Within nine months, the company outgrows this facility and moves to Beaumont, California, utilizing 44,000 square feet for the manufacturing facility.
1993 Company begins marketing efforts, including first multi-page brochure.
1994 Cross rib pattern is added to the product line and Hy-Lite begins trade advertising and offers a premium showroom display for dealers.
1995 Intense marketing efforts begin, including model home co-op program, co-op advertising, dealer support materials and public relations efforts.
1996 Market strength continues with an increased focus on builders. Company introduces website. A second manufacturing facility, in Eatonton, Georgia, with 75,000 square feet of space, is acquired to produce aluminum framed block windows. Company introduces 10-year product warranty. Hy-Lite's line of vinyl-framed windows are introduced under the Prestige name.
1997 Hy-Lite introduces a new frosted wave block pattern at the 1997 NAHB International Builders' Show. The company introduces its QuickShip program, offering two-working-day turnaround for standardized sizes of block windows. New RoundTop™, ArchTop™ and circle windows are unveiled.
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1998 Hy-Lite is purchased by SBR, Inc.,
a holding company in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Company
shows prototypes of a retrofit block window during annual
Remodelers' Show.
1999 Company name is changed to Hy-Lite® Products,
Inc. A new retrofit block window, with a vinyl frame, is introduced to
the market. The window is available in custom sizes to fit most existing
window openings.
2000 Green color blocks, resembling old-fashioned Depression
glass, are added to the product line, along with decorative muntins and
perimeter trim in paintable/stainable wood finishes and pre-finished metals.
Diamond block windows are introduced. Product line names (such as Prestige)
are eliminated for simplicity in product identification.
2001 Hy-Lite introduces the first pre-assembled block radius
wall. Ideal for room dividers, bar units, showers and partitions, the
radius wall is available in a variety of arcs up to 180 degrees.
2002 A block insert for interior doors is introduced, winning
Building Products magazine's "Most Valuable Product Award" and "Best
of Show" award from Design Journal at the Kitchen and Bath Industry
Show. Perimeter Trims and block windows win "Top 100 Products Award" from
ProSales magazine.
2003 Hy-Lite introduces energy-efficient Solar Blocks,
designed to meet new stringent energy codes adopted in parts of Texas
and California. Subsequently the new blocks earn the Energy Star seal
and become popular wherever solar heat gain is an issue.
2005 Hy-Lite wins Reader’s Choice Award from Commercial
Building Products Magazine.
2006 Hy-Lite introduces Decorative Glass windows at International
Builders Show. Hy-Lite introduces a new 20’ x 20’ booth
and Kitchen & Bath brochure at the Kitchen & Bath
Industry Show. Company is acquired by Fortune Brands (NYSE:
FO), a leading consumer products company.
2007 Hy-Lite relocates to Greensboro, Georgia and consolidates
manufacturing in Eatonton to gain efficiencies in manufacturing
and customer service. New Operable Decorative Glass windows
(casement and hopper) and StormBlocker Hurricane-rated
block windows are introduced at IBS, while new product
research and development continues. |
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