2.1 percent annual increase for window and door demand

The demand for doors and windows in the United States is expected to grow 2.1 percent annually, reaching $24.6 billion in 2005, according to a study conducted by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based research and analysis company.

The report, issued in August 2001, covers more than 135 privately held U.S. producers of windows and doors, and examines the role of privately held companies within the industry.

Seven of the private U.S. manufacturers surveyed report door and window sales of more than $300 million in 2000, two of which reported over $1.5 billion. Six of these seven supply wood products, reflecting wood's higher costs, according to Freedonia.

In addition, the survey reported that of the private participants in the $22.2 billion U.S. window and door industry, most are active in the wood segment of the market.

But the largest companies aren't the only ones in the game. Smaller, private manufacturers told Freedonia that they are able to compete with larger firms by serving smaller, regional markets and specializing in such products as garage doors, storm doors and other window and door components.

The report also presents market share data, reviews acquisition trends, lists companies by product and location and forecasts industry demand. For more information on the study, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.

Another report, published by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), says that the demand for nonresidential windows peaked in 2001, but is expected to drop slightly through 2004. For more information, visit www.wdma.com.