HISTORIC RINGLING MUSEUM SELECTS PGT WINGUARD WINDOWS

HISTORIC RINGLING MUSEUM SELECTS PGT WINGUARD WINDOWS FOR RESTORATION PROJECT

N. VENICE, Fla. – November 30, 2009 – When the Ringling Museum needed to replace its historic Gatekeeper’s Cottage windows as part of a major restoration project, it chose PGT WinGuard, the nation’s leading brand of impact-resistant windows and doors.

"Our team of experts wants to maintain the historical integrity of the Ringling Museum’s Guest Cottage while ensuring that it meets today's standards for safety, energy-efficiency and hurricane-resistance," said Marshall Rousseau, Ringling Museum Interim Director. "We are pleased to be working with PGT. The windows are an important part of ensuring that the Cottage will remain part of the extraordinary Ringling Museum campus for another 80 years to come.

" Nestled within the 66 acres of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL is the historic Gatekeeper’s Cottage. Built in 1927, the Cottage was designed by John H. Phillips, who helped to design the Metropolitan Museum of Art and New York’s Grand Central Station, to resemble a Venetian cottage reminiscent of the modest homes found in Italy.

In the early 2000s, due to a lack of funds, the Ringling estate was in major disrepair. Eventually, governance of the estate was transferred to Florida State University. As part of the University, the estate has experienced a rebirth. Many of the existing buildings have been restored and the estate has even been expanded.

The Gatekeeper’s Cottage is one of the last structures to be restored. Rousseau says that the Cottage will soon serve as temporary housing for visiting scholars, guest lecturers, interns and fellows during their time at Ringling.

“The Ringling Museum of Art is a treasure to our area,” said Debbie LaPinska, PGT Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “PGT is proud to be participating in the restoration of the Gatekeeper’s Cottage. WinGuard windows will not only protect the Cottage from the elements but will also help significantly reduce cooling and heating costs. The new windows will surely help to restore the beauty of the existing structure.

” Mullet’s Aluminum Products, Inc., based in Sarasota, FL, will be installing the WinGuard windows at the Gatekeeper’s Cottage. Mullet’s is an award-winning industry leader in providing quality building products and superior installation services to the Condominium, Residential and Commercial markets.

“We are pleased that PGT asked Mullet’s Aluminum to be a part of the Ringling Gatekeeper’s Cottage window replacement project,” said Jay Coblentz, director of sales for Mullet’s Aluminum. “Projects like this give us a chance to give back to the local community, and demonstrate our capabilities as a local contractor.”

With over two million units installed and no reported impact failures, WinGuard impact-resistant windows from PGT meet the most stringent code requirements for hurricane-force winds and flying debris. These custom windows help provide year-round security against thieves and intruders, provide energy efficiency, dramatically reduce outdoor noise and filter out 99% of the UV light that enters homes and causes fading.

ABOUT PGT:
PGT® pioneered the U.S. impact-resistant window and door industry and today is the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors. Founded in 1980, the company employs approximately 1,000 at its manufacturing, glass laminating and tempering plants in Florida and North Carolina. Utilizing the latest designs and technology, PGT products are ideal for new construction and replacement projects serving the residential, commercial, high-rise and institutional markets. PGT’s product line includes PGT® Aluminum and Vinyl Windows and Doors; WinGuard® Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors; PGT® Architectural Systems; and Eze-Breeze® Sliding Panels. PGT Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGT, Inc. (NASDAQ: PGTI). For additional information, or to find a distributor near you, visit pgtindustries.com or call 800-284-6019.

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