FARGO-Integrity Windows and Doors is marking 20 years of making products in Fargo and on Wednesday the company hosted a celebratory picnic for workers and their families.
The event included a dunk tank that was set up after employees donated dollars to make sure certain individuals, mostly manager types, got dropped in the drink. Proceeds from the dunk tank amounted to more than $650, with the money going to a local food shelf.
Wade Storey was among those taking part in Wednesday's picnic.
A native of Warroad, Minn., Storey was among the first Integrity employees hired when the company was formed and making products for parent company Marvin Windows and Doors at the Marvin factory in Warroad.
Of the 1,000 employees who work at the Fargo Integrity plant and two facilities in West Fargo, 30 can boast at least 20 years of experience like Storey.
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Storey, offered a chance to work at the new Integrity factory in Fargo 20 years ago, took the job and says now he's glad he did.
"It was a great opportunity for myself and my family," he said, adding, "We'd have a tough time moving back (to Warroad) now."
Integrity was born when Marvin partnered with Tecton Products to create Ultrex, a type of fiberglass eight times stronger than vinyl and as strong as steel
Integrity began manufacturing products in Marvin's factory in Warroad in 1994, but it soon realized it needed its own facility.
Integrity set up a plant in Fargo in 1995 and began manufacturing products that same year.
In 1996, Integrity introduced a wood-Ultrex line, with wood on the interior of products and Ultrex on the exterior.
In 2004, Integrity opened a facility in Roanoke, Va., and in 2006 the company began offering a line of products constructed entirely of Ultrex.
In 2007, Integrity introduced its IMPACT products for hurricane zone 3 areas.
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As part of the Marvin Family of Brands, Integrity Windows and Doors is in the fourth generation of family ownership and operation.
With the economy warming up around the country, demand for Integrity products is growing and consequently the company is in hiring mode, said Brian Johnson, vice president of operations for Marvin Companies.
"We have positions open from operations through engineering," he said. "We've got technical positions, managerial positions."
Chris Barta, director of operations at Integrity, said the company has come a long way in two decades.
"We have a very talented, committed and driven team," he said.
"Our company experienced many changes since we started, and time after time this group has stepped up to the challenge," Barta said. "I am proud to be able to say that I'm a part of this team and am very excited about what the future will bring."
