Viracon Announces Vice President of Manufacturing for New Southwest US Facility

Don Pyatt, president of Owatonna, Minn.--based Viracon, has named Bill Wright vice president of manufacturing for Viracon's new Southwest US facility, scheduled to open in 2007.

Wright joined Viracon in 1996 and has served as director of manufacturing in Owatonna for the past six years.

Prior to joining Viracon, Wright served 16 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. In addition, Wright is a graduate of Leadership Owatonna, an organization devoted to developing community leaders, where he is currently chair of the steering committee. He also serves on the board of directors of Owatonna College and University Center.

"Bill's exemplary leadership skills and experience in numerous Viracon manufacturing areas make him uniquely qualified to lead manufacturing at our new facility. We look forward to great things from our new plant under Bill's direction," said Pyatt.

The new, $25 million production plant will be a comprehensive, full-fabrication facility for complex, high-performance, fabricated architectural glass for commercial buildings. It will house two insulating glass lines, as well as tempering, laminating, coating and silk-screening production lines. The new facility is anticipated to begin operation in approximately 15 months.

In addition to this new facility, Viracon completed a 60,000 sq. ft. expansion of the Statesboro plant earlier this year, and also acquired a 140,000 sq. ft. facility in Owatonna to expand its insulating glass capabilities. In March of 2006, Viracon-Statesboro plans to add a new tempering line.