Adam WilsonHARRISBURG, Pa.–(Zeest Media)–MITER Brands, a family of leading window and door brands, recently announced that two of its manufacturing facilities have received Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): MILGARD Windows and Doors in Tacoma, Washington, and Western Window Systems in Phoenix, Arizona.
“This is an incredible achievement for our team and encapsulates our commitment to workplace safety,” said Mike Troutman, Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Excellence for MITER Brands.
Share
Earlier this year, both MILGARD Windows and Doors and Western Window Systems achieved VPP Star – the highest level of recognition within the program. This recognition signifies that the manufacturers have demonstrated exemplary achievement in preventing and controlling occupational safety and health hazards, as well as in developing, implementing, and continuously improving their safety and health management systems.
Fewer than half of one percent of all workplace locations in the country are VPP Star certified.
“This is an incredible achievement for our team and encapsulates our commitment to workplace safety,” said Mike Troutman, Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Excellence for MITER Brands. “Our ongoing goal is to continue reducing injuries at all our locations. At our current VPP sites, injury rates are typically half the industry average as we advance on our journey toward safety excellence, with a long-term goal of no one getting hurt. Having two more locations VPP Star-certified, in addition to the other five that already gained certification, speaks volumes about safety as our first quality pillar.”
Founded in 1982, the VPP was established to promote effective worksite-based safety and health. Within the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system.
The VPP encourages companies to apply at no charge. OSHA will then review the application before performing a rigorous, weeklong on-site evaluation by a team of safety and health experts.
In addition to reviewing policies and procedures on-site, OSHA representatives interview 20-50% of the workplace population at each location to determine whether MITER Brands team members understand the company’s safety programs and training, and to confirm they are being implemented.
“For our team members, when they see OSHA walking around, it really solidifies that we care and that we’re actively trying to do the right thing when it comes to their safety and welfare,” said Tony Kassab, VP of Human Resources for MITER Brands. “It takes on a new atmosphere in the plant, and it really helps with our overall company culture and morale.”
MITER Brands has many safety initiatives and measures in effect across its facilities, including:
Enrolling team members in “Stop the Bleed”, an advanced training that focuses on equipping team members with the skills to control severe bleeding in emergency situations in a production environment.
Incorporating an Industrial Hygiene (IH) Plan that studies and samples the environment to ensure team members work in a healthy and non-impacting environment.
Reducing lifting by up to 50 percent through manufacturing line redesign, mechanical lifts, or process changes.
Standardizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all manufacturing facilities by implementing consistent guidelines for its selection, use, and maintenance to ensure worker safety and health.
Focusing on ergonomics and piloting a study with Certified Environmental Management Ltd. (CEM) in Sacramento, California, and sharing those learnings with the MITER Brands EHS Team.
Auditing production equipment to be better than OSHA standards to protect team members, especially those early in their careers who may or may not have previous manufacturing experience with equipment.
Providing 10 hours of OSHA regulatory training with leaders in MITER Brands’ facilities to help them better understand a safe environment.
To learn more about MITER Brands and its commitment to safety across its family of brands, visit MITERBrands.com/Safety.
About MITER Brands
Founded in 1947, MITER Brands is a residential window and door manufacturer that produces a portfolio of window and door brands for the new construction and replacement segments with an owner-operated, family-first approach. Through optimized manufacturing, valued relationships, and dedicated team members coast to coast, MITER Brands instills confidence and drives quality customer experiences. The name “MITER” is an acronym reflecting five of the company’s core strengths: Manufacturing, Innovation, Trust, Experiences, and Relationships.
For more information, visit miterbrands.com.
About MILGARD Windows and Doors
Founded in 1958, MILGARD Windows & Doors offers a full line of vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors for builders, dealers, and homeowners. Part of the MITER Brands portfolio, MILGARD operates plants in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. For more information, visit milgard.com.
About Western Window Systems
Western Window Systems, part of the MITER Brands portfolio, designs and manufactures moving glass walls and windows that bring indoor and outdoor spaces together. Inspired by contemporary living, our high-quality products are available in custom sizes, standardized sets, and massive dimensions for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects. From superior craftsmanship and timeless design to exceptional customer service, Western Window Systems is a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America. For additional information, visit westernwindowsystems.com.
[Photo 1 attached: MITER Brands’ MILGARD facility in Prescott Valley receiving the Industrial Commission of Arizona’s 2026 Chairman’s Award for its dedication to exceptional workplace safety practices and active participation in programs like the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)]
Contacts
MITER Brands Contact
Media Relations
Tyler Stover, Sr. Communications Specialist
TStover@PGTIndustries.com
941-480-1600
Publication Partner:
Zeest Media
