RUSSELL TOWNSHIP, ON, August 29, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Verdun Windows and Doors has officially broken ground on its 104,000 sq ft manufacturing campus in the Vars Industrial Park, setting a new benchmark for sustainable home manufacturing in Eastern Ontario. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a model for environmentally responsible production while expanding Verdun's capacity to deliver award-winning, Canadian-made window and door solutions to homeowners.

The $30 million project, supported by a $1 million contribution from the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, combines green building practices with advanced manufacturing technologies to create a facility designed for long-term efficiency, community impact, and environmental leadership.

RevoCell™ Innovation at the Core

The Vars campus will focus heavily on the production of RevoCell™, Verdun's proprietary microcellular PVC (mPVC) window system. Engineered with billions of microscopic air pockets, RevoCell™ offers exceptional thermal insulation, structural integrity, and energy performance. Unlike many competitors who require triple-pane glass to achieve the ENERGY STAR® "Most Efficient" designation, Verdun meets this high standard with double-pane models—a testament to the product's superior design.

The technology has already earned Verdun's manufacturing division ENERGY STAR® Canada Special Recognition Awards in both 2023 and 2024. With the new facility, Verdun will be able to increase production by up to 50%, making these high-efficiency windows available to more Canadian households than ever before.

Built on Local Roots

For over 40 years, Verdun Windows and Doors has operated in the Ottawa area, maintaining local production as a cornerstone of its business model. This commitment allows for tight quality control, faster lead times, and stronger connections to the community. The Vars facility strengthens that local-first philosophy, ensuring every window is manufactured in the Ottawa area while also reducing dependence on distant suppliers.

"We see this facility as more than an investment in our company—it's an investment in our community, our environment, and the future of Canadian manufacturing," said Verdun leadership.

Advanced, Sustainable Infrastructure

The Vars campus blends innovation and sustainability from the ground up. The facility will feature:

• Rooftop solar panels to offset energy use

• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for staff and fleet vehicles

• LED smart lighting systems to reduce energy waste

• Rainwater harvesting systems to minimize water consumption

• A zero-waste-to-landfill policy to divert manufacturing by-products from disposal

Inside, the plant will operate high-precision CNC machinery, automated profile fabrication lines, and live quality-control systems to ensure consistent product excellence. Dedicated R&D labs will support ongoing product development, including smart-home integrations and next-generation glazing solutions.

Creating Careers, Not Just Jobs

The project is expected to create 150–200 skilled positions, ranging from CNC machine operators and quality control technicians to logistics staff, customer service professionals, and sales support. Verdun is working with regional colleges and training institutions to offer internships and apprenticeships, building a skilled workforce pipeline for the future.

A community job fair will launch in summer 2025, offering tours of the facility and on-site recruitment sessions to prepare new hires for the start of production.

"Our focus is on providing stable, long-term careers," noted Verdun's HR leadership. "We want people to see Verdun as a place to grow, not just a place to work."

Strengthening Eastern Ontario's Supply Chain

Verdun will deepen partnerships with local suppliers for materials like glass, aluminum, seals, and packaging, as well as for industrial maintenance services. This regional sourcing approach reduces shipping-related emissions, accelerates production schedules, and supports economic resilience across Eastern Ontario.

"Building strong local supply chains benefits everyone—suppliers, customers, and the community at large," said Verdun's procurement team.

Broad Community and Political Support

The groundbreaking drew a crowd of local leaders and residents. Mayor Mike Tarnowski called the development "a turning point for Russell Township… Verdun's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and job creation makes them exactly the kind of partner our community wants to grow with."

MPP Stéphane Sarrazin and MP Giovanna Mingarelli attended the event, with Mingarelli announcing the $1 million federal contribution. "FedDev Ontario is proud to support a project that will create skilled jobs, strengthen the local economy, and position Eastern Ontario as a leader in sustainable manufacturing," she said.

Recognition for Excellence

Verdun's achievements extend beyond innovation in manufacturing. The company has consistently earned industry accolades, including the HomeStars Best of the Best Award for 2025, which recognizes exceptional customer service and product quality.

"These awards reflect the trust homeowners place in us," said Verdun leadership. "They validate our approach—building locally, innovating relentlessly, and keeping our promises to customers."

Customer Experience at the Forefront

Verdun maintains a vertically integrated approach, controlling the entire process from design and manufacturing in the Ottawa area to installation by trained, experienced crews. This model ensures short lead times, meticulous installation, and clear communication throughout every project.

"Our customers know they can expect quality, accountability, and service that goes above and beyond," said Verdun's Customer Experience Manager.

A Roadmap for Sustainable Manufacturing

The Vars facility is more than a production plant—it's a blueprint for how the home manufacturing sector can integrate sustainability into every phase of operations. Verdun plans to pursue LEED certification and ISO environmental standards, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in eco-conscious manufacturing.

The company is also expanding its sustainability programs, including:

• Planting a tree for every window sold

• Electrifying its delivery fleet to reduce transportation emissions

• Enhancing product lifespans to reduce waste over time

Looking Ahead

The facility is scheduled to come online in phases:

• Summer 2025: Community job fair and recruitment launch

• Fall 2025: Completion of construction and machinery installation

• Winter 2025: First production run of RevoCell™ windows

• Spring 2026: Grand opening ceremony with community celebration

"By combining cutting-edge manufacturing with environmental responsibility, we're showing that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand," said Verdun leadership.

About Verdun Windows and Doors

Founded more than four decades ago in Ottawa, Verdun Windows and Doors specializes in high-performance, energy-efficient windows and entry/patio doors designed for Canada's challenging climate. Every window is manufactured in the Ottawa area, installed by experienced crews, and backed by one of the industry's strongest warranties. With award-winning products like RevoCell™, multiple ENERGY STAR® recognitions, and a proven commitment to sustainability, Verdun continues to set the standard for excellence in the Canadian home improvement industry.

For more information, visit verdunwindows.com

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