“We have gone through a number of positive changes recently,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “For one, we have invested and continue to invest a lot of money in our manufacturing facilities to allow us to improve our efficiencies and product quality. One such change is our newly remodeled and upgraded clean room packaging department which helps eliminate exposure to contamination. We have also invested heavily in our U.S. market with increased customer relations efforts through acquisitions and branch expansion.”

North American expansion, says Plummer, is the driving force behind the multitude of improvements.

“While we have a strong global strategy which includes significant sales in the Asian markets, as well as very strong growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa, we feel that North America remains our largest opportunity for growth,” he says. “That is why we’re placing more emphasis on our customer relations efforts in this market. We want to not only offer dealers a great product but we also want to surpass their expectations with great local customer service at one of our eight distribution locations around the country. This localized approach allows us to react quickly to dealer requests and offer marketing and sales support with a one-on-one approach. Simply put, we want to be the company that our customers want to do business with, so as they grow and prosper, we will too.”

The expansion of the customer relations department, which subsequently lead to Angie Leonetti’s promotion to marketing and customer relations manager, and the appointment of Black to regional manager of North America for Madico’s sales and marketing group, are in line with this strategy, according to Plummer. Black formerly served as HanitaTek’s president and general manager.

“At Madico we recognize that our products are just part of the equation and we strive to provide tailored solutions to address individual customer needs,” Plummer says. “Good customer relations play an essential role in getting this right for each customer and our commitment to this kind of service helps differentiate the company in an increasingly competitive market.

“Sometimes it is necessary to make significant changes in an organization to ensure a cultural shift,” he adds. “We don’t just want to talk about excellent customer relations; we want everyone to live it. Both Angie and Jim exemplify the strong customer orientation we are striving for and I believe they will help us make sure we are ‘doing it right the first time.’”

In addition to the personnel changes, Madico has also started raising consumer awareness on a local level.

“We are pretty excited to announce that we have come to an agreement with one of our long-standing distribution partners in Florida to directly serve customers from our factory-owned branch,” says Plummer. “Effective May 1^st the customers in four Florida counties that have been so well served by Renvale in Sarasota, will now buy directly from Madico Window Films. Renvale has been a valued distributor and partner for the past 28 years and we look forward to continuing our relationship in a different manner.

“In addition, we recently hosted customers from 10 different countries for our Safetyshield Premier Partner Training and attracted the attention of our local news media,” adds Plummer.

Earlier this year, Madico also garnered the attention of the National Fenestration Rating Council during its Spring Committee Meeting in St. Petersburg, Fla. During the conference attendees were invited to tour a net-zero office building which features the company’s films as well as tour the plant and learn more about Madico and window film.

As for dealers, Plummer says they can expect to see a phenomenal year.

“I would say that in some respects we will continue on our current course; working continuously to improve our offering to provide our customers with the best possible chance to succeed,” says Plummer. “We believe in the strength and quality of our products and brands … Our SafetyShield security film program is picking up speed, so very likely folks will be hearing more about this as the year goes on.

“It is our sincere hope that all of the changes that we continue to make at the factory, with our new products, programs, marketing, distribution and people will all be a direct benefit to our customers,” he adds. “2012 was a record-breaking year for us and the first quarter of 2013 was fantastic … [We] are fully committed to doing our best to be an outstanding supplier and partner to our distributors and dealers.”

“What caused me to move over is the fact that Madico’s approach to the market and strategy is much more in line with my DNA … it’s what I’ve done for most of my career,” Black told Window Film magazine. “I spent 18 years doing it for Bekaert, or Solar Gard, so it’s a much better fit for me managing sales and distribution and leveraging a large group of people to get things done.”

Black will directly manage Madico’s company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“I will be managing seven distribution locations, several sales people, the architectural program Sunscape and I’ll be managing people that sell and distribute a full range of products such as automotive, architectural and safety films,” said Black. “Madico wants to go through business by helping [its] dealer base grow. Hanita’s focus was much more energy-related … Madico has a much broader approach.”

Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico, said the addition of Black is in line with the company’s development plans for 2013.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” said Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

“I believe that I have joined a very successful window film company,” added Black. “Many of the team members have a lot of experience. Madico really concentrates on maintaining [its] employees for a long period of time as well as bringing on people who can help the dealers be successful at what they do.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, having began his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before serving as regional manager for the Americas for Bekaert Specialty Films before it was sold to Saint-Gobain. Black then moved on to HanitaTek, where he served as president and general manager for three years. He has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. Black has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

HanitaTek recently appointed Pam Preston as general manager of its window films distribution operations, effective April 1. A representative for the company had not responded to request for comment at press time.

Black will directly manage Madico’s seven company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, starting his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before eventually moving on to HanitaTek. He has managed company owned branches and sales organizations with great success. Jim has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

Stay tuned to windowfilmmag.com for more information.

Madico Window Films is once again one of our Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

Window Film magazine: We are speaking with Angie Leonetti, marketing and customer relations manager of Madico Window Films. Angie, why did Madico Window Films choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Leonetti: Madico Window Films chose to sponsor the 2013 IWFC and Tint-Off because we recognize the importance of this industry-specific event. The IWFC is the only event that focuses solely on window film and thus presents unique learning and networking opportunities for our customer base.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Leonetti: An event such as the IWFC is important to the film industry because it brings together manufacturers, distributors and dealers in one convenient location. By bringing together industry leaders, distributors and dealers we have the opportunity to further strengthen our business as a whole. Together, we can enact the changes we want to see across the window film industry.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Madico Window Films at the 2013 show?
Leonetti: We will be showcasing our full line of Madico and Sun-Gard automotive and flat glass films. We are also looking forward to meeting with prospective dealers who are interested in our new Sunscape Designer Film program. In addition, we’ll be hosting a presentation on installation techniques and specific tools geared toward safety/security film products and improving flat glass installation productivity.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?
Leonetti: Our hope is that our dealers and distributors are able to take away some newly gained product or industry knowledge from the show. Between the manufacturers’ exhibits and educational sessions there is an abundance of valuable information available at their fingertips.  This event is also a great opportunity to network and learn from fellow dealers. Often dealers can learn the most from their peers because they are able to exchange real-life tricks of the trade with one another.

Window Film magazine: Does Madico Window Films have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Leonetti: We encourage all of the competitors to practice ahead of time. Some folks can get nervous in front of a crowd and with the clock running. Ask a few friends to help you mimic the competition by watching as you tint and run a stop watch to give you a better feel for the time limit. Most of all we want everyone to do their best and have a good time! The Tint-Offs are always exciting events that we enjoy being able to watch while at the show. A little healthy competition is always fun at industry events such as these!

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

Madico Window Films is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and develops, manufactures and markets technologically advanced laminates. They have been successfully doing so for more than a century. With an unrivaled commitment to quality of design, Madico continues to pioneer industry-first products and processes with a focus on solar control window films for vehicles, homes and commercial property.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

Suntek has announced its investment of more than $20 million to expand its manufacturing facility and global master distribution center while Madico invested several millions in upgrades to improve energy conservation and process efficiency.

Suntek’s new Martinsville, Va., plant will bring 60 jobs to the area.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell says, “It’s always a great day when we’re talking about good new jobs coming to Southern Virginia. This project represents [Suntek’s] second major expansion in less than one year, speaking volumes about the company’s thriving operation in Henry County. [Suntek] has the opportunity to purchase an existing shell building in the same industrial park as its headquarters and manufacturing operation to use immediately as a national distribution center for its high-demand products. This additional property also secures available space for future manufacturing growth, ensuring the company’s continued success and commitment to Henry County and Virginia.”

“The new Martinsville site will provide essential warehouse and office space, establish a world-wide master distribution center and create a world-class facility for anticipated future factory expansions,” said Steve Phillips, CEO of Suntek in a statement to Window Film magazine.

Madico has also invested millions in its St. Petersburg, Fla., manufacturing facility.

“Madico Window Films is committed to quality improvements and plans to continue additional upgrades in the near future,” says Shawn Kitchell, vice president of manufacturing for Madico. “We are currently striving to achieve the Class 1000 clean room standards for our manufacturing lines as well as installing automated conveying systems for material transport throughout our facility.  As is evident by the recent investment in our facility, we take producing the highest quality products very seriously and will never stop looking for new ways to improve.”

Facility improvements that will be completed during the renovation include the installation of temperature-controlled bulk storage tanks for adhesives and solvents, new high energy mixing equipment, an upgraded clean room environment, an upgraded on-line optical scanner, a new hard coat thickness measurement system, installation of on-line color and visible light transmission (VLT) monitoring equipment, upgrades to slitting machines, updates to drying and pollution abatement systems, new equipment  including a gas chromatograph to ensure proper adhesive curing and a particle analyzer to prevent contamination, and a total overhaul of the raw material receiving and storage facility including a cantilever racking system which reduces the risk of product contamination.

“Madico Window Films is proud to offer this additional support for our vast range of architectural films,” says Tom Niziolek, director of architectural sales development for Madico Window Films Inc. “Through Andy’s CEM certification we have gained an even greater understanding of how window film affects the entire building envelope and the role it plays as part of a larger upgrade package.”

The certification process requires participants to attend a week-long training class in addition to a 40-hour written exam. Candidates must meet certain education and experience requirements.

“We have a three year strategy at Madico where we are trying to put our emphasis on two major markets. The first is Asia, which is really on fire. The sales there are nothing short of remarkable,” says Jeffrey Plummer, vice president of sales, marketing and distribution for Madico Window Films Inc. “The second market we are focusing on is the U.S. market. We are really doubling up our efforts in the U.S. Part of that is a commitment to the industry and we have recently put a lot more of our management energy into the IWFA. We are trying to offer more assistance with our senior managers there. The other part is our relationship with dealers and distributors. We have had some of the best independent distributors in the business. These were long-term, mutually, beneficial relationships. While we were not on a mission to acquire our distributors, we are on a mission to be a stronger force in the U.S. market.”

The Canadian-based Courage Distributing will continue to operate as the exclusive distributor of Sun-Gard products in that country. Midwest Marketing based in Peoria, Ill., will continue to be the exclusive distributor of Madico branded products for Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota.

“Some of the distributors said this might be a good crossroads for Madico to go downstream. They were friendly, mutually accepted agreements. In all three cases the partnerships have not gone away, just changed,” says Plummer. “However, there are no other plans for acquisition at this time.”