Fort Smith door and window maker: Times tough but investment continues
by February 2, 2009 2:47 pm 91 views
Fort Smith-based Harry G. Barr Co. was featured in the January 2009 issue of Door & Window Manufacturer, a magazine that reaches more than 30,000 companies and individuals in the industry.
The story highlighted the company’s recent forays into new technologies to improve product manufacturing, customer support and to stay productive and profitable in the national housing downturn.
Harry G. Barr Co., which had 2008 sales of about $10 million according to the story, was formed in 1934 as a building products and supply company but now primarily manufactures and sells doors and windows.
The company employs about 90 and produces 20 units of vinyl doors and as many as 1,200 windows a week from its 65,000-square-foot manufacturing site at 6500 S. Zero St. in Fort Smith.
According to the article, the company is running shorter work weeks because of fewer orders
“I just wish things (orders) would stabilize even if it is a low number. At least then, we would have somewhere to go from,” said Michael Barr, vice president of operations for the family-owned business.
Despite the slower business, Michael Barr said they continue to invest in technologies — like machines that help the company brand an insulating glass product — so the company can stay competitive.
Company President Larry Barr said staying competitive and profitable also includes pursuing new ways to broaden market opportunities in the housing downturn. Those new avenues include building relationships with architects and pursuing more government work, he said.
(Link here to the D&W Web site. The January issue will not be posted on the Web site until late February.)