Alpen HPP buys back assets from Serious Energy; relaunches Alpen window brand

Alpen High Performance Productswill return to selling its energy efficient fiberglass window and architectural glass products under the Aspen brand name after buying back the assets of its Colorado-based operation from Serious Energy. Serious Energy acquired the company in 2008.

The fiberglass window products previously sold under the SeriousWindows brand will now be sold under the Alpen brand, according to a September 27 Alpen HPP release.

“Fiberglass framed windows have gained significant market share over the past decade, as has the ever increasing demand for higher performing window and glass products,” said Brad Begin, CEO and one of the prior owners of Alpen before its sale to Serious, in the release. “We see this acquisition as an ideal opportunity to continue to build on the strong Alpen brand launched many years ago."

Looking at both the commercial and residential markets, Begin sees continued growth in demand for high performance products and “there’s no sign those trends are reversing,” he said in an interview with Glass Magazine sister publication, Window & Door. Designers continue to focus on energy efficiency and sustainability objectives in commercial construction and need high-quality glass products to deliver that, he explained. In addition, there’s demand for advanced solar-control and comfort factors. Begin sees those same factors driving demand for Alpen’s fiberglass windows in the high-end residential market.

Serious Energy, which owned the company for four years, is working in tandem with Alpen HHP to ensure a seamless transition back to the Alpen brand. The company’s operations and customer service staff will remain intact, according to the release.

Serious Energy will continue to operate its manufacturing operation in Vandergrift, Pa., where it produces high performance glass and vinyl window products.In addition to its vinyl residential replacement line, Serious continues to market its iWindow commercial retrofit product.

“We believe we can provide better customer service and accelerate growth by focusing on our core competencies in energy-efficient windows and acoustical products for the builtenvironment," said Tassilo Baeuerle, Serious Energy CEO, in an interview with Window & Door. "Given our long history with Alpen, we were happy when they sought to acquire the architectural glass and fiberglass business. Both companies are committed to a smooth transition, and we look forward to continuing our mutually supportive relationship. Serious Energy remains focused on enabling our vinyl window customers to receive the same high performing, energy efficient windows they have come to expect over the years.”

According to Baeuerle, 2012 second quarter results were strong for Serious Energy's window segment.