Pella history

In 1934, in fact, Kuyper introduced his second product: high-quality venetian blinds.

1937 – The first Pella window makes its debut: the deluxe casement window with a steel frame, wood interior, divided windowpanes, exterior wash feature and removable insulating glass panel.

In 1950, for example, the company created the Pella multipurpose window, which could be used as either a casement or awning.

Likewise, Kuyper introduced the Pella wood folding door in 1952.

Among other new products, Pella introduced the first removable wood windowpane divider in 1958, the first of many new industry products for the company.

1960 – Pella wood sliding glass doors become an important design element in American homes.

1964 – Pella invents the first double-hung window with a sash that pivots so exterior glass can be washed from inside the home.

1966 – Pella introduces Slimshade® blinds – the world's first window with blinds tucked between-the-glass.

In 1970, for example, Rolscreen introduced its successful line of low-maintenance clad casement windows, which included later add-ons like pivoting windows and clad sliding glass doors.

1985 – The first Pella Window Store opens, redefining how customers shop for windows and doors.

The United States economy began to slow in 1988, however, and the high-end market tailed off.

1990 – Pella Architect Series® wood windows and patio doors are introduced with patented Integral Light Technology® grilles that combine the realistic look of individual window panes with superior energy efficiency.

Haught had been with Pella since 1991 and had been chief operating officer before he took the CEO position.

The company changed its name from Rolscreen in 1992.

The company eventually earned a reputation as one of the top window and door producers in the United States. 'Our philosophy was, if you built a better product, then somebody would come buy it,' explained a company representative in Fortune in 1993.

Pella Corporation was the second largest manufacturer of wood windows and doors in the United States in 1995.

In an interview with Adweek (January 20, 1997), Pella's marketing director Jerry Dow explained, 'We're competing with Sub-Zero refrigerators, Jacuzzi tubs, and Kohler faucets,' not just other door and window manufacturers like Andersen.

In 1999, Pella made one more acquisition, the door manufacturer Pease Industries.

Pella remained dedicated to its kaizen process, telling Fortune (November 13, 2000) that it was still working on making changes, so that every year its products would get better.

In 2001, Pella introduced a significant partnership with the Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse chain, the second largest national chain of home improvement stores, behind only Home Depot in number of stores.

2002 – Pella debuts the sliding glass patio door with Rolscreen retractable screen.

2003 – The company introduces its first vinyl window and door line.

The company spent $24 million on advertising in 2004, and added to that the next year, with both print and broadcast ads.

2005 – Pella's new Designer Series windows and patio doors feature exclusive snap-in between-the-glass window fashions that are easy to change.

By 2007, Pella had expanded its production facilities to 12 different sites.

2009 – Pella is the first to introduce a new high-altitude insulating glass option with argon.

2011 – Pella launches Pella® 350 Series vinyl windows and patio doors with premium aesthetics, exceptional energy efficiency, plus blinds- or shades-between-the-glass on sliding patio doors.

2014 – Pella® 250 Series Vinyl Windows are introduced.

2015 – Pella launches Pella® Insynctive® technology – a family of smart window and door products.

2016 – Pella introduces expansive Scenescape™ Patio Doors.

2017 – Pella offers new hardware styles and finishes for wood windows and patio doors, providing more design choices than ever before.

2018 – Pella revolutionizes single- and double-hung window screens with the patent-pending Integrated Rolscreen® retractable screen that seamlessly appears when you open the window and rolls out of sight when you close it, available on Pella Reserve - Traditional double-hung windows.

2019 – Pella® Lifestyle Series wood windows and patio doors are introduced, offering the most desired features and options, enhanced performance solutions and purposeful innovations to fit real life, room by room.

2020 – Pella introduces the patent-pending Easy-Slide Operator, a revolutionary way to operate casement and awning windows.

2021 – The Easy-Slide Operator casement and awning window hardware, featuring simple operation, minimalist design and long-lasting durability, is awarded Azure Magazine’s People’s Choice AZ Award and the Best Window & Door Product and overall Best in Show by the International Builders' Show.