Episode 234: 2. Building Local Impact: MITER Brands’ PGT Manufacturing Transformation in Florida

What does “We Are Florida” really mean for manufacturing, hurricane safety, and community impact? Discover how PGT, a part of MITER Brands, is reshaping the window and door industry with local expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence. Welcome to the Clear Impact Podcast, brought to you by MITER Brands University. In this episode, host Sherri Connor welcomes Chris Davis, Vice President of Operations for PGT and MITER Brands Florida, to the brand-new studio for an in-depth discussion on operational transformation, culture change, and the future of hurricane-ready windows and doors. Chris Davis shares his journey from the Pacific Northwest to Florida and offers a behind-the-scenes look at integrating CGI, PGT Commercial, Sparta, and Scout lines. Learn how PGT builds quality, supports workforce development, and delivers exceptional training—all while pioneering impact-resistant products engineered for HVHZ zones. This episode reveals how “We Are Florida” is more than a slogan: it’s a commitment to customer care, local manufacturing, and community engagement. What You’ll Learn • How MITER Brands integrates new product lines and transforms plant culture for operational excellence • The benefits of impact-resistant windows and doors engineered for hurricane zones • How insourcing glass production will reduce lead times for dealers and homeowners • Why local manufacturing and workforce development matter for Florida’s economy • What the “We Are Florida” campaign means for customer relationships and community impact Timestamps/Chapters 02:10 – Chris Davis’s leadership journey and role at MITER Brands 04:30 – How integration of CGI, PGT Commercial, Sparta, and Scout lines is transforming operations 06:55 – The culture shift and leadership buy-in driving quality improvements 09:20 – Why lead time sheet accuracy matters for customers and dealers 11:45 – How Pembroke Pines glass plant will reduce lead times and boost efficiency 13:30 – Retaining and relocating team members to Venice, Fort Myers, and Pembroke Pines 15:00 – Building relationships through local manufacturing and the “We Are Florida” campaign 16:24 – Facility upgrades, team benefits, and closing insights Guest Bio Chris Davis is Vice President of Operations for PGT and MITER Brands’ Florida division, bringing over a decade of manufacturing leadership. He is dedicated to operational excellence, team culture, and delivering hurricane-ready products for Florida communities. Links & CTA Section • Visit MITER Brands University https://university.miterbrands.com/ • Learn More About PGT https://www.pgtwindows.com/ • Subscribe for more industry insights ________________________________________ MITER Brands, PGT, Florida manufacturing, hurricane windows, impact-resistant windows, operational excellence, window and door industry, lead times, culture change, integration, Scout aluminum windows, Sparta impact windows, workforce development, dealer education, quality improvement, community engagement, HVHZ zones, customer care, local manufacturing, team leadership, MITER Brands University ________________________________________ Hashtags #WeAreFlorida #MITERBrands #HurricaneWindows #Manufacturing #OperationalExcellence #WindowIndustry